Best Dogs for First Time Owners by Uptown Puppies

What are some good dogs for first time owners? What’s the “best first dog?”

There are so many great dog breeds out there for beginner owners. Some of our favorites are Doodle hybrids (like Cockapoos, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Yorkipoos, Bernedoodles, Aussiedoodles and more), Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels...there are too many to list!

What makes the best dogs for first time owners stand out?

Good dogs for beginners tend to have manageable energy levels (not too high, but also not super lazy), be relatively healthy, not too big, friendly, and adapt well to training and obedience. Some dogs that aren’t beginner friendly may be some breeds of working dogs—it’s hard to keep a Husky happy if you live in an apartment, for example.

Are Doodles the best dog for first time owner in apartment?

Absolutely. Doodles are hybrids created by crossing a Poodle with another breed, such as a Labrador Retriever (Labradoodle) or Cocker Spaniel (Cockapoo). Doodles are great for new owners for a few reasons—they’re smart, easy to train, energetic and fun, friendly, and they hardly shed.

Are French Bulldogs the best dog breeds for first time owners?

French Bulldogs are another great choice for new owners. These small dogs are incredibly goofy, and their low energy level makes them a great companion for people who don’t have hours to spend on exercising their pup every day. French Bulldogs have low-maintenance coats and their sweet disposition is great for families.

Are Labrador Retrievers good beginner dogs?

There’s a reason why Labrador Retrievers have been one of the most popular breeds for decades—they’re just an all-around phenomenal breed, both for new owners and experienced owners alike. Labs are intelligent and obedient, and it doesn’t hurt that they’re some of the friendliest pups around.

Are Golden Retrievers a good first dog breed?

Right up there with Labrador Retrievers in terms of popularity are Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers possess all of the wonderful qualities of their Lab cousins—intelligence, obedience, friendliness, and of course their soft, cuddly coats. Anyone looking for a great beginner-friendly pup can’t go wrong with a Golden.

What happens after I find my new best friend??

After you’ve found the perfect puppy (from our best first time dog breeds), we’ll put you in direct contact with your pup’s breeder. You’ll be able to ask the breeder any questions you might have, including your dog’s diet, health check results, and travel arrangement details. Finding the best breeds for first time dog owners at Uptown is as easy as it gets.

Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with “good first time dogs?”

Nowadays it’s harder than ever to find a puppy from an honest breeder. There are tons of great breeders out there, but they’re often drowned out by big puppy mills and other unethical breeding operations. We vet and screen breeders for you, meaning you won’t find a single puppy mill or dishonest breeder at Uptown.

Are there any litters available now with good starter dogs?

Absolutely! The businesses and breeders in our network have loads of puppies available at any given moment. The only problem is that their puppies from good first dog breeds go fast! It’s common for litters listed one day to be reserved the next—so if you see the dog of your dreams, the time to act is now. Don’t let your new best friend pass you by!

How do I get my puppy?

Uptown Puppies helps connect puppies and families all across the United States. Whether you and your dream dog are in different counties or different states, it’s easy to bring your pup home. One of the most common methods of transportation is air travel, where you can easily pick up your puppy at your most convenient major airport.

How do you vet breeders for first time dog owner breeds?

Uptown’s vetting process is second to none. We screen breeders and businesses based on our strict Breeder Pledge, and back it up with our No Puppy Mill-Promise. Breeders in our network pledge to raise their puppies ethically and humanely. Bringing home a puppy from Uptown is peace of mind that’s hard to find elsewhere.

How do I know that my puppy will be healthy?

Puppies coming from breeders and businesses in the Uptown Network are required to receive nose-to-tail health evaluations before they reach their new families. These checks are exactly what they sound like, and look at the health of your puppy’s ears, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, fur and skin, as well as their gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems.