Best Dogs for First-Time Owners
Our expert-curated list of the best dogs for first-time owners in 2026, ranked by suitability and temperament.
Overview
Finding the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a prospective owner can make. This 2026 guide to the best dogs for first-time owners evaluates breeds across multiple factors to help you make an informed choice.
We considered temperament ratings, health profiles, grooming requirements, exercise needs, and real-world owner experiences to compile this definitive list.
How We Chose
Our ranking criteria include:
- Temperament match: How well the breed's personality fits the intended purpose
- Health profile: Overall breed health and common conditions
- Adaptability: How well the breed adjusts to different environments and lifestyles
- Owner satisfaction: Real-world feedback from breed owners in 2026
- Availability: How accessible the breed is through reputable breeders and rescue organizations
The Rankings
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 5/5). Originally from Canada, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–80 lbs and lives 11–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (5/5)
- Lifespan of 11–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Scotland, this large-sized breed from the Sporting group weighs 55–75 lbs and lives 10–12 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 10–12 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 2/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 3/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from England, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 13–18 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Family-friendly (3/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 2/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1500–$3000
Beagle
The Beagle earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 2/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from England, this medium-sized breed from the Hound group weighs 20–30 lbs and lives 10–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 10–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Havanese
The Havanese earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 3/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from Cuba, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 7–13 lbs and lives 14–16 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 3/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 14–16 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 4/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 1/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from United States, this small-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 12–25 lbs and lives 11–13 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 11–13 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 2/5, energy 5/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 3/5). Originally from China, this small-sized breed from the Toy group weighs 9–16 lbs and lives 10–18 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 2/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 10–18 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 5/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $800–$1500
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from France, this small-sized breed from the Non-Sporting group weighs 12–18 lbs and lives 14–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Hypoallergenic coat
- Lifespan of 14–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 2/5). Originally from Wales, this small-sized breed from the Herding group weighs 25–30 lbs and lives 12–15 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (2/5)
- Lifespan of 12–15 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 4/5
- Exercise needs rated 3/5
- Price range $1000–$2000
Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier earns its spot on this list thanks to its excellent combination of temperament (trainability 5/5, energy 4/5) and family compatibility (kid-friendliness 4/5). Originally from United States, this small-sized breed from the Terrier group weighs 10–25 lbs and lives 12–18 years.
Pros
- Trainability rated 5/5
- Family-friendly (4/5)
- Lifespan of 12–18 years
Cons
- Grooming needs rated 1/5
- Exercise needs rated 5/5
- Price range $600–$1200