my partner and i have been thinking about getting a dog for the last 6 months. Neither of us have ever owned a dog although both our parents didi while we were children. Is there a certain breed that would make a good first time dog also what age would be best for us (Im at home all day so a puppy would be an option)  

The best dog for you is the one you like. It is too much of a personal thing for anyone to choose a breed for you. Yes, some can be harder for the inexperienced than others but then, some individuals in a breed can be harder than another of the same breed. If you are thinking about dogs then you must have some ideas of what you are looking for even if only a very rough idea of size. Big/small? Long coated or short? Do you like walking or are you more the couch potato type? Why don't you join the board, then you will be able to discuss your likes and dislikes.

Best wishes, John

As I've said before, Guest, you'll get as many answers to that question as there are breeds of dog!

For my first dog as an adult (I was always around dogs growing up, but this was to be MY first dog) I went for a Staffy, a breed that has been described as for "experienced homes only" and I had absolutely no problems training her at all.

As John said, you have to decide what kind of dog you want.  If you want a lazy dog, that rules out most (if not all) of the gundog breeds.  If you want one that doesn't need much in the way of grooming, that rules out long haired dogs.

If you join, you can clarify exactly what you're looking for and we can be much more help :D

Guest
why not join(its free) and tell us a bit about what you want/like.
Do you like hairy dogs? little dogs? dogs with long ears? obedient dogs? dogs with docked or curly tails?....the list goes on and on and on....
Archer

I spent literally years trying to decide on the best first-time dog so I know how you feel. 
In the end someone said to me just get the one you love because then you are more likely to suceed with it, I think that was quite good advice because it seems that all dogs are 'hard work' in their own way ie exercise, grooming and so on but if you just love the breed the pay back is enormous. 
I have a very lively breed so she is demanding in certain ways and she has quite a strong hunt drive which causes its own difficulties ( I have to be careful where I let her off the lead) but when I see her enjoying herself I get such a buzz which makes it all worth it and she has a lovely nature which was very important to me when I was choosing.   What sort of breeds are you considering?  And have you been to discover dogs at crufts or London because that can really help.

I would also go to shows or try to meet breeders with adult dogs (something I didn't do until I'd got her!) because you can make some good contacts that way. 

Let us know how you get on.

Discover Dogs - either held in London or as part of Crufts is an excellent place to see loads of different breeds and chat to experienced owners. If you are in the South East 'All About Dogs' - held at Brentwood is a fantastic introduction to the whole world of 'doggy activities' you'll see agility,flyball,obedience,showing and lots more. Check to see if there is a big Championship show near you and go along - you won't see all the breeds as they are usually split over a few days but if visit on the days that your 'group' of dogs is on , you'll see lots of different breeds within that group ( Toy,Working,Hound,Terrier,Pastoral,Utility) and get to meet breeders too.

Good luck and welcome to the world of dogs !!!.