Hi there,

I've been surfing away on various sites about different breeds and I've noticed that a lot of breeds are described as not suitable for the inexperienced dog owner. Even German Shepherds and Border Collies (which I thought would be good "beginner" dogs given their popularity) seem to be listed as difficult to manage. This got me thinking: what dogs are good for the beginner then? I've had a golden retriever and a ckcs in the past and I assume these would be on the list... what other breeds? Has anybody bought a "difficult" breed as their first dog? Was it as difficult as you were told it would be?

Just feeling curious today especially given that I've seen a ridgeback, a bernese, a newfoundland and a doberman today... unusual for a built up area I thought.

Thanks.

GSD's and BC's have brains, if the new owners don't work those brains then devastating affects can then ensue!  Same with my breed, if you are not willing to put a lot of work into them then they're not suitable for just anyone.

TBH there is no totally 100% beginner dog breed. It all depends on you & your lifestyle & ability. My first dog was a GSD way back in the 1950's & I was only 8 at the time. I've never had what many people consider "easy" breeds as TBH they wouldn't suit me. I've had BC's, GSDs, Beardies & Cavaliers plus one X breed(rescue). They all needed work even the Cavaliers, mine aren't just pretty faces & will take themselves off to hunt if they get bored.

I'm without a GSD at this time, but have plans for another just not yet & he will need training(& lots of it) The easy care ideal beginner dog wouldn't suit me at all !

A lot of it will depend on what you want the dog for. The majority of working dogs (I would like to include gundogs, sheepdogs, terriers, etc in this) have been bred to earn their keep, so have brains. Some more than others. If you are looking to do agility, or obedience, then you obviously would not go for the majority of toy breeds (sorry toy dog owners ;) ) If you just want a pet then do the research, and then go and visit the breed of your choice before making a final decision. Although you will get different personalities within a breed they will still have the breed trait in their make-up.

Personally, if I was going for a first time dog I think I would look at the Spaniels. The majority are friendly and biddable. JMHO. :D

spaniels may be friendly but they are hard work, they need to be kept busy or they will cause havoc, they also have endless amounts of energy, and then theres the grooming, so i dont agree on spaniels being a beginner dog :)  i would have to agree thou that the toys are probably a better bet for a beginner, but there may be someone who has more experience with the toys than me who would disagree :)

tanya

Hi Tanya, it was just my personal opinion on spaniels. I've had a couple, so I do know the stubborn, intelligent, boisterous side of them. BUT they are usually willing to learn. Provided you put in the leg work and find the right one :) I now have their larger cousins (Large Munsterlander) and wouldn't sell one to complete beginners unless I was sure they knew what they were doing, or had my full support behind them.

I'll admit to having a breed (Malinois)  that I refuse point blank to sell to anyone who a) has never had a dog before, or b) has never had a large dog they really needed to put some serious work into training, or c) to people who have no interest in training, as this breed CANNOT be kept as pets only, -as otherwise it can be a recipe for disaster. I had had dogs for almost 20 years when I got my first Malinois and was very interested in training, but the breed still REALLY took me by surprise -I almost gave up.

But generally speaking I think a beginner's dog is a dog that doesn't need too much training, but is easily taught the basic essentials such as walking nicely on a lead, RECALL, sit, down and stay etc, and then is happy with walks and play and a bit of training without needing a lot of classes constantly as your average pet dog owner seems happier to go to classes for a few weeks and then not again.

But really I think the truth is there is no perfect beginner dog as most of it is down to the owner and not the dog. I have often wondered to myself about some people I see at club week in and week out, new ones all the time -some have the easy to train breeds like Goldens and STILL have managed to end up with a dog they cannot manage at all. I'll never forget the first time dog owner (GSD!) who didn't even know a dog NEEDED any form of training, until she read it in a book when her dog was 6 months old and out of control! I think anyone who has looked into things really carefully and is prepared to put in some work at least intitially can cope with most breeds (WITH some exceptions) -then it's just a case of whether they want a breed that has to have the training kept up for all of its life or if they prefer a pet to just have as a companion and to walk.

salukipuppup,
I take you have a saluki(just a wild guess)I have two salukis ,both rescue,and I and my husband just did not know what we were in for,lots of research and advice from CD helped us through,but I always say to friends and people who stop us in the street to fuss the dogs,they are not an easy breed,unless you tune in to their mind set,and I know they are always 'listed 'as not first time dogs,a bit unfair really,if you do your home work on any breed,you should know what your getting,I always think it best to take a good look at what the dog was actually  bred for in the first place,personally, i love all the hounds,i would like to add several greyhounds and a whippet to my family! I m not allowed:rolleyes:there are only so many dogs you can fit on your bed at one time!

My first two dogs were classic "Heinz 57" crossbreeds - medium sized, easy going and cheerful. They'd clearly been crossed so many times that it was impossible to see any specific breed characteristics since they'd do a bit of retrieving, a bit of rounding up and an awful lot of snoozing happily by the fire!

It's only in the last 10 years that I've owned purebred dogs - firstly a cocker spaniel and now a JRT. Personally, although spaniels might appear to be an easy option for new dog owners, I think cockers could be a handful, albeit a very appealing handful.

But I certainly wouldn't recommend any inexperienced owner to get a JRT! I love 'em and have wanted one since I was 13 and my lad is a real pleasure but they are assertive little devils who need experienced handling and, ideally, some proper work to do because they have boundless energy! 

I agree that there's probably no "ideal" breed for someone who has never had a dog before and for sure, it's a lot easier to identify the breeds you wouldn't recommend! However, if people do sensible research before getting a dog and don't just go for the latest "must-have" breed they are much more likely to end up making the right choice for them. And just as importantly, the dog!

Both the breeds I have owned have brains and therefore might be considered difficult. 

Certainly the herding/guarding breed I would consider harder to get right, and more negative consequences if someone did, steep learning curve.  This probably made things easier when I went on to a smart but independant breed, as I was already somewhat clued up.

A lot depends on the owners and breeds character and whether they are compatible.

I certainly consider any of the herding and guarding breeds as not ideal first time dogs due to their traits making them ideal for their jobs and training and at the same time easily ruined by lack of or incorrect handling/training.

A friend of mine that takes Pet Obedience classes sometimes sees dogs that she would give her eye teeth for whose owners are pulling their hair out in frustration as they don't know how to handle the potential their dogs have.

She has often said the average pet owner actually wants a real 'dumb dog'

Grooming aside (and it's not as difficult to keep on top of as people think), I think the Rough Collie is a very easy breed to live with. Very simple to get to basic 'live with' obedience level and will take as much exercise as you can give them but won't climb the walls until they've been for a walk.

M.

what dogs are good for the beginner then?

the breed most suited to you and your personality tastes ability and interest.

My fitst dog was a farm BC... the best dog in the world. A perfect for me breed of dog.

I read all the books to help me choose and they all said not the BC and especially  not a farm BC!  And pointed to a Cav King Charles or a Lab... I even messesd a breeder about and bought a CKC and took him home and he was just wrong! Because I liked Border Collies! So he cam home had a drink and then the pup went home to his breeder... all because books give the wrong advice.

So I just thought what breed did I have books on what breed did I spend my childhood reading about, what breed do I most love to meet and spend time with...the BC! So why would it be right for me to follow advice of books and get  a lab or CKC!!!  Just because I'd never had a dog before..not even as a kid! 

So imo....The best starter dog is the breed you love..the one you understand, can think with and bond with. The life of a dog is too short to waste it away with the wrong people.

I would agree there.  I just couldn't live with any of the Spaniels (have looked after several types for friends and relatives). 

Most of the herding breeds I have had close association with are too needy for me.  I can't be doing with that intensity.

Actually I can't imagine owning anything bar my own breed, except maybe a Border Terrier (have loved them since childhood, and those I have looked after confirmed them as a breed I could live with), though with my poor eye sight they might be a problem as their size and camouflage might make them a scary option on walks as easily lost sight of :D

Also there are breeds that just don't appeal for size or features (don't like slobbery dogs, or hanging ears, and not keen on smooth coats).

My sister has a Collie-cross type mutt who was whilst not cruelly treated as such, was certainly very short of company and attention for the first few years of his life and is incredibly 'needy' - I wouldn't like to live with that either.

M.

my first dog, which is the one i have now is a GSD and thats because always wanted one because they look so great. now I realise that is a terrible reason, so  I spent 6 months researching, visiting, reading and thinking about my life and what i was prepared to do, making necessary plans and preparations before going ahead and getting one.
Its been hard but so rewarding and I would say its all about knowing what you can offer before choosing.

I grew up with Cockers and when I was settled into my own home got a cocker for my son then 71/2 yrs old,he was desperate for a dog of his own,he spent alot of time at my Mum's and there was a longhaired mini dachsie there. Tried for a dachsie,nothing doing,no internet back then,knew cockers so managed to find one and he settled in really well. Very boisterous till he was about 8yrs old and then gradually calmed down and became more sedate in his old age [161/2 when he died last year]

I would recommend cockers if you have the time to walk them and train them,I can count on one hand the number of times he soiled in the house or chewed anything he shouldn't have done. He loved anyone who visited,recognised if there was strange cars or folk in the close and barked,ignored the neighbours he saw every day.

Now due to my arthritis I can't walk dogs who need to be walked alot so I have 2 mini long dachsies,will take as much or as little exercise as is on offer,I have a large back garden,they chase each other round there at 100mph and we walk round to my Mum's,nearly a mile one way,at least once a day in the good weather. They can be a stubborn breed and a nightmare to house train but are so loving and easy to take out in the car with me, except when too hot, I wouldn't be without my two.

You have so many breeds to choose from and the temporament can vary so much in one breed it is not an easy question to answer.

Good Luck,let us know what you decide.

Rhona

I don't think there is any such thing as a "beginner" breed.  My first dog was a German Shepherd who was so much easier to train than my second dog, a Yorkie.   In terms of intelligence they were both very smart, but in terms of personality they were very different.

The ideal "beginner breed" for anyone is a match of the prospective owner's life style and breed temperament.   Life style means what their expectations are as a dog owner and the life style they can offer the dog.  (Amount of exercise, time people will be at home, ability to socialize the dog, etc.).

Hi Saluki -

You know the phrase 'fools rush in...' etc? 

My first two dogs as an adult were a BC (adult rescue) and a GSD (pedigree pup).  Jimmy (BC) actually trained us - his only problem was his incredible randiness - while Max (GSD) was chosen because we were attracted to the characteristics of the breed (confident, bold, imposing, good within a family etc.) - but what we didn't realise was the operatic range of vocalisations GSDs can produce and his determination that, whenever we went out, we should all stick together.  Stragglers or mavericks who chose dangerous pastimes (like paddling in the sea or climbing on rocks) were either herded up or treated to a three act drama while he ran around wringing his paws. But both were brilliant dogs in their way and their way suited us.  

I think the 'warning' about certain breeds is just what other posters have indicated; some dogs need more from a relationship than square meals and a place by the fire but I would say to anyone, if you're up for it, go for it.  Also don't be guided by assumptions and stereotypes. I was landed with a staffy/whippet X a year or so ago. Neither breed attracted me and I would never have picked this bitch out of rescue but she has been a revelation; I love her to bits.

What a good thread - a bit of thought provocation on a hot day.