THE 20 BEST BREEDS FOR INEXPERIENCED DOG OWNERS

Often called man’s best friend, dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. If you’re thinking about adopting a furry companion, you can make the transition easier by choosing a breed known for being obedient and affectionate.

These traits can go a long way in helping your new pet settle into family life. Here’s our list of the 20 most easy-going and agreeable dog breeds.

Labrador

Labradors are undeniably one of the most popular dog breeds—and for good reason. With the right training, they make fantastic family companions. While they’re naturally obedient, they do best with a caring owner who sets clear boundaries and provides consistent guidance. Energetic and social, Labradors love joining in on outdoor adventures and are generally quiet, rarely barking without reason.

Border collie

Originally hailing from Great Britain, the Border Collie is a brilliant and eager-to-please breed that thrives on learning new tricks. Renowned for their herding skills, these dogs need plenty of both physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced. With their sharp minds and lively personalities, Border Collies are quick learners and make exceptionally trainable companions.

German Shepherd

Beloved around the world, German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, agility, and intelligence. While often associated with working roles, they also make excellent family pets when properly trained from a young age. With their classic black-and-tan coats and strong build, these dogs thrive on regular exercise and mental challenges. Whether it’s a forest hike or a canicross run, your German Shepherd will be right by your side, eager to join the adventure.

Continental toy spaniel

With their charming, perky ears, this delightful breed is as cute as they are playful. Known for their sweet and affectionate nature, Continental Toy Spaniels are quick to learn, though they may become a bit clingy due to their strong desire for attention. They make wonderful companions for couples or families who spend a lot of time at home, always eager to snuggle and share in the fun.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever ranks as the third most popular dog breed in North America, and it’s easy to see why. Known for their exceptional obedience, these dogs are a breeze to train. Their friendly nature allows them to adapt seamlessly to various lifestyles, and they thrive when working alongside their owners.

Poodle

Not only does the Poodle captivate with its regal appearance, but it’s also renowned as one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. With a lively and playful personality, Poodles are perfect for families and active owners alike. Eager to please, they’re quick to train and often excel in agility and obedience competitions. However, they’re not fans of being left alone and thrive on constant affection and interaction from their human companions.

Keeshond

The surprising ease with which Keeshonds are trained is one of the canine world’s best-kept secrets. This cute furball learns quickly and constantly seeks to please. Also known as a German spitz wolf, this breed has a playful and affectionate nature.

Shetland sheepdog

Hailing from Britain’s Shetland Islands, the Shetland Sheepdog is an affectionate, obedient, and playful companion. Like other sheepdog breeds, this clever dog is always in tune with its owner. Its intelligence, paired with a strong eagerness to please, makes it an excellent candidate for obedience training. Though often likened to a miniature Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog is actually a distinct breed, unrelated to the Collie.

Australian shepherd

Often recognized by their splendid blue merle coats, Australian shepherds bring joy to many households. Gifted with a strong ability to learn, they adore exercise and respond well to training. Australian shepherds make ideal pets for the entire family as long as they are allowed to expend some of their energy for about an hour each day. Without such stimulation, this dog could display destructive behaviours.

Pembroke Welsh corgi

Thanks to its origins as a herding dog, the corgi is extremely devoted and attentive to its owner. They are among the most easily trained breeds. Social and friendly, corgis are rarely aggressive.

Brussels griffon

The Brussels Griffon, a small yet spirited breed from Belgium, is an ideal companion for those seeking an obedient and active pet. Known for their strength and enthusiasm for training and performance sports, these dogs thrive on interaction and mental stimulation. Because they don’t cope well with being left alone, prospective owners should be prepared to dedicate plenty of time and attention to their Griffon.

Bernese mountain dog

Of Swiss origin, the Bernese mountain dog is a loyal companion with unparalleled intelligence. Protective of their families, these dogs go all out to please their owners. This character trait makes Bernese mountain dogs obedient and easy to train. Sweet and affectionate, these distinctive tricolour dogs do not react very well to strict training methods.

Toy Schnauzer

The protective Toy Schnauzer makes an excellent family pet, especially for households with children. Deeply loyal to their owners, these dogs also have a strong-willed, dominant nature. Effective training requires a confident and consistent approach to establish clear boundaries. Once your role as the leader is firmly in place, you’ll enjoy a friendly and rewarding bond with your Toy Schnauzer.

Pointer

The Pointer is a highly intelligent and obedient breed, often praised for retaining its training throughout its life. Loyal and protective, Pointers won’t hesitate to ward off unfamiliar visitors. Originally bred for hunting birds, they boast remarkable scenting skills, aided by their distinctive concave muzzles. Despite their hunting roots, Pointers are affectionate companions who get along especially well with children.

Collie

Who didn’t dream of having a majestic collie after seeing an episode of Lassie? Like all sheepdogs, this breed is very easy to train due to its advanced intelligence. Collies have thick fur, love to play with their owners, and learn quickly. Their gentle and loving temperament makes them the perfect pet for any home.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers often receive a bad reputation because of their dominant nature and wariness of strangers. However, these traits are rooted in their deep loyalty and strong protective instincts. With consistent training and a firm yet gentle approach, Rottweilers can become well-mannered, dependable companions. When properly guided, they form loving bonds with the entire family and thrive in a structured, affectionate environment.

Belgian shepherd (Malinois)

Veritable balls of energy, Belgian shepherds will always be ready to join you for some physical activity. Their disposition for work—these dogs are often found alongside police and customs officers—makes them easy to train. Their shepherding nature makes them amenable to carrying out tasks and pleasing their owners.

Havanese

If you’re searching for a small, affectionate companion, the Havanese is an ideal choice. Native to Cuba, this charming pup is both eager to please and easy to train. Though petite in size, the Havanese is sturdy and requires only modest daily exercise, making it perfectly suited for apartment living. Social and loyal, it quickly becomes a devoted member of the family.

English springer spaniel

This medium-sized breed is a great choice for first-time dog owners. English Springer Spaniels are eager to please, which makes training them a breeze. With their outgoing and friendly nature, they quickly become a beloved part of the family. While adult Springers need about two hours of exercise each day, they tend to be calm and relaxed once they’ve burned off their energy.

Doberman pinscher

Dobermans are frequently seen working alongside police officers thanks to their intelligence and strong work ethic. With their bold personalities, they require early socialization and patient, consistent training. Because of this, they’re best suited for experienced dog owners. When raised with care and mutual respect, a Doberman becomes a loyal, loving, and deeply devoted companion.