A nice first dog is one that matches your lifestyle, with popular beginner-friendly breeds including the adaptable Labrador & Golden Retrievers, the cheerful small Bichon Frise, the smart Poodle, and the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, all known for being trainable and good-tempered, but remember an adult rescue dog can also be a great, already-trained choice.
Some good ``starter'' breeds include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boston Terriers, Bichons Frises, Labrador/Golden Retrievers, Poodles (Toy/Mini/Standard), Smooth/Rough Collies, Greyhounds, and Cocker Spaniels.
Popular choices include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Small dog breeds like the Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire Terrier are excellent for apartment living. Large breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog can also be great for new dog owners who want a gentle giant.
While there's no single "number one," the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever consistently rank as top friendly dogs due to their gentle, outgoing, and loyal temperaments, making them excellent family pets good with kids and other animals, though they need plenty of exercise. Other top contenders for friendliness include Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Pugs, known for their playful, affectionate, and people-loving natures.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are one of the very calmest dog breeds—which explains how they stay cool, calm, and collected during the avalanche search-and-rescue missions they're known for. These chill dogs are often called “nanny dogs” because of their affinity for children.
Golden retrievers are the ultimate people lovers. They are always looking for a playmate or their next adventure. They are loving and gentle, but also know how to have fun when it's time. Golden Retrievers are great comfort dogs and are always looking to please their owners.
There's no single "number 1" laziest dog, but the English Bulldog is consistently ranked at or near the top for its low energy, love of naps, and tendency to be a couch potato, followed closely by breeds like the Basset Hound, Great Dane, and Shih Tzu, all known for being relaxed companions. These breeds prefer lounging and short strolls over strenuous activity, making them ideal for laid-back owners.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters thrive on companionship rather than solitude. If you're looking for a safe and trainable breed for your active family, an Irish Setter is an excellent choice. It loves to exercise in the backyard, out on the trail or at the dog park.
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The "10 10 10 rule" for dogs most commonly refers to either potty training for puppies (10 mins outside, 10 ft space, 10 mins supervision, or a cycle of 10 min outside/10 min inside) or the 80/10/10 raw feeding diet (80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 10% organs) for a natural diet; it can also refer to a nutrition guideline where treats are 10% of calories, or a rest rule (10 mins rest per hour of play). The specific meaning depends on the context, but all promote consistency, balance, and understanding canine needs.
Some of the odorless dog breeds include the following:
It is a very individual decision. I know many families who choose to wait longer, they want their youngest child to be elementary school age before getting a dog. And many who want their children to grow up with a puppy, even if the beginnings might be rough. There's no right or wrong decision.
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An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
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Breeds like Basset Hounds, Greyhounds, Shiba Inus, French Bulldogs, and Maltese are often recommended for owners working 8-hour days due to their independent, mellow, or lower-energy natures, but success depends on meeting individual exercise needs and ensuring they're well-trained and stimulated with toys. Labradors, Chow Chows, and Shar-Peis can also adapt if they get enough activity and mental engagement during their time alone.
Spitz breeds like huskies and Akitas are known for their stubborn streak when it comes to training. Lumbering giant breeds like bullmastiffs may knock over toddling children or anything in their path. Other dogs may get defensive around children, such as toy breeds fearing for their safety around rambunctious kids.
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Great Danes, St. Bernards, and Mastiffs are known as “gentle giants,” and their sleep needs are equally oversized. These breeds conserve energy through extended rest periods, with puppies in this group sometimes sleeping up to 22 hours a day.
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