The easiest dogs to train are typically intelligent, eager-to-please breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and Border Collies, known for excelling in obedience and tasks due to high motivation and quick learning. While high intelligence makes breeds like Border Collies and German Shepherds quick learners, their drive can be intense, whereas Goldens and Labs offer a great blend of smarts, friendliness, and a strong desire to please, making them excellent for families and first-time owners.
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Greyhounds, whippets, basset hound, great Dane, olde English bulldog, chihuahua. All pretty lazy and content. Just know of you get any of these breeds and they are puppies, they will have lots of energy.
The calmest dog breeds often include large, gentle giants like the Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, and Great Dane, along with smaller companions such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound, Pug, and Shih Tzu, all known for their laid-back, affectionate, and easygoing temperaments, thriving on companionship over high activity.
No. There is no scientifically significant difference between males/females for sociability, affection, intelligence, trainability, or risk of fighting. There will be individual differences - even within breed.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
If you're undecided on what type of dog to get, here are some breeds that make a great dog for first time owners:
When looking for your new 'man's best friend' why not consider one of the following dog breeds:
If you are considering a dog to do therapy work with — for example, in long–term care facilities, schools, or hospitals — you'll want to look for a dog that has high trainability but a calm disposition, such as a Bernese Mountain Dog or Labrador Retriever.
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.
If you're going to be out of the house a lot, make sure you choose a breed that's comfortable alone. Dog breeds that can be left alone include Labrador Retrievers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, and Corgis (Welsh and Pembroke varieties).
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The Border Collie is widely recognized as the dog breed with the highest "IQ," consistently ranking first in intelligence studies for their exceptional ability to learn commands quickly (under 5 repetitions) and obey them (95%+ of the time). Other top breeds include the Poodle, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and Doberman Pinscher, all known for their trainability and problem-solving skills.
Most puppies can start puppy socialization by 8 weeks of age and actual training classes by 12–16 weeks. Classes typically last 4 to 6 weeks and focus on positive reinforcement.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
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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.
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.
Small dogs can be a good option for many first-time owners, being sometimes easier to care for in terms of space, feeding costs, and handling. The Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise, Miniature Poodle, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are some of the best small dogs for first-time owners.
Some of the odorless dog breeds include the following:
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