Easiest Dog Breeds to Own
Hoping to bring a dog into your home? Some dog breeds are easier to own than others, especially for novice dog parents. To find the easiest dog breeds to own, we took a look at a variety of important characteristics. And you might be surprised by the traits that matter most.
For instance, you might think you want a smart dog. But highly intelligent dogs aren’t always the easiest to train (because trainability is more about a dog’s willingness to follow instructions than his ability to understand them). And you might assume an active dog will be the simplest to keep healthy. But a dog with a lower energy level and no genetic predisposition to disease will actually be easier to handle. Plus, choosing a dog with an easygoing temperament — and minimal grooming needs — will go a long way toward keeping you sane.
Basset hound
Want a low-key dog? You might just love the basset hound, a dog breed characterizes as “easygoing, laid-back, and even a bit lazy.” These medium-sized dogs aren’t very active. And while most dog owners won’t put the basset hound’s hunting prowess to the test, they’ll appreciate the breed’s extreme patience with children. These dogs are “easy to train, and despite their plodding pace, they do well at various dog sports.” Beagle
Beagles love to play, and is one of the most outgoing, approachable, and people-pleasing breeds. “The beagle is among the top 10 most popular breeds for good reason: He has a bigger-than-life personality and a merry nature that make him a warm and cheerful companion.”
Plus, the beagle is generally a very healthy dog breed. In fact, the beagle’s easygoing personality — and freedom from genetic diseases — explains why researchers choose beagles for controversial animal testing.
Border terrier
This dog has a moderate energy level but a more laid-back personality than many other terriers. This dog breed loves exploring outdoors and was bred to be a country dog, “border terriers adapt well to city life — as long as they get plenty of exercise.”
Border terriers get along well with other dogs (though not so much with cats or squirrels). Border is good tempered, affectionate, obedient, and easily trained.” Bulldog
This medium-sized dog has a moderate energy level. Bulldogs won’t beg to be exercised, but they require regular walks and the occasional romp. Because the bulldog is very intelligent, he does his own thinking. Nonetheless, you can successfully train your bulldog — especially if you use lots of praise and rewards and maintain a sense of humor. Rover characterizes the bulldog’s personality as “sleepy.” All jokes aside, bulldogs have an easygoing temperament and won’t bark nearly as much as other breeds (though they make up for it with adorable snorting, grunting, and snoring).
Chihuahua
When you think Chihuahua, you might envision a yappy little dog. But it’s only poorly trained dogs who have earned the breed that reputation. This dog breed is intelligent, enthusiastic, trainable, and generally low-maintenance despite their regal attitude. Chihuahuas can do well in families, particularly if the children in the household are gentle and patient with their dog.
Because they’re so small, Chihuahuas require little exercise. That means they adapt well to life in cities, but the breed is hardly enough to enjoy life in rural setting, as well. Many Chihuahuas get along with other pets, especially companions of their own breed.
French bulldog
The French bulldog might just be the perfect dog breed for someone who wants an outgoing and people-pleasing companion. These lively little dogs always want attention, and they show a knack for entertaining the people around them. This friendly dog breed is playful but smart. They aren’t very active nor particularly athletic. That means brisk walks will be enough to keep them trim and healthy.
French bulldogs, and other dogs with short faces, breathe less efficiently than longer-nosed dog breeds. So, you’ll need to keep your dog cool in warm weather and avoid overly strenuous exercise. But they are intelligent dogs, and training is easy as long as you make it a game.
German shepherd
The German shepherd is another intelligent and active breed. Though German shepherds are large and they have a medium energy level. German shepherd is characterized as a loyal family pet and a good guard dog, the ideal choice for many families. Training is one of the most important responsibilities you have as a dog owner. Basic obedience training will make your dog a better companion and strengthen the bond between the two of you.
Poorly trained German shepherds can develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, and food stealing. But this dog breed responds well to training. Your German shepherd needs “you to be the leader of the pack, providing structure and guidance.” Another way to bond with your dog? Regular grooming. The German shepherd’s thick coat requires weekly grooming.
Labrador retriever
Labrador can learn just about anything that you throw at them. They make great companions, show dogs, hunting dogs, guide dogs, and service dogs. Labs also make great family dogs because they get along easily with children and with other pets. Plus, they have a short coat that requires only occasional grooming.
So, it’s no accident the Labrador retriever is the most popular dog in America. They live long and healthy lives. They have playful personalities, and they want to entertain and help you. Plus, they’re good companions for athletic people and can even train as canine athletes themselves.
Poodle
Many people know the poodle is a highly intelligent dog breed. And even though intelligence doesn’t always ensure a dog responds well to training. Although some poodles can be stubborn, proper training mitigates that trait.
The miniature poodle can be shy around strangers. But the standard is outgoing. They have a medium energy level and enjoy walking, running, and swimming. Just be aware this dog breed’s long coat, while somewhat hypoallergenic, does require regular professional grooming.
Pug
Like the bulldog, the pug has a grumpy face that might make you think he’s not so friendly. But don’t let looks deceive you. Pug is characterized as “even-tempered, charming, mischievous and loving.”
These extroverted dogs love children and adults alike. Pug people say their breed is the perfect house dog. Pugs are happy living in the city or country, with kids or grandparents, and as the family’s only pet or among other animals. This dog breed also has no problem making friends with complete strangers.
And though some people think they’re more difficult to train than other dog breeds, that’s largely because they’re easily distracted. The pug sheds but needs minimal grooming. And you will need to monitor your dog’s diet to keep him healthy because pugs live to eat.
Rottweiler
Rottweiler as one of the smartest dog breeds. This medium-sized dog also has a medium energy level. But let’s just get this out of the way: A Rottweiler won’t be one of the easiest dog breeds for you if you can’t give him two solid workouts each day. But these dogs’ need for daily exercise is at least somewhat offset by their minimal grooming needs.
This breed has gained something of a reputation as an attack dog, “this is not their true nature.” Rottweilers “to be vicious, they must be trained that way.” Often, dogs who spend their days isolated from people are the ones who develop unpleasant traits.
Mutt
Not everybody wants to buy a purebred dog from a breeder or search for one at the local shelter. And you don’t have to pick a purebred dog, even if you’re a novice dog owner just hoping for a pup who will be easy to train and care for.
For one, the incidence of many genetic disorders is higher in purebred dogs than in mixed-breed dogs. Plus, by staying open to adopting a mixed-breed dog instead of a pedigreed dog, you’ll be able to adopt a shelter dog who needs a home, not just a puppy who was specifically bred to be sold for top dollar. Additionally, purebred and mixed-breed dogs show no significant differences in terms of their trainability. So, a mutt is just as likely to learn to be obedient and attentive as a pedigreed dog.
