Picking out your first dog is an exciting event, but there are so many types to think about that it can be hard to decide. If you’ve never had a dog before, it might be best to start with a small breed. Most of the time, small dogs are easy to handle, don’t need as much room, and do well living in apartments. But not every small dog is the same when it comes to personality, cleaning needs, and how easy they are to train.
This post has a list of six small dog types that are great for people who have never had a pet before. People choose these types because they are friendly, easy to care for, and loyal pets. This makes getting a dog easier and more satisfying. These dog types are the perfect mix of personality and usefulness, whether you want a soft lapdog or a fun-loving little explorer. Let’s look at the best choices that will bring you love, happiness, and lots of tail wags.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Many people say that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great dog for first-time dog owners because it is friendly, easy to train, and gentle. The average weight of these small, beautiful dogs is 13 to 18 pounds, which makes them a good size for apartment life or small houses. What makes Cavaliers unique is that they love to please people and are nice with other pets, kids, and people. With their desire to cuddle and spend time with people, they make great social partners.
They like light exercise, but they’re just as happy to relax on the couch. To keep their smooth hair in good shape, they need to be brushed often, especially around the ears and tail, where tangles can form. Because they are naturally smart, they are pretty easy to train with praise. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally a great choice if you want to bring a loving, gentle, and friendly small dog into your life.
Dachshund
People often call Dachshunds “wiener dogs” because they are cute, smart, and full of energy, which makes them a favorite among new dog owners. These dogs have a big personality, even though they are small (11 to 32 pounds, depending on whether they are tiny or standard). Dachshunds have three different coat types: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. Each type needs different care when it comes to cleaning.
These little dogs are smart and fun to play with, but they can be stubborn, which can make teaching them a little harder. Their love for their owners and desire to be a part of everything you do, on the other hand, make training them more fun. Because they were originally bred to hunt, they need to go for walks and play with other dogs on a regular basis to keep their minds and bodies active. For first-time dog owners looking for a loyal, fun dog that will keep them busy, the Dachshund is a great choice.
Pomeranian
If you want a small but active dog for the first time, the Pomeranian is a great choice. It’s a soft ball of energy, wonder, and love. Pomeranians are small dogs that usually weigh between 3 and 7 pounds. They have big personalities, though. People love them because they are smart, loyal, and alert, and because they can hear so well, they often act as little watchdogs. Their thick double coat needs to be brushed often to keep it looking great and to keep it from getting matted or tangled.
Pomeranians are usually easy to train because they want to please their owners and learn new things, but they can be stubborn at times. Early socialization and regular teaching can help keep people from becoming bossy. They love being around people and enjoy playing as much as they like being cuddled. The Pomeranian is a great choice for new dog owners who want a small dog that is cute, smart, and full of energy.
Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers, or “Yorkies,” are a popular choice for first-time dog owners because they are easy to move around, friendly, and active. These little dogs weigh between 4 and 7 pounds and have a long, silky coat that looks like human hair. If you are ready to clean them regularly, they are both stylish and useful. Yorkies are known for being brave. They often act bigger than they are, and they will do anything for their families.
Even though they look very pretty, they are very energetic and like to play inside and go for walks outside. They are also easy to train and do well with methods that use positive feedback. Getting them used to other pets and kids early on is important for their well-being. Yorkies do well in apartments and are usually easy to take care of, which makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners who want a small friend with a big heart.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a happy, friendly, and loving breed that is perfect for people who have never had a dog before. Bichons are small dogs that are strong and usually weigh between 10 and 18 pounds. They are known for having a hypoallergenic coat and a happy attitude. They do best in a family setting and like being around both adults and kids. One of the best things about having a Bichon Frise is that they are very flexible.
They do well in both flats and houses, and they are usually good with other pets. Their soft, curly coat needs to be brushed often to keep it from getting matted, but they don’t shed much, so they’re a good choice for people with allergies. Bichons are also very easy to train and eager to please, which makes it easy for newbies to start learning loyalty. They are always ready for fun or cuddles because they are friendly and playful. The Bichon Frise is a great dog for people who want a pet that will make them happy, give them energy, and not bother people with allergies.
Maltese
The Maltese is a classic pet dog that is both stylish and friendly, which makes it a great dog for people who are new to having dogs. This breed of toy dog is easy to handle and great for living in an apartment or other small place because it weighs less than 7 pounds. Maltese dogs are very active, playful, and loving toward their owners, even though they are small. Their beautiful, long, white coat needs to be brushed every day to keep it from getting matted and tangled. However, many owners choose a shorter “puppy cut” to make upkeep easier.
They are smart and learn quickly, especially when they are taught with positive feedback. They do best in homes where someone is always there for them because they can get anxious when they are left alone for long periods of time. The Maltese is a great first dog for people who want a small but close-knit friend because they are gentle, easy to train, and devoted to their owners.
Bottom Line
Small dogs can be great for people who have never had a dog before, as long as they are the right breed for their lifestyle and amount of experience. The six breeds we’ve talked about—the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Dachshund, the Pomeranian, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Bichon Frise, and the Maltese—are all very cute, easy to train, and great pets for people.
Every one of these breeds is different, but they are all known for being easy to train and loving pets. Your new pet friend will quickly become an important part of your life if you give it the care, love, and patience it needs. Start off on the right foot when you become a dog owner!
FAQs
How do I choose the best small dog breed for my first dog?
Many people think that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best small dog breeds for first-timers because it is friendly, calm, and gentle.
Can you take better care of small dogs than big dogs?
In most cases, yes. When it comes to space, food, and exercise, small dogs are easier to take care of, but they still need to be trained, brushed, and given attention.
What kind of small dog doesn’t need to be groomed as much?
When compared to other small breeds with longer or thicker coats, the short-haired Dachshund doesn’t need as much cleaning.
Do little dogs get along well with kids and other pets?
With the right training, many small dogs, like the Bichon Frise and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, get along well with kids and other pets.
