Choosing Your First Dog: A Guide for Beginners
Having a dog for the first time can be a bit unsettling, especially since you probably have questions about feeding, caring for, and maintaining your pet. One important question to ask ourselves is, what breed do we choose? Some are not recommended due to their large size and others will not be recommended due to the high physical or intellectual needs they require. Are you looking for an independent or rather affectionate companion? Active or rather calm?
Before deciding, it is important that you inform yourself well. Animal shelters usually have staff who can guide you on who your ideal partner may be. You can also seek advice from a veterinarian or pet expert.
What we will never recommend is that you get carried away by its appearance or because it is fashionable, without taking into account its physical and personality characteristics. This can risk having a bad experience, something that will affect the relationship with the animal and which can end in disappointment for everyone.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is an excellent dog for families who are active, positive, and fond of hiking or other sports and activities. They are exceptionally sociable, affectionate, intelligent, and very loyal dogs, without a doubt the perfect dog! Perhaps because of all these qualities, the Labrador is a popular therapy dog for autistic children.
The training of this dog is quite simple if you start from an early age. The main problem of this breed is obesity, since it can get fat very easily if given the opportunity. Therefore, it will be essential to inform us in advance about food and follow a diet controlled by a pet expert.
Golden Retriever
Like the Labrador, the Golden Retriever is one of the top 5 dog breeds for beginners. Its size is similar to that of the lab, but with thicker fur. Although in its puppy stage and when it is young it will show a very active behavior, the truth is that at adulthood they are fairly calm and stable dogs.
This breed is known for its great love of swimming, so if we are lovers of the beach or excursions to lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, the Golden Retriever will be your perfect companion. In addition, they are very loyal and positive, perfect for families with young children.
Like its closest relatives, the Golden Retriever is an intelligent and easily trained dog, so its basic obedience training will not require much effort.
Boxer
If you're looking for a medium-high energy dog, how about a playful Boxer? It is a loyal dog capable of forming a close bond with the family. If you have a fairly active lifestyle, a boxer may be right for you. This breed needs plenty of exercise and a solid foundation of training. The Boxer's grooming needs are very basic! Although Boxers can be a bit hyperactive when they are young, they are not difficult to train and they enjoy the attention you give them. Once trained and socialized, Boxers will thrive in active households and can get along very well with children. In addition, they are guardians by nature and very protective of their families.
Greyhound
Although the Greyhound seems to be a very active dog due to its physiognomy, greyhounds are quite calm indoors. It is a docile dog, very sensitive and sweet, which is why it is perfect for quiet families and living with older people, as long as their exits to the street are respected. You need to stretch those long legs! Grooming a greyhound is quite simple and you won't have to spend many hours on it.
Of course, you should be very vigilant when going outside because the greyhound still has a strong hunting impulse ingrained. For this reason and due to its great speed, we could lose this dog in a matter of seconds. Always use a safe harness.
Mixed Breed
If this is going to be the first time you have a pet at home, our recommendation is that you do not become obsessed with a certain breed of dog. The best thing is that you go to an animal shelter and ask about the dogs for adoption that best suit your lifestyle. For example, if you like to go out to the countryside a lot for a walk or hike, if you are more of a home person. The people in charge of the shelter know their animals well and will be able to recommend the most appropriate one, especially if you are a first-timer. In these cases, in fact, they usually suggest adult dogs, with a calm personality and suitable for being with children. A puppy needs education, a lot of patience and, perhaps, it is not the best option for adopters who have not had a dog before. In addition, by adopting a mixed breed dog, you are also helping to reduce pet overpopulation in shelters.
Are you thinking about adding a furry friend to your family but don’t know what breed suits you best? Talk to one of our pet experts and get customized advice, , submit a request in our Mavyn website.