Which is the Best Low Maintenance First Time Dog Owner Breeds in India?

You might already know the kind of dog you would like if you were to consider becoming a dog owner if you were thinking about it. So, Which is the Best Low Maintenance First Time Dog Owner Breeds in India?

While this is a great starting point, it is important to remember that some dogs will be better suited to new dog owners than others before you get your heart set on a particular breed. In order to make the best decision, it is important to consider all your options, taking your lifestyle into consideration as well as the environment in which you live.  I would like to share some ideas with you so grab a cuppa and enjoy.

Best Dog Breeds for First Time Owners

Choosing your first dog breed should be based on characteristics such as trainability, eagerness to please, and friendliness. Here we have compiled a list that varies in size, coat type, brains, and strength.

1. Pomeranian

Pomeranian
Pomeranian

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Toy (AKC)
  • HEIGHT: 6 to 7 inches
  • WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR: Long, double coat that comes in many colors, though the most common are red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 16 years

Pomeranian puppies are cute little lap dogs. It usually bonds best with one owner, but can still do well in families. The Pom is best with gentle older kids, but it can adapt to a lot. They need basic training to provide structure and boundaries. Daily basic exercise should be enough to keep your Pom happy. If you don’t train it, it will show its feisty side. They’ll thrive if you train them consistently and positively. In spite of its big fluffy coat, this dog is bright, moderately active, and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. It just needs regular brushing to look great.

2. Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Sporting (AKC)
  • HEIGHT: 21.5 to 24 inches
  • WEIGHT: 55 to 75 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length double coat; light to dark gold
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years

In addition to being great with kids of all ages, golden retrievers are also loyal, affectionate, and energetic. They’re also good with kids of all ages. Besides being intelligent and adaptable, the breed also needs exercise to keep it in good physical shape and prevent boredom. Training is important, but not difficult. They love to learn and can do lots of stuff. Keeping the breed’s coat free of tangles and mats means brushing it regularly.

3. Poodle

Poodle
Poodle

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Non-Sporting (AKC)
  • HEIGHT: Over 15 inches (standard); 10 to 15 inches (miniature); 10 inches and under (toy)
  • WEIGHT: 45 to 70 pounds (standard); 15 to 18 pounds (miniature); 5 to 9 pounds (toy)
  • COAT AND COLOR: One of many solid colors, including but not limited to white, black, gray, brown, apricot, and particolored
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 18 years

Dogs like the poodle are popular and versatile, and they make great companions, too. They’re adaptable to different environments and work well in households with kids. This breed comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, or standard. They’re all smart and easy to train. A Poodle needs lots of mental stimulation and exercise. They need to be groomed regularly to maintain their curly, growing coats.

4. Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog
Bernese Mountain Dog

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Working (AKC)
  • HEIGHT: 23 to 27.5 inches
  • WEIGHT: 70 to 115 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR: Medium-length double coat in black, tan, and white
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 7 to 10 years

In spite of their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs are easygoing, eager to please, affectionate, and intelligent. They enjoy playing with children but are also equally happy to relax at home. The breed is able to adapt well to almost any living situation, and although it is not aggressive in nature, it is a fairly good watchdog and highly devoted to its owners. Berners shed quite a bit, so it is important to regularly brush them to remove loose hair.

5. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Non-Sporting (AKC)
  • HEIGHT: 9 to 12 inches
  • WEIGHT: 7 to 12 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR: Curly white coat; may have traces of apricot, buff, or cream
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 14 to 15 years

An all-round companion, the bichon frize is a happy-go-lucky little dog, perfect for families with children or apartment dwellers. This breed looks a bit like a bouncy cotton ball. It is relatively easy to train, adapts well to any lifestyle, and needs only moderate daily exercise to remain healthy and happy. It will require regular visits to the groomer, along with the investment of time and money. A bichon’s curly coat requires regular trimming and careful brushing. The hair on your bichon should be kept short in order to maintain a lower level of maintenance.

6. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Sporting (AKC)
  • HEIGHT: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
  • WEIGHT: 55 to 80 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR: Short, dense double coat in black, chocolate, or yellow
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years

It’s one of the most popular medium-sized dog breeds. Labs can adapt to most environments, and they’re great with kids. They form close bonds with their families and are intensely loyal and affectionate. Labs thrive in active households, where plenty of exercise and training can be provided. They’re active, playful, and intelligent. They’re good for fetching, running, and snuggling. They love to learn and can be trained to do almost anything. The only grooming they need is a regular brush to reduce shedding.

7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Toy (AKC)
  • HEIGHT: 12 to 13 inches (to the withers)
  • WEIGHT: 13 to 18 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR: Long, sleek and silky coat with feathering around ears, feet, chest, and tail in four color varieties, tricolor, blenheim, ruby, and black and tan
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years

Cavalier King Charles spaniels are affectionate, sweet dogs that have a puppy-like appearance. Cavaliers can survive in a variety of households and are generally able to get along well with children of all ages. Although small but not tiny, Cavaliers have a gentle demeanor. Cavalier dogs have a moderate energy level, so they require simple daily exercise to maintain their health. This breed is elegant, attentive, and generally silent. The Cavalier is easy to train and responds to basic training effectively. The grooming needs of this dog are basic, despite its medium-length coat. Regular brushing is important to prevent tangles.

8. Pugs

Pugs
Pugs

Breed Overview

  • GROUP:
  • HEIGHT: 10 to 13 inches
  • WEIGHT: 14 to 18 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR: Short & easy. No crazy coat maintenance here!
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 13 to 15 years

If you ask any pug owner, they’ll probably tell you this breed is the best family friend you’ll ever have. It’s a versatile dog that works with kids, seniors, and other animals, and thrives in the city as well as on the farm. Another benefit: pugs love making their owners happy, so they’re easy to train. Another bonus: they don’t shed much and only need brushing once a week.

9. Maltese

Maltese
Maltese

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Toy (AKC)
  • HEIGHT: 7 to 9 inches
  • WEIGHT: Less than 7 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR: Long silky white coat
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 15 years

This dog has a beautiful silky coat that drapes to the floor if left untrimmed, but it can be kept short and manageable if you get regular haircuts. Maltese are affectionate and happy dogs who don’t need a lot of exercise and are content to relax on your lap. Despite all that fur, they don’t shed much, but they should be brushed daily.

10. Great Dane

Great Dane
Great Dane

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Working (AKC)
  • HEIGHT: 28 to 32 inches
  • WEIGHT: 110 to 175 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR: Short, smooth coat in almost any color or combination of colors
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 7 to 10 years

Despite their great size, Great Danes are gentle giants, even if they feel threatened. If they feel their family is threatened, Great Danes can be fierce watchdogs. Generally, Great Danes are pretty easygoing dogs that love to play, are smart, and have a lot of affection for their humans. While Great Danes are only moderate shedders, they tend to drool a lot, so obedience training is really important.

11. German Shepherd

German shepherd
German shepherd

Breed Overview

  • GROUP:
  • HEIGHT: 22 to 26 inches
  • WEIGHT: 50 to 90 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR:
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 7 to 10 years

It’s easy to train a noble German shepherd pup, which is why they’re used in K-9 units, so it’s an excellent dog for first-time owners. Secondly, German shepherds make great watchdogs because they’re gentle with their owners and loyal. Last but not least, they’re easy to groom. Getting rid of loose hairs is simple with brushing and occasional baths, according to the AKC.

12. Boxer

Boxer
Boxer

Breed Overview

  • GROUP: Working (AKC)
  • HEIGHT: 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch at the shoulder
  • WEIGHT: 55 to 70 pounds
  • COAT AND COLOR: Short coat; fawn and brindle are the standard colors
  • LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years

Look no further than the playful boxer if you are looking for a medium-sized high-energy dog. A boxer forms a close relationship with their family. If you are a moderately active person, this breed may be an excellent choice. Although young boxers can be hyperactive, they are trainable and enjoy attention during training. They require plenty of exercise and a solid foundation of training. The boxer can thrive in an active household once trained and socialized and is often well-liked by children as well. In addition to their natural tendency to guard their families, boxers are also devoted to their children. The needs of the boxer are very basic.

Low Maintenance Dogs for First Time Owners Video Tutorial

3 Best Dog Breeds for First-time Owners in Apartments

These generally good-tempered dogs are perfect for apartment dwellers. If you’re a young adult still living the rental life, you’re probably looking for a companion that won’t be a burden.

#1 Papillon

There’s something good about small things. The teeny tiny papillon stands no more than a foot off the ground, but she is still ready for a long walk during your lunch break. She’s proud of her ears, which spread over her face like spread butterfly wings, hence her French name, which means butterfly. Keeping her clean means brushing her teeth every week and bathing her every couple of months.

#2 Shih Tzu

Do you want to feel regal? Shih Tzus are among the oldest breeds on this list, and they’ve lasted so long because they can live up to 18 years old! You won’t even notice they’re there since they weigh just under 20 pounds. You should socialize Shih Tzu puppies as a puppy so they’re familiar with the bustle of city life and don’t bark at your neighbors. They’re really sweet dogs. Keeping their pearly whites in tip-top shape requires a dental hygiene plan with your veterinarian, as toy breeds are notorious for dental issues.

#3 Maltipoo

In one lovable bundle, the Maltipoo is a hybrid of a Maltese and a poodle. The Maltipoos can reach 20 pounds, so they’re perfect for apartments. And since they’re based on a poodle, they’re extremely smart, so they’re easy to train. They’re also nearly hypoallergenic, so you won’t have to vacuum up dog hair every second day!

Low Maintenance Dog Breeds in India
Low Maintenance Dog Breeds in India

Considerations for Best Dogs for First Time Owners India

You know it’s a big deal to get a dog—they’re family members and require lots of attention. Make sure you’re ready before you get one. Every dog has their quirks and possible medical hiccups, so keep that in mind when you’re looking for the right pup. So you can make the best choice for you and the dog, do some research and consider these factors before buying your new best friend.

  • Breed: Do not get an Australian shepherd, German shepherd, Shih Tzu, or another high-energy breed if you don’t have time for it. Instead, get a breed that doesn’t need as much exercise, like a Havanese or Shih Tzu.
  • Purebred: Know that if you get a purebred dog, you’re at greater risk for health problems. Deborah Thomson, DVM in Virginia says all purebred dogs could have problems. They’re genetically predisposed to certain things. That doesn’t mean you’re going to have a life-threatening condition if you have a poodle. But your vet wouldn’t be surprised.”
  • Mixed-breed dogs: It’s healthier to have a mixed-breed dog, whether it’s a shelter dog or a designer hybrid puppy. The dogs from shelters can have some behavioral problems and might require more training and require a bigger commitment from you if you get one. If you’re thinking of adopting a dog, always ask the shelter for info about it and what kind of home they think it should be in.
  • Puppy mills: Don’t buy a puppy from a puppy mill, a commercial facility that breeds dogs just for the purpose of selling them.

Here are some things you should consider before getting a dog if you’re thinking about getting one:

  • Your work schedules
  • Your financial situation
  • Whether you have other pets
  • Your household environment
  • Your upcoming travel schedules

Which Dog Breeds to Avoid as First Time Owners

As a first-time owner, you might want to pass on dogs with an unpredictable disposition or highly independent breeds. You’ll need to train them extensively and be careful around strangers. Sheding dogs, terriers (most active ones), dogs bred to defend, and generally high-maintenance breeds are good choices to skip.

Worst Dog Breeds for First Time Owners

If you’re a first-time owner, don’t get a large dog breed whose name says “aloof” or “reserved with strangers” or anything like that. If you’re looking for a dog that’s “primitive,” “independent,” or “strong-willed,” stay away from them. If you struggle to pronounce your new dog’s name, you haven’t done enough research! You should avoid dogs with unusual names like Canaan dogs, dogue de Bordeaux, basenjis, vizslas, or basenjis.

The breeds aren’t bad, just challenging and need the right home to succeed. All dogs are individuals, so there’s always going to be some variation within a breed. In general, these breeds will pose a challenge to first-time owners and aren’t recommended for greenhorns. There are some friendly chows out there, as well as some couch potato border collies.

  1. Akita
  2. Airedale Terrier
  3. Beagle
  4. Border Collie
  5. Belgian Malinois
  6. Chow
  7. Cane Corso
  8. Dalmatian
  9. Great Pyrenees
  10. Rottweiler
  11. Shiba Inu
  12. Siberian Husky

FAQs on Best Dogs for First Time Owners in India

How do I choose my first dog?

If you’re a new dog owner, you may want to get one who’s friendly and gets along with other dogs, children, cats, and people. A breed that’s aloof or independent minded can be harder to train and socialize.

Are girl or boy dogs better?

However, biological gender doesn’t really play a big role in the animal’s personality, even though there are some behavioral and physiological differences between male and female dogs. “We don’t know if a male or a female dog makes a better pet based on science.

Best Low Maintenance First Time Dog Owner Breeds in India
Best Low Maintenance First Time Dog Owner Breeds in India

Which Dog Breeds Have the Most Health Issues?

Some breeds of dogs are prone to health problems because of the breeding process. Here’s a list of some of them:

  • Pugs
  • Boxers
  • Beagles
  • Bulldogs
  • Shih Tzus
  • Daschunds
  • Siberian Huskies
  • German Shepherds
  • Labrador Retrievers

These breeds are harder to care for because they can have health problems, so they may not be good for beginners.

Conclusion

The important thing is to pick a breed based on the family, your lifestyle, and your environment. There are plenty of great breeds out there, so you can’t go wrong. If you stick to this list, you’ll find a good companion for a first-time dog owner.

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