As any first-time dog owner will tell you, dogs are a lot of work. Sure, some breeds are known for being more low-maintenance than others, but owning a dog isn’t a walk in the park (but do expect to go for walks in the park). If you’ve never had a dog before, you may want to consider breeds that tend to be social, adaptable and obedient. However, Courtney Briggs, the Head Trainer at Zoom Room Dog Training, warns that breed should never be the only deciding factor when getting a dog.
“It’s extremely important to look at the full picture of a dog’s history as well as the prospective new dog parent’s lifestyle circumstances,” says Briggs. Plus, choosing a pup based on appearance or trends is a disservice to both the dog and you! Just because Lady Gaga has French bulldogs doesn’t mean French bulldogs are right for you.
First-time dog parents should do lots of research before settling on a breed—including research on breeders. The American Kennel Club is a great resource for finding reputable breeders.
