Although before similar collections we always say that every dog is an individual personality, it is undeniable that they more or less also carry the temperament characteristic of the breed, which can provide a good basis for us to choose the four-legged companion that suits us. And if we have decided on the breed, the breeder will help us choose a puppy with the right temperament from the litter to take home.

advertisement

Being a first-time dog owner is not always easy, but our task can be greatly simplified if we begin our dog-keeping career with an easier-to-handle breed that truly suits us. For this, we recommend a few breeds below.

Such is love! / Photo: welovedogz.hu

5 Dog Breeds for Beginner Dog Owners

1.) Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is an ancient breed, proven by the fact that images of similar dogs decorate artefacts of lost civilisations across the world. Trade between ancient cultures was more widespread than generally assumed, so it is not surprising that similar dog breeds can be found in distant places as well. How the Chihuahua type first reached the peoples of Mexico will probably remain a secret forever, but we do know that when the Toltecs ruled Mexico about a thousand years ago, their highly valued breed was the Techichi, presumably the ancestor of today’s Chihuahua.

Many people love to hate the breed, but the truth is that a Chihuahua obtained from a reliable breeder and raised consistently and with care can be a perfect companion for almost anyone, even for first-time owners. Choosing a responsible breeder is important so that we avoid nervous instability and health problems, while conscious training and thorough socialisation are also essential for the breed if we want a confident, open and easily manageable companion.

Always keep in mind that if a given behaviour would be frightening or undesirable in the case of a large dog, it is also so in the case of a small dog and should be corrected. These tiny dogs are generally not very athletic; they should be given exercise appropriate to their size, and of course we must also provide plenty of mental stimulation. Because of their small size their feeding will not be a huge expense, and shedding will not cause such a big problem either.

Long-haired Chihuahua

2.) Pembroke Welsh Corgi

In 1107, the British king Henry I of England invited a community of the finest weavers then living in Flanders to live and work in South-West Wales. The weavers accepted Henry I’s invitation and brought with them everything they needed to recreate their farming lifestyle in their new homeland. This included the dogs they bred, which they used to herd cattle and sheep. These sturdy, short-legged herding dogs formed the basis of the breed that we know today as the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Although the Pembroke and the Cardigan now exist as separate breeds, in the past they were often mixed in the old Welsh breeding centres of Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire.

Corgis are bold, determined, good-humoured dogs; these traits may frighten some people, yet in reality they can be particularly suitable for first-time dog owners as well, if we properly tire out these energetic, intelligent and trainable dogs. They are full of love and could be said to adore their family and owner, and it is certain that you will not have a single boring minute with such a four-legged companion. Many people say that the Pembroke’s relative, the Cardigan Corgi, may also be suitable for beginners, and some sources even consider them more adaptable and balanced. Of course, this can only be true if we keep the dog’s needs in mind and tire them out both mentally and physically.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi / Photo: welovedogz.hu

3.) Shih Tzu

In the palace of the Chinese emperor, imperial breeders developed the Shih Tzu centuries ago from Tibetan breeding stock. The meaning of the name is lion dog. The breed most likely developed from the crossing of two even older Chinese-Tibetan breeds, the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. For hundreds of years they lived the life of royal lap warmers, and according to legend emperors gave valuable gifts to those breeders who presented them with the most beautiful and sweetest dogs. Astonishingly, the breed remained hidden from the outside world until the 1930s. Later, the newly formed breed clubs further developed the breed, which of course was accompanied by heated debates.

If the Bernese Mountain Dog is the family dog with a capital letter, then the Shih Tzu is the lap dog with a capital letter in the most positive sense of the word. They are quirky, kind, big-hearted and mischievous little dogs that immediately steal their way into anyone’s heart. Yes, even into the hearts of those who at first are wary of long-haired, smaller dogs. The Shih Tzu also loves children very much; they greatly enjoy being paid attention to and pampered, being around the people they love and watching them or playing with them. Their advantage is that they adapt particularly well to changing circumstances, they are excellent alert dogs, and their coat grows like hair, so shedding will not be a problem either.

Shih Tzu dogs / Photo: welovedogz.hu

4.) Rough Collie

The Rough Collie boasts impressive ancestry; these dogs presumably arrived in the British Isles in the 5th century together with Roman troops and later mixed with the locals’ four-legged dogs. The breed’s present form developed in the Scottish Highlands, where this lively and elegant four-legged companion was used for herding sheep. From their appearance we might think they were likely favourites of the aristocracy, yet in contrast they were clearly the poor man’s dog. In the 19th century Queen Victoria also fell in love with the Collie and helped popularise them; thus the modest shepherd dog became a true sensation.

They rarely appear in similar lists, yet if we read a description of the breed or explore forums, it quickly becomes clear that both the long- and short-haired versions of the Collie can be easy-to-handle, kind, intelligent, sensitive and child-friendly companions. Many do not recommend hunting or herding dogs as a first dog, but it is important to know that Collies are not inexhaustible working machines, and it is very important for them to please their owner, which makes them easy to train. With consistent upbringing we may have an obedient, adventure-loving, beautiful dog who loves tasks and accompanying us wherever we go. However, caring for the coat of the long-haired variety undeniably requires time and energy, which must definitely be kept in mind.

Rough Collie

5.) Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier was bred in England. Among their ancestors are the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and the Whippet. According to sources, their development can be attributed to travelling Romani people who journeyed across England and used the breed for poaching as well. Because of this, the Bedlington was initially the dog of the poorer classes; miners also frequently used them for pest control. Surprisingly, these pear-headed dogs were even made to fight in contests.

Many people do not think the Bedlington Terrier could be suitable as a first dog because it is a terrier. However, as mentioned in the description, at one point they were crossed with the Whippet, from which they inherited not only external traits but internal ones as well. Thus Bedlingtons possess terrier characteristics but also carry the kind, calm, curious and balanced temperament of Whippets. The best thing about them is that they easily adapt to the owner’s temperament and activity level. As we learned from Barbara Szilfai, owner of the Quote Bedlington Terrier kennel, these dogs gladly go hiking or do sports to spend time with their beloved owner, but with equal enthusiasm they also spend time on the sofa enjoying petting. Bedlingtons’ coat hardly sheds at all and grows like hair; however, for this reason they must be bathed more often and taken to a groomer as well.

Bedlington Terriers

advertisement