Best dog breeds for first-time owners: Dog Trainer Adam Spivey of Southend dog training’s top picks

When first getting a dog for the first time, it can be hard to know which breed to go with to suit your individual lifestyle.

One dog trainer has made the task easier, sharing his picks for the best breeds of dog for first-time owners.

Adam Spivey of Southend dog training shared his top picks in a TikTok.

Watch the video above

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He said that one of the “easiest dogs on the planet to train” is a greyhound.

Greyhounds are “very low maintenance” and have “very little exercise requirements”, though owners still need to provide opportunities for “fresh air and exercise.”

Other honourable mentions include the Newfoundland, Leonberger, Labrador retriever, cockapoo and Labradoodle, with Spivey urging fans to go to an ethical breeder.

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He also named pugs as a good choice for first time dog owners. 

“Although pugs are one of the unhealthiest dogs on this list by a country mile, they are actually one of the friendliest dogs on the planet,” he said.

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But his overall top pick for a dog’s best friend is the classic golden retriever.

“Absolutely epitome of a gentle dog, intelligent, friendly with just about everyone and everything, and it’s active enough that it can go with you pretty much anywhere if that’s what you want,” Spivey said.

Many pet owners did not agree, resulting in controversy in the comment section.

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“Controversial take but I’ve come across a few difficult reactive goldens. I’ve got a black lab so I’m biased but I’ve never met a bad tempered black or brown lab!” said one commenter.

“Can we mention they are absolute dinosaurs for the first 18 months. No where near as easy as you may think,” another added of dogs in general.

“A close friend who is a vet is devastated by the number of cockerpoos she is having to euthanise due to aggression because there is absolutely nowhere that will take them,” one commenter mentioned.

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However, one pointed out, “All breeds of dogs are still dogs and capable of being poorly bred and ill trained.”

Another shared that it’s “impossible to answer that question without knowing what they want in a dog. First-time owners aren’t all the same.”

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