The dogs listed here are easy to handle with basic training, friendly, and good with families.
Pretty much almost any small dog is a great option for first time owners. This can include:
Chihuahua
These small bundles of personality are full of love! They will love to spend quality time with you. They love to play, as well as just spend a day relaxing on the couch with you.
Pug
Pugs are loveable and playful companions! They love to have playtime, but they don’t need vigorous exercise due to their short snout.
Boston Terrier
These dogs have a great personality! They’re friendly and fun. They love to play and do various activities. Due to their short snout they will tire easily, so it’s best not to overwork them, especially on hot summer days. They also have short hair, which means less grooming for you.
Italian Greyhound
Small versions of the Greyhound, these cute small dogs are full of energy and personality. They love to play and absolutely love to cuddle! Although they can have bursts of energy, Italian Greyhounds can be little couch potatoes.
Onto the bigger dogs:
Golden & Labrador Retriever
Goldens and labs are one of the most common first time dog breeds people tend to adopt. Both breeds are active and playful, so they need regular exercise and attention every day. Both dogs shed, and Goldens will require regular grooming because of their long hair.
Cocker Spaniel
These Spaniels are easy going and highly energetic. They need plenty of exercise, so be sure to do some sort of activity with them. The only thing to worry about with Cocker Spaniels is their coat. You’ll need to groom and trim their coat regularly.
Great Dane
These gentle giants just love to cuddle! They don’t need much exercise other than a daily walk or two. Their coat doesn’t require any grooming other than regular bathing.
Greyhound
Just like their smaller family member, the Italian Greyhound, Greyhounds love to play and can be big couch potatoes. Greyhounds were bred to be racing dogs, so some sort of exercise such as fetch or a run will be enough. They have a very short coat, so some sort of jacket should be worn in cold weather.
There’s obviously more dogs from the list I didn’t name that are great for beginners. A majority of mixed breeds are great for first time owners as well.