Person asks what's the best dog breed for a first-time owner, and the comment section turns into the most comprehensive guide on choosing a dog that might change how you think about it

Ayala Sorotsky • Writer and Editor

Sep 16, 2026 10:45 AM EDT

So you finally want to adopt a dog, but how DO you choose your first canine companion?

The internet is a magical space. You could ask a question and receive hundreds of different answers, depending on the availability of knowledge and how controversial the topic is. But when it comes to adopting your first dog, it's not a question someone else should answer for you. It's not a football match with one side cheering for their team, and vice versa.

That's a tough question to grapple with, and this one person is no different from any other first-time dog owner. True, some people will just answer with the dog breed they think is best for a first-time adopter, but other people know a little better when they give important dog advice. Are you ready to learn so yourself? Let's dive right in. We learned a lot as well, and now it's time for you.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to start your Caturday with the funniest felines on the internet!

01

via Cluelezzcj
02

via Cluelezzcj
03

via Cluelezzcj
04

via Tom Meaker

A black Labrador dog lying on the grass, holding a stick in its mouth, looking happy.
^{Stock photo unrelated.}
It's true that Labradors are great dogs overall. They're like the generalists of the dog world and can be recommended as a “best dog breed” for many categories. They were even recommended as a pawsome addition to our 8 Dog Breeds for Runners & Hikers list because they can be a good fit for this as well. But as with all things “generalist” in life, it might not be the 100% perfect fit someone would be looking for. So let's continue and learn more deeply.
05

via Cluelezzcj
06

via Cluelezzcj
07

via mustanggr1625
08

via mustanggr1625
09

via mustanggr1625
10

via cynoclub

A young man in a backyard pool is leaning on the ledge, petting an old Chihuahua dog standing in front of him.
^{Model representation.}
11

via mustanggr1625
12

via Kristiinatammik

Miniature American Shepherd dog posing for the camera with a small cupcake between her front legs.
^{Image depicted solely for explanatory purposes.}
13

via mustanggr1625
14

via mustanggr1625
15

via mustanggr1625
16

via studioroman

Woman is walking her big dog, which walks close to her side, looking at her.
^{Models pictured are not representative.}
17

via mustanggr1625
18

via humanbeing21
19

via humanbeing21
We wholeheartedly agree with this comment. Like with everything else that's a major addition to your life, you should consider every parameter carefully and not just go on a whim or a random internet suggestion that might not fit you the way you want.
20

via MaenadR0se
21

via Laures

A Papillon dog stands in the grass, looking happy and relaxed.
^{Representative only.}
22

via MaenadR0se
23

via MaenadR0se
24

via Hirurg

A woman bends to pet her German Shepherd, which stands on the pavement. The woman is happy and smiles, and the dog looks relaxed.
^{Image shown for illustrative purposes; person depicted is a model.}
25

via koalakalamity
These are some great pieces of advice in this comment, so read on carefully. It's all the things you should consider before adopting your first dog, segmented very clearly. We really appreciate this person for compiling it in a way that's so legible.
26

via koalakalamity
27

via koalakalamity
28

via koalakalamity
29

via koalakalamity
30

via koalakalamity