Expectations on arriving home with a dog for the first time are quite high, and meeting them often requires a significant turn in one’s life. A decision on the breed can be crucial in many ways and it is important to choose wisely—particularly for inexperienced owners.
Of the puppy breeds, English Lab puppies and Golden Retrievers are some of the breeds we recommend for beginners. Why? This is because those breeds are generally friendly, intelligent, and easy to train, attributes that will suit first-time owners.
In this article we will try to show you why these two breeds – English Lab puppies and Golden Retrievers, are suitable for people who have never been owners before. Their calm nature and manageable grooming needs make either breed a perfect first option if you are considering getting a furry companion.
Key Traits of an English Lab Puppy and a Golden Retriever Puppy
a. Gentle and Friendly Dispositions
Labrador Retrievers (American and English Labs) and Golden Retrievers, are friendly breeds. These are sociable dogs which readily interact with people and other animals and therefore ideal for families with children or persons owning other pets.
b. High Trainability
First-time owners will benefit from the fact that both breeds are easily trained and every new command is well understood. English Labs and Golden Retrievers have a friendly nature and are easy to train with consistently used positive methods. This quality is especially important for new owners, because the dogs will require less time for obedience classes and familiarization with other dogs.
c. Loyal and Adaptable
Both an English Lab puppy and a Golden Retriever puppy will be very devoted to their families, and can live comfortably in almost any conditions. Even though they are born to live in houses with backyards, they are flexible enough to adapt to apartment living as long as they are taken out for exercise regularly. They are very loyal and are always ready to work and spend quality time with their owners.
d. Moderate Exercise Needs
Despite the high level of energy of an English Lab puppy and a Golden Retriever puppy, they do not need rigorous workouts, which could be great news for first-time owners. It is possible to help them meet their exercise requirements by taking them for a walk, play, or short jog every day. This makes them easy to care for without the need for rigorous exercise, enabling new owners to incorporate exercise gradually into their own personal schedule.
English Labs vs. Golden Retrievers: Choosing the Right Fit
English Labs and Golden Retrievers are both good dogs for first-time owners, but there are subtle distinctions between them. The English Labs are typically blockier built and just a little more laid back, thus they are a bit less on the high-energy side. Meanwhile, the Golden Retrievers are friendly dogs with a slightly more active disposition which contributes to making the atmosphere of the family home more joyful.
Regardless of which one you decide to go with, either the English Lab or the Golden Retriever, they are both loyal, friendly dogs that will add value to your life.