Responsibility is a four-letter word. You want the companionship and love that comes with getting a new puppy, but you don’t have all the time between work, family and other parts of life that might come up.
The good news is there are some breeds and sizes that can deliver on all of the wonderful things that come with dog ownership while requiring less management from minute to minute.
Let’s get into a few of the puppies and the reasons why they’re easy – or at least, easier – to take care of, especially if you’re a beginner.
What are some misconceptions about taking care of a puppy?
This is a hard question that varies from person to person. While our clients are a bit better than most, lots of people think in extremes about it like either (a) it’s going to be absolutely terrible and they will destroy all the furniture and pee on everything or (b) that it will be all sunshine and roses. Neither of these is wholly true or untrue.
With the proper time and training, any dog that you invite into your home is going to fall in line and work with you. They’ll be ready to walk and play and relax on your schedule.
But, left to their own devices and not given what they need, there is always the chance that they’ll develop into a destructive tornado of teeth and claws, wrecking anything that you put in front of them.
If you spend an infinite amount of money and time, there isn’t a puppy out there who will enter your home and never have an accident or mistake your furniture as their own playthings. As long as you’re ready for the occasional moment of tension between you and your four-legged friend and are ready to work with them, your life will be filled with many more positives than negatives.
What are the main things you should consider with your new puppy?
Time, patience and effort. These may all seem like logical requirements for owning a puppy. But you’d be surprised at how many people don’t do their research before committing themselves to having a new pet.
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Putting in the time
Whether you’ve decided to - or gotten someone else - to train your puppy, this doesn’t happen overnight. Not to mention, immediately after birth. The puppy has to get to know who they are as individuals as well as settle into their new surroundings. Plan to spend the better part of the first-year learning intimately who your dog is and spending a large portion of your day with them. You’ll both be better for it.
Patience
Even if you’ve dedicated time and repeated yourself over and over again, positive results aren’t always noticeable with your young pup. This is where patience comes into play. Keep your cool and be ready to work with your dog further.
Effort
All dogs will have issues, from obeying commands to potty training. Be prepared to pick up after them and have a few happy accidents before your home ultimately comes in tune with your new family member.
Between chasing after these delightfully crazy creatures and working with them to arrive at some sort of daily schedule, comes the reward of a job well done.
What are a few of the easiest puppies to care for?
Unlike your car, there’s no manual on how to care for your dog. Okay. So, maybe there is. But… as each puppy is a living, breathing creature with its own outlook on the world, from one to the next, none are exactly alike.
There are, however, general categories and breeds that allow for some precognition into what are the easiest puppies to care for.
You want to get out of bed. You want to exercise. You want to be self-motivated. But you just can’t sometimes. Your dog might feel the same way. If this is the case, consider a Basset Hound.
They’re family-friendly and relatively low-energy. But don’t get too complacent. Make sure they get enough exercise and you’re monitoring food intake to prevent them from becoming obese. The same goes for Saint Bernards and Pugs.
As Mark Twain once said, "Buy land, they're not making it anymore." Your space could be limited. A smaller dog could be in the cards. Then your research should start on the Lhasa Apso.
Unlike many dogs their size, they carry themselves with a pretty chill demeanor and won’t take up much of your sofa sitting area. There is a giant downside to these dogs. Grooming will NOT be easy. Unlike many Terriers, you also might want to consider the Boston Terrier or another fluffy and funny counterpart, the Havanese.
Your parents always shouted that they don’t want to repeat themselves. Why should you?
Enter: the Corgi. Unlike similarly intelligent dogs, they’re ready to listen. And they’ll continue to do so for their entire lives. Prepare yourself though as Corgis are known to have certain health issues that will need to be addressed such as hip dysplasia.
Need other trainable puppy options? How about looking into German shepherds or a Pointer.
What are some of the hardest puppies to care for?
The Komondor is probably not the first dog that you could name or even spell properly in a spelling bee. It’s quite possible you may have never heard of one before.
Aside from its intense grooming needs, this puppy is only for the experienced dog owner. These animals were raised as herding dogs, so due to their size and their need for constant engagement, they’re a perfect mix of destruction and barking at bumps in the night.
Also, if you don’t have time or patience to REALLY train a dog, then please skip the majestic yet intimidating Rottweiler. The Rottweiler is a loyal and protective breed – to a fault, if not trained properly. That’s the problem.
Not everyone takes the time to manage and socialize them. Another dog that gets a bad rap goes by the moniker Pit Bull Terrier. They require lots of leash training and time spent getting to know people and other dogs.
The fluffiest of the fluffy, the Bichon Frise, is one of the best dogs for first-time owners or families with children because of their boisterous energy and positive attitude. But because of their mane of hair, not fur, they’ll need to be brushed almost daily and groomed every month or so.
If you’re not really looking for a “hairy” challenge, then you should also avoid pups like the Puli or the Chow Chow.
Why you should consider a doodle
Doodles are some of the most amazing and personable dogs on the planet. There are so many upsides to doodle ownership.
First, the pluses of their lineage. The parent breeds of a doodle can blend to increase the positives of whatever doodle choice that you find is best for you and your family.
Second, there are numerous different mixes of doodles that are available. The dozens of options guarantee a doodle is out there that perfectly fits your needs. Have we ever mentioned that doodles are some of the most hypoallergenic dogs out there as well? Now we have!
But which doodles should you consider making a part of your family?
Plain and simple. The 'easiest' all-around breed is the Goldendoodle. These glorious mixes are the most balanced, have the easiest personality to train and get along with all types of people. You can’t go wrong with the literal gold standard of doodle stock. Need a comparison or size and attitude with these dogs? Check out our blog on all the different Goldendoodles here.
If size is your main concern, it depends on your needs. Maybe mobility is a big issue for you? Mini doodles are easiest, whether it be mini Bernedoodle, mini Cavapoo, or a mini Labradoodle to a teacup Maltipoo. Maybe trainability and friendliness are a priority. We would recommend a medium or standard-sized doodle. Medium Sheepadoodles will help you keep your house in order.
Contact our breedership for more info
If you have questions about who we are or how we can help you find your next doodle? Check out our FAQ page or reach out and ask us anything. We’re always here to help you!
“Easy” and “puppies” are two antithetical words. But “easiest” takes away a little bit of the sting.
Make sure that you know what your needs are and how much space and time you have to share with any animal that you take home. Once you answer those questions, you’re ready to research and find out which puppy will more than likely fit snugly within your lifestyle.
Jenna and the JLDD Team