Characteristics: Good For Novice Owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others: they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies. Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time owner to manage. You'll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.

-- Select Characteristic -- Affectionate with family Amount of shedding Apartment appropriate Cold tolerance Compatible with kids Dog friendly Drooling potential Ease at being home alone Ease of training Easy to groom Energy level Friendly toward strangers General health Good for novice owners Heat tolerance Intelligence Mouthiness Need for exercise Playfulness Potential for weight gain Predatory tendencies Sensitivity Tendency to bark or howl Vigor Wanderlust Watchdog ability

See Full Breed Characteristic List