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These are the top 5 easiest dog breeds to care for. Dogs are great. But only if you have one that fits in your lifestyle. If not, then both you and your dog are bound for some tough times. And it is in these particular situations that dogs often end up in shelters.

The best thing to do then, before getting a dog, is to find one that fits with your way of life. Or, you can make things easy on yourself and just opt for an easy dog breed to care for.

Here are 5 of those dog breeds that won’t give you a hard time.

1. Easiest Dog Breeds To Care For: Golden Retriever

There’s a reason why a “perfect” American family usually has a Golden Retriever in the picture. Golden Retrievers are classic family dogs. They have a warm and loving nature. Many pet owners never have to worry about leaving the dog alone with their children. These dogs are incredibly patient with smaller humans, too.

Being eager-to-please, Golden Retrievers are easy to train. That’s certainly a plus if you’re a first-time dog owner.

The only downside to this breed? Their glorious coats need vigilant grooming. Don’t get us wrong, they’re not difficult to groom per se, they just need more frequent brushing and combing.

2. Easiest Dog Breeds To Care For: Labrador Retriever

There’s a reason that Labrador Retrievers are never too far from the top dog breed lists. It’s the most owned breed in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. If you are inexperienced with dogs, they’re one of the best ones to break you in. This breed is quite friendly and is notoriously easy to care for.

The only problem you may encounter with your Labrador Retriever is its love for chewing. In fact, they’ve been known to chew everything and anything within their sight. But puppy-proofing your home should take care of that issue well enough.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a lap dog. When it comes to temperament, they’re loyal and also love pleasing their people. Very well-behaved and easy to train, this breed is another perfect option, especially for first-time dog owners.

The caveat: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an energetic breed. That means they will do best in houses with yards compared to apartments. They may also suffer from separation anxiety if you need to be away from home often. They hate being alone.

4. Greyhound

Greyhounds are one of the easiest dog breeds to care for. Greyhounds are striking-looking dogs. They’re long and lanky and the illusion of speed is definitely not an illusion at all. This breed is fast!

That’s one reason why people are discouraged from getting them as home companions. The common misconception is that they are full of energy and thus need constant exercise. The truth is the exact opposite. Greyhounds are very mellow and quite the laidback canines. They can be very quiet and clean. They’re not prone to health problems. And their coat is short, meaning it’s as low-maintenance as a dog can get.

Even if you exert very minimal effort in caring for your dog, you’d still be doing a decent job of caring for a Greyhound.

5. Easiest Dog Breeds To Care For: Brittany Spaniel

If your lifestyle leans on the active side, then consider getting a Brittany for your first dog. This dog breed is highly energetic. They do best with frequent exercise and stimulation. They’re a happy, eager to please breed. The best part? They don’t need a lot of grooming. This dog breed is perfect for owners that work out a lot or those that spend time outdoors frequently.

Inexperienced, but active dog owners will love how Brittany is sensitive to discipline. With just a stern look or a sharp word, they can already tell they’re in trouble. That means it’s easy to teach them discipline and there won’t be a need for harsh punishments.

The five dog breeds above are by no means the only “easy” breeds to care for. But for a first-time owner, the list should help give you some direction on what doggy companion to settle for.