Introduction
Getting your first dog is exciting, but if you’re a first time owner looking for a low maintenance breed, the best fit is usually a breed with an adaptable temperament, moderate exercise needs, and manageable grooming.
While every dog still needs training, exercise, grooming, and plenty of love, some breeds are naturally easier for first-time owners. In practice, “low maintenance” usually means lower exercise needs and easier grooming, so they fit more smoothly into Singapore’s apartment lifestyle.
That doesn’t mean they’re “maintenance-free.” Every puppy will still wake you up, chew things they’re not supposed to, and need consistent training. But choosing a breed with an easy-going temperament gives new owners a much smoother introduction to dog ownership.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up eight dog breeds we believe are among the best choices for first-time pawrents in Singapore, especially those living in HDB flats or condominiums.
The 8 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
(No particular order.) Do note that you can also check animal shelters– where some adult dogs already have established personalities that may suit first-time owners.
1. Toy Poodle (HDB-Approved)
Why they’re great
Toy Poodles are consistently one of the easiest breeds to recommend. They’re incredibly intelligent, eager to learn and highly adaptable. Their small size also makes them perfect for apartment living.
Personality
Affectionate, loyal and people-oriented. Toy Poodles love spending time with their family and thrive on interaction.
Exercise
Moderate. Two daily walks and some indoor play are usually enough.
Grooming
Although they hardly shed, their curly coat requires brushing and professional grooming every six to eight weeks.
First-Time Owner Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
2. Maltipoo (HDB-Approved)
A cross between the Maltese and Toy Poodle, the Maltipoo combines the best traits of both breeds and is often considered one of the more suitable hypoallergenic dogs for owners who want an easy-to-care-for companion.
Personality
Gentle, affectionate and incredibly people-focused. They’re one of the easiest designer breeds for beginners.
Exercise
Low to moderate. Short walks and playtime indoors are usually enough to keep them happy, and they do not require intense exercise.
Grooming
Low shedding but requires professional grooming every 6–8 weeks.
First-Time Owner Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (HDB-Approved)
Few breeds are as naturally gentle as the Cavalier.
Personality
Sweet, calm and affectionate.They usually get along with children, seniors and other pets.
Exercise
Moderate. Daily walks and cuddles are usually enough for this breed!
Grooming
Weekly brushing keeps their silky coat healthy. Grooming needs vary by breed and coat type, and Cavaliers generally have moderate grooming needs that benefit from regular brushing.
First-Time Owner Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
4. Bichon Frise (HDB-Approved)
Small, cheerful and always happy to see people.
Personality
Friendly, playful and adaptable. They’re eager to please and enjoy learning.
Exercise
Moderate. Around 30–45 minutes daily.
Grooming
Low shedding but needs regular clipping.
First-Time Owner Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
5. Maltese (HDB-Approved)
The Maltese has remained popular for centuries for one simple reason—they’re fantastic companion dogs.
Personality
Gentle, affectionate and happiest when close to their owners.
Exercise
Low to moderate. Daily walks and indoor play are enough.
Grooming
Their silky coat requires brushing and regular grooming appointments.
First-Time Owner Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
6. Japanese Spitz (HDB-Approved)
One of Singapore’s most underrated family dogs.
Personality
Playful, intelligent and loyal. Japanese Spitz dogs enjoy spending time with their family without being overly demanding, and as a medium sized dog, they are also known for an adaptable nature.
Exercise
Moderate. Daily walks plus playtime provide moderate daily exercise, and enough exercise helps the breed stay relaxed and content.
Grooming
Despite their fluffy appearance, dirt brushes off easily. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient, with more frequent grooming during shedding seasons.
First-Time Owner Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
7. Cavapoo (HDB-Approved)
The Cavapoo has become one of Singapore’s fastest-growing designer breeds.
Personality
Friendly, affectionate and highly social. They love meeting new people and adapt well to apartment life.
Exercise
Moderate. Daily walks and indoor games.
Grooming
Requires brushing several times each week and professional grooming every couple of months.
First-Time Owner Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
8. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are famous for their easy-going personalities and relatively low exercise requirements. They suit many first time owners who want a companion that is affectionate, adaptable, and easier to manage in an apartment setting. However, because they are a flat-faced breed, they can be prone to breathing, skin, and heat-related issues, which often means higher veterinary costs over time.
Personality
Playful, affectionate and relaxed.
Exercise
Short daily walks are usually enough. Because of Singapore’s hot climate, exercise should be limited during the hottest parts of the day.
Grooming
Very easy. Their short coat only needs occasional brushing.
First-Time Owner Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Owners should be aware that French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breedand may require additional veterinary care throughout their lives.
Breeds We Don’t Usually Recommend as a First Dog
These breeds are wonderful dogs—but they’re often more demanding than first-time owners expect.
- German Shepherd
- Border Collie
- Siberian Husky
- Belgian Malinois
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Australian Shepherd
- Working-line Corgis
- High-drive Beagles
These breeds generally require significantly more exercise, mental stimulation and consistent training than companion breeds. Many experienced owners on Reddit also caution beginners against choosing high-energy working breeds as their first puppy, even though they can be rewarding for experienced handlers.
What Makes a Dog Good for First-Time Owners?
As you probably already know, not every breed is suitable for beginners.
Working breeds like Border Collies, Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent, but they also require experienced handling, extensive mental stimulation and daily exercise. Without enough activity, these breeds can become bored and develop unwanted behaviours.
Companion breeds, on the other hand, were originally bred simply to spend time with people. They generally have calmer temperaments, adapt better to apartment living, although not all dogs have the same space needs, and are often more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
When choosing your first puppy, look for breeds that are:
- Easy to train
- Friendly with people
- Moderate energy
- Adaptable
- Suitable for apartment living
- Manageable grooming requirements, since grooming needs vary by breed and coat type
Even experienced trainers agree there is no completely “easy” dog—only breeds that are generally more suitable for beginners. Proper training and socialisation, including basic training and early training for beginners, remain essential regardless of breed, and even low maintenance dogs still need love, training, exercise, and daily care.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
There isn’t one perfect breed for every family.
The best first dog is the one that matches your lifestyle, especially if you have a busy lifestyle, along with your available time, living space and activity level.
If you’re looking for the easiest overall choices, we’d recommend:
🥈 Maltipoo
🥉 Cavapoo
🏅 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Regular vet visits, ideally at least twice per year, are part of responsible ownership regardless of breed.
These breeds consistently combine excellent temperaments, trainability and apartment-friendly sizes, making them ideal for first-time owners in Singapore.
Final Thoughts
Every dog needs love, patience and consistent training, regardless of breed.
While no puppy is completely “low maintenance,” choosing a breed with an easy-going temperament can make your first experience as a pet owner much more enjoyable.
If you’re still unsure which breed suits your lifestyle, speak with an experienced breeder, spend time meeting different breeds, and avoid choosing a dog based purely on appearance. The right match is one whose personality and care requirements fit your home—not just your Instagram feed.
Alternatively, try out our Breed Matcher Quiz which’ll match you to one of four personality types, and tell you exactly which breeds best suit you!
