Adopting rather than buying a puppy. First time dog owner!

[bertin12]

I'm really hoping to get a dog soon, it will be the family's first dog.
However my dad had dogs when he was younger and I work in a boarding kennels so we're not clueless!

I'd love to adopt a dog from dogs trust/ battersea etc but my question is how willing are they to let first time dog owners adopt? From looking on a lot of their websites the majority of the dogs they have say 'only suitable for experienced dog owners' or something along those lines.

Another question- what breeds do you all suggest are good for a first dog?

 

[FinnishLapphund]

A good dog breed choice for one first time dog owner, might be someone else's bad choice. It depends on who you are, and what you want to do as a dog owner etc.

For example:
Do you want a giant, large, medium, small or toy sized dog?
Do you want a nice companion, who most days is happy being activated through simply going for the daily walks?
Do you want a dog that you need to activate, or he/she will activate themselves (usually = in ways you don't appreciate)?
Approximately how much and what type of exercise will your dog get?
How do you live?
How much grooming are you willing to do?

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognises 343 breeds, to that comes that there is a "few" breeds recognised by various national kennel clubs, that for one reason or another haven't (yet) been FCI recognised. Not to mention all the new so called designer "breeds"...

 

[2Greys]

Most rescues welcome first time owners it maybe just the dogs that are suitable move quickly so you aren't seeing them online. Usually they'll discuss your experience, home situation & get idea of type of dog that would match. homecheck is normal just to make sure that it is safe for the dog (people do lie).

 

[dollyanna]

I was a first time dog owner and adopted from the dogs trust, and my boy was deaf so not necessarily a first time dog. They just listened to my experiences and training methods, saw me with him and then agreed that I could be a suitable home. I agree with 2greys, often the "easier" dogs are rehomed very quickly, so your best bet might be to go in a few times and get to know the staff, so they have an idea of who you are and what you are looking for, and get to see the dogs as they come in and are assessed.
You could also look at smaller rescues, but make sure they will give lifetime backup in case of problems, and take the time to match you to the right dog. Sometimes smaller rescues are better at this because many of their dogs are fostered rather than kennelled so they know them more accurately, but do be sure they have been properly assessed and you have support.

 

[2Greys]

Agree with FL and it can be better to be open to individual dogs that are suitable if going to all breed rescue. Are lots of rescues about breed specific & general, some have dogs in foster so can tell you more about that dog than is often possible in kennels. I would research the rescue too not just focus on the dogs they have as its important that you trust their assessments of the dog & do support post adoption for life of the dog (and you feel comfortable to deal with them). Rescues aren't regulated so vary in quality, some are more like 2nd hand dog shops.
Much depends on the dog matching person & lifestyle. People's expectations & needs are different some want an easy dog to slot in and aren't willing to work on any issues, house train or tlc for shy dog etc and ownership time doesn't always equal experience tbh.
I've greyhounds which due to gentle & chilled demeanor and low maintenance needs ( sleep a lot, little grooming, content with short walks or longer) means they get adopted by a lot of newbie dog owners like myself

 

[Luci07]

Also, the vast majority of rescues will "trial" their dogs as so you can really ensure you are a good fit for each other. You could also have time to get to know the dog, walk it etc. Do also remember that some dogs just do not show themselves off well in kennels.

I think the idea of really thinking about your lifestyle and what you want from a dog is brilliant, it's also a good idea to perhaps check what the rescues look for in terms of homecheck etc ( i.e height and security of fencing ) and finally, ...I very much look forward to seeing the photos...!