What breed is your first dog? And what breed do you recommend for inexperienced owner?

I grew up with dogs of multiple breeds and mixes, and volunteered at shelters, so was an experienced dog person before owning the first dog of my own.

The right breed for an inexperienced owner depends on the individual. What preferences do you have for your dog's appearance and behavior? How much and what type of exercise do you plan to provide the dog? What sorts of activities do you want your dog to participate in with you? How much time do you have to spend with it every day? Do you have a fenced yard and how large? Do you have, or plan to have, children?  A good dog for a jogger with a large yard and children is very different from a good dog for a childless couch potato who lives in an apartment, for example. 

There is no breed of dog that is a good choice for every dog owner.

If you're active and want a large breed then research the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retreiver, and Standard Poodle.  

If you're active and want a smaller dog then research the Toy Poodle, Miniature Poodle, and Papillon.

Some other breeds to research about include the Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, and the Maltese.

Never had a dog. 

If you don’t mind the size, a lab or golden retriever is the best breed to get. They’re intelligent, friendly, and easy to train. They’re great with kids and make a good family pet. 

If you want a smaller size dog, a miniature lab or golden retriever. Just kidding but how cool would that be if they can breed one. 

For a small dog, can’t go wrong with a poodle. Bichon friese are friendly little doors but they’re a stubborn so they’re a little harder to train.