ive said it b4 and ill say it again but if u r a first time dog owner, either as an adult or ever, i really dont think theres any point in getting a "starter breed" for dogs when u should really just be getting what u are passionate about and sincerely want, and have done ur research about and think u can be prepared for. if u have always wanted a doberman and u think one would fit well into ur life then get a doberman. if u get a lab bcuz dog people are telling you its 'easier' then u r with a dog for 10+ years that u didnt want as much and u didnt research as much, and every dog has its own quirks and "issues", some are more tolerable to an individual than others. every dog is going to have problems and frustrating moments and if its the dog you LOVED and wanted badly, the issues are going to be a lot easier for you to deal with. there r plenty of dog people who could breeze by with a "hard" breed but an "easy" dog thats recommended as a 'starter breed' all the time (labrador, pug, "ex racing greyhound", etc lol) would not fit what they want and might be much more overwhelming, and they wouldve been a lot happier getting the breed they'd originally wanted anyway. your passion for a particular breed or type of dog is there for a reason. respect that and go with your gut.
not saying that trying to start with an "easier" breed doesnt work out for people and they dont love their dogs, but i just think life is short. if youre in love with a breed and youve researched it and think you're a good fit, then go for it. you should listen to your gut on this one more than random dog people on reddit who dont know you. having a strong bond with an animal you just click with cant be overstated, and whats easier for one person is not necessarily going to be easier for YOU. no dog can be a "perfect starter breed" for everyone, that just doesn't exist (and the breeds change depending on who you talk to anyway. ive seen people say beagles and chihuahuas are terribly difficult and unsafe breeds to have as your first adult dog. lol)
As someone in the profession who has fielded this question as to which dog they would recommend many, many, many many many manymanymanymanyMANY times:
Fuck it
People never take my fucking advice, and they get whatever the kind of dog they want and we learn to deal with it because all dogs are the same and no one can accurately predict the future.
I second this, get the fucking dog you want. It's going to be your dog.
