That is a hard one.
Many people say Pits are not for the first time owner, but then there are first timers who do great with them. Some continue to have another after that one passes others move onto other breeds but not because of problems. Then others are not first time owners but don't do well with a Pit at all.
Others say Rottweilers are not either, because they can be dominant but really with the right training they will give their all to their owner and can be trained to do whatever you wish and bond deeply. They are not the hard, stubborn I want to challenge you all the time and will attack you if I don't get my way type of dog. Just like with the above some people are not first time owners and think they want a Rott and that turns out poorly.
Then you see people say Labs are great dogs, they are going to be good for almost anyone, even a first time owner but that doesn't turn out to be the case. When the dog is very misbehaved or driving the owner mad.
I think some breeds are not for average owners. Or those that are less responsible. I don't feel that most any dogs are actually but some are less trouble or cause less problems when owned by these types of people.
To me it is less about first time owner or not. It is more about the person's natural ability, what they want out of the dog, what they will give to the dog, what experience they've had previous, what they are willing to learn and if a dog will ever fit in with their lifestyle/training choices, ect.
If I had to pick a breed I'd say a well bred Boxer or one with a sound temperament would probably work out. Health problems can be a concern but that aside.....
*Relatively low maintenance as far as grooming
*Nice size, about medium or so. Now if you want a giant or toy breed then obviously not, but in general they're not too little but not huge either.
*Easy to train, IMO. Such as they are not stupid but quick learners who like to learn/please. You can train them OB and new tricks quickly. They thrive on your joy and praise.
*Energy level (which can vary) is usually moderate. They like to go for a run or hiking, they love to go with you on outings. Yet they are not go, go all the time. Some say they can be hyper and I'm sure some are, but most I dealt with/owned are just playful and can have energy when playing with another dog or out on a run with you but at home they can easily be calm inside, play quietly with a toy, lay curled up on their bed.
*If you have kids they are good with children. I'm not guaranteeing any breed will always have a nice temperament, I'm saying in general what I consider a good temperament for a Boxer. Some are nervous of children or aggressive but that wouldn't be correct. While they can be hyper and playful most any that I've seen raised around children are not acting wildly, running over toddlers, ect. They are sweet and goofy, they just might need training as may the children to interact properly.
*Not a hard breed to find. Popularity can be the enemy of any breed of course, in terms of bybs, health, temperament. However if you take time to find a good breeder or go to a reputable rescue you should be able to get a dog that fits in with you/your family. Without having to wait forever, search endless for breeders, ect like you might have to with a very rare breed. Another good thing isn't just available for you to get a dog, its the ability to meet many dogs of a given breed so you can interact with them, learn about them, gain some experience and see the consistency in traits. Where again with a really rare breed would be harder for you to do.
*They can have some prey drive but are usually very good with cats. They can also be good with other pets they're raised with or even some that are introduced later in life. They are also typically dog social for the most part, even though some might not like every single dog they meet usually they are more then willing to play with most dogs.