Are you a college student who wants to get a furry friend? College students often find themselves tight on cash and constantly working on a so-called student budget. Hence you would need a dog that is not high maintenance.
Believe it or not, several dog breeds meet those criteria. To help you with your decision, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best and worst dog breeds for college students to own.
Table of Contents
List Of Best Dog Breed For College Students
1. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small dog breed with beautiful long fur. The length of their fur means that they require regular grooming, or else their fur may cause tangles and mats. Shih Tzu is generally playful and friendly, and they enjoy resting on their owners’ laps just as much as they would enjoy a good game at the park.
2. Whippet
Whippets are medium-sized hunting dogs. Their athletic nature can be deduced based on their physical appearance. Hence, they compete in agility, rally, and other dog competitions. They are renowned for their obedience and role as therapy dogs. As can be assumed, Whippets are highly affectionate dogs who are great with kids, other dogs, and strangers.
3. Poodle
Poodles are ideal for college students because they are the easiest breeds to train. Poodles are intelligent dogs who adore being given attention. If you train your Poodle well and give them sufficient attention when you can, they could be able to remain alone long enough for you to attend your classes.
4. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a calm-tempered dog who would be the ideal companion for students due to its small size. If you are more of a socialite, you would be pretty satisfied with a French Bulldog because they are highly social dogs. They are ready and can adjust to being around various types of people.
5. Pomeranian
Renowned for their distinct fur coats, Pomeranians are friendly dogs who can also be rather bossy at times. Despite their small size, they can assert themselves as exceptional guard dogs. They are highly loyal and would stand by your side through anything. As a college student, you may find this perky breed interesting.
6. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a medium-sized dog typically between 53 to 62 inches tall, and they weigh between 25 to 32 pounds. Golden Retrievers are versatile dogs who can adapt to various living situations. Although Golden Retrievers can be left alone for quite some time, they are social dogs who need some interaction with the outside world now and then.
7. Bolognese
These dogs were used as status symbols for European nobility during the Renaissance because of their beauty and angelic white fur coats. Despite their long and fluffy fur coats, Bolognese does not shed much. Since they were initially bred to be companions, Bolognese dogs are people-oriented and can find themselves thriving in various homes.
8. Shiba Inu
These dogs are amongst the world’s oldest dog breeds. They were initially bred to be hunting dogs, so they have quite a bit of energy and require an hour of physical exercise daily. Shiba Inus tend to wander off whenever they can, and their stubborn nature and tendency to wander off can be a bit much for the novice dog owner.
9. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has an innate desire to please its owners at any cost, making them easy to train. As a novice dog owner, you will not have much trouble while training your Labrador Retriever. Labs are exceptionally friendly and can adjust to being in any environment. So as long as it is allowed, you can take your Labrador Retriever anywhere.
10. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Known for its elegance and beauty, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is of royal descent. They have long and fluffy fur, which requires significant grooming. They have a medium energy level, so they do not need strenuous physical activity daily. If you have other pets, I recommend opting for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel because they are tolerant of other pets.
11. Irish Wolfhound
Despite being a hound, the Irish Wolfhound does not require much physical exercise, and about an hour of exercise daily would be sufficient for them. Irish Wolfhounds are prey-driven, so they need a fenced yard to prevent them from chasing after their prey and finding themselves in unsavory situations.
12. Lhasa Apso
Lhasa Apso is the ideal dog for students because they have a great sense of humor while still being confident. Their independent and intelligent nature makes them a tad bit challenging to train; however, once they are trained, Lhasa Apso dogs make the ideal companion dogs. They are highly faithful to their owners but can be somewhat aloof towards strangers until they know them.
13. Papillon
Papillons are a toy-sized dog breed. They are joyous dogs who instantly attract various individuals to them. Despite their size, Papillons are highly active dogs, and they are also intelligent and easily trainable. When it comes to being shy, Papillons may have never experienced such sentiments; like to take charge of situations.
14. Greyhound
The Greyhound is among the most gentle and sweet dog breeds. They are good with children, seniors, and other dogs. If you get a Greyhound, you can expect them to be graceful but outgoing. When Greyhounds are playing, they intend on making the most of the situation by genuinely having fun.
15. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs are medium-sized heavy dogs, and they tend to drool quite a lot which should be wiped regularly to prevent them from developing skin infections. Many dog owners often swoon over the English Bulldog’s round and wrinkled face. English Bulldogs are laid-back dogs, but they are prone to excessive weight gain, so you should ensure that they exercise daily.
16. Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is another socialite who loves spending time with their owners. They would be the ideal dog for a student because they tend to be couch potatoes. They can easily lounge around all day while you work; however, if you want some fresh air, they would eagerly join you for a walk around the neighborhood.
17. Borzois
Borzois are happiest when engaged in some form of physical activity. Even though Borzoi was bred to be hunting dogs, they are undeniably graceful in all their movements. Borzoi can lounge around all day, but they need to be given adequate space.
18. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are a dog breed with moderate attention needs, and they can be left alone for quite some time, as long as they get sufficient attention once you get home. They are heavy-boned dogs who are susceptible to weight gain. Hence, you should ensure that your Basset Hound can get daily physical exercise.
19. Clumber Spaniels
Clumber Spaniels can often be found in dog shows doing obedience, rally, and tracking sports. As companions, Clumber Spaniels can adapt to living in apartments and are a good match for novice dog owners. They are not too fond of hot weather but love the cold.
20. Pug
Pugs are lapdogs who are widely loved for their wrinkled and round faces. Their large eyes are loved by many. However, since their eyes are prominent, they can injure or dry up quickly. You should ensure your Pugs eyes are kept moist.
21. Boston Terrier
Bred for companionship, this breed is ideal for college students due to their average energy level. They generally require between 20 to 40 minutes of physical activity daily; a walk or a few rounds of fetch would do the trick. Although these dogs are intelligent and easy to train, they can also be quite stubborn.
List Of Worst Dog Breeds For College Students
1. Dalmatians
Dalmatians are known for their unique dotted fur coats that instantly distinguish them from other breeds. They are athletic dogs who have high energy levels and need extensive physical activity so that they do not grow restless.
2. Chow-Chow
The Chow-Chow is an incredibly fluffy dog breed. They are generally reserved dogs who do not tend to socialize often. They are intelligent and stubborn, so they need an experienced and patient owner to train them adequately. They tend to bark quite a lot, which can be a handful.
3. Weimaraners
The Weimaraner will not be the ideal breed if you are a novice dog owner. Although they are generally excellent companions, they require owners that prefer to spend most of their time outdoors engaging in some physical activity. Their need for physical activity would be too much for a college student to cater for.
4. Rottweilers
Despite common belief, Rottweilers are affectionate dogs who love spending time with their family. However, this is only the case if they are trained in a loving home. Rottweilers are strong and intense dogs who need to be on the go to release their pent-up energy.
5. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is not an ideal breed for college students because of its clingy nature. Chihuahuas love being close to their owners and following them around. They would not be able to be left alone for long hours daily. If they are left alone for long, they will develop destructive habits.
6. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are elites amongst the classes of working dogs. They are easily trainable, and they excel at almost every task. However, they do not do well when left alone for long. German Shepherds are a people breed, and they prefer being around their owners as much as possible.
7. Briard
Briards have distinctive long fur. They do not do well around strangers, so they require early socialization. Briards are dogs who prefer being around people; they are loyal and intelligent. Their temperaments are usually hereditary, so by meeting one of the parents, you would be able to gauge your puppy’s potential temperament.
List Of 5 Best Big Dogs For College Students
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Basset Hound
- Borzoi
- Clumber Spaniel
Things To Know Before Choosing A Dog Breed For College Students
Size
When choosing a dog breed, you should carefully consider its size. Yes, large dogs are exceptional partners. However, as a college student with limited funds, a large dog may not be a viable option.
Large dogs tend to consume more food than smaller dogs, so you would have to spend significantly more on food for a large dog than you would for a small dog. Small dogs also generally require less exercise and are easier to bathe than large dogs.
Easy To Train
A dog’s trainability is an essential consideration before committing to that breed. You should opt for a dog who can easily be trained. You may not have access to professional dog trainers, so you should choose a breed that responds well to at-home training and adapts quickly.
However, your dog’s trainability does not mean that you should lack patience while training them. Training the most trainable breed can be frustrating, especially if you are a novice dog owner. With patience, you will be able to train your dog effectively.
Are They Sociable
You should consider the breed’s social tendencies. If you are a social individual who loves spending time with various individuals and constantly has people out, then you should opt for a more social dog breed that would be able to interact with your guests with ease.
However, if you are not a socialite, you could choose a dog breed that tends to keep to itself. Your social tendencies will affect the species which would be ideal for you.
Low Energy Breeds Are Good To Go
As college students, you may find it challenging to have a dog with high energy levels and physical activity needs. Hence, you should opt for low-energy breeds to have flexibility in physical exercise.
Dogs tend to get restless when they are not allowed to release their pent-up energy. So, when you choose a dog breed, take your schedule’s flexibility and your energy levels into account.
FAQ
Are German Shepherds Good For College Students?
No, German Shepherds are not good dogs for college students. College students would have to leave their dogs alone for quite some time while they attend classes. However, German Shepherds are incapable of being left alone for long.
Are Dogs Good For College Students?
Yes, dogs are good for college students. Dogs are great companions for anyone as they brighten up your day and teach college students a sense of responsibility and accountability.
Are Labs Good College Dogs?
Yes, Labrador Retrievers are good dogs for college students. They are amongst the best dogs to be owned by novice dog owners, and they are also amongst the easiest dogs to train.
Are Beagles Good Dogs For College?
Yes, Beagles can be good dogs for college students, and they are small and do not require extensive grooming. However, they are renowned for being quite vocal.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds are ideal for college students. As college students, you are faced with many limitations in terms of the space you have available to yourself and your financial disposition. You should keep all these limitations in mind before getting a dog.
Before you get a dog, you should also be sure of your accommodation to know whether they allow dogs or not. It would be a shame to leave your dog because your accommodation does not allow dogs.
