15 Best Dogs for College Students in 2024

Dogs are adorable. Dogs are wonderful. However, some dogs can be a nightmare to train and handle. If you love dogs but are a student, you should probably avoid getting a Doberman or a Border Collie.

Students lead active and demanding lives. They have a lot to catch up on, such as attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, making time to exercise, and so on.

College students, in particular, are heavily involved in both academic work and a vibrant life outside of campus. There are numerous ways for college students to improve their quality of life, and one of the cutest is to bring a dog into their lives.

Those who already have pet dogs in their homes understand how wonderful it is to have a canine companion.

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What to Consider When Choosing a College Dog

There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether your puppy will be able to survive your college days.

#1. Are they friendly? It may not feel like it on the first day, but your dog must be willing to go and interact with others. A social dog will enjoy having friends over and being around other students on campus. You don’t want to bring a dog who gets nervous around new people.

#2. What’s their size? Let’s be honest: if you arrive at your lodging on day one with a Great Dane, you’re probably not going to be popular (recognizable though). In most cases, having a slightly smaller dog will be more convenient.

#3. Are they house-trained? Your roommates will be grateful if you bring a well-behaved dog to the party. There are no puppies allowed.

#4. What is their level of energy? Dogs with low energy levels are generally the best for college students, especially if you intend to spend the majority of your time studying in the library. A puppy with higher energy levels is probably fine for students who can work from bed. As long as you don’t mind taking regular breaks to play/walk.

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Why do College Students Need Dogs

#1. Dogs boost your self-esteem

A lack of self-confidence when meeting new people is one of the causes of stress. There are several approaches to addressing classroom confidence issues, but they all require stable mental health.

Feelings of support and love foster confidence. Every day, dogs give unconditional love because it is in their nature.

#2. Dogs help to alleviate loneliness

Adjusting to life in a new city after leaving their families and school friends can be difficult. Building new relationships with classmates takes time. Even with new friends, it is possible to feel lonely.

Your dog will always be a trustworthy companion. Pets quickly pick up on their owners’ habits and emotional cues and adapt to assist them in any way they can. Dogs also greet their owners when they return home from a long day at college.

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#3. Dogs assist you in adjusting to city life

Getting a dog provides college students with confidence and love, aids in their adjustment to living in a new location, improves their mental health, and teaches responsibility.

Moving to a big city can be a major source of stress for many college students. Dogs require daily walks (which also helps college students get regular exercise).

Walking the dog allows the student to explore nearby parks and walking trails, which helps them learn about their new surroundings. Walks also provide an excellent opportunity to meet other dog lovers.

Students can usually train their dogs on their own, but sometimes they need professional assistance. Working with a dog trainer or taking training classes can also assist students in adjusting to life in a new city.

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#4. Dogs assist college students

Dogs will always be there for their owners, offering silent (or not so silent) support even on the darkest days. Having a dog improves a college student’s mental health by reducing stress and depression symptoms.

Dogs can also protect their owners from dangerous people on the street and their homes from intruders. Remember that no matter what breed the dog is, it will be loyal to its owner for the rest of its life.

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#5. Dogs instill responsibility

Dogs are similar to children. They are entirely reliant on their owners. Dogs are always fed, walked, trained, and taught commands.

It is also necessary to establish and adhere to a daily routine so that your dog does not feel deprived or neglected, and students have time for themselves.

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Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

So you’ve weighed the benefits and drawbacks of raising a dog in college, but we’re guessing you’re still undecided. Before deciding to raise a dog on campus, consider the following:

• Is my school even dog-friendly?
• Do I have enough room for a dog?
• Do I share a room? What do you think they’d think?
• Is there time for a dog?
• Do you have the time to train my dog?
• Is there a veterinarian nearby?
• Can I afford a dog?
• Do I intend to travel? Are you going on spring break? What about studying abroad?
• Will I be able to fit in some exercise with my dog?
• What breed of dog is best suited to my lifestyle?
• What will my life be like in the next five or ten years?
• Is there anyone who can assist me in caring for it?

And, of course, there is the most important question: am I ready to own a dog?

15 Best Dogs for College Students in 2024

Here are the best dog breeds for college students you should consider;

#1. Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are one of the best dog breeds for college students in the United States, and it’s easy to see why: they’re so loving and entertaining that they’ll melt your heart. They are also quite intelligent and enjoy pleasing their owners, making them one of the world’s easiest breeds to train.

But, before you decide on a golden, you should be aware that they present several challenges that you will need to overcome to provide a good life for your dog and keep your sanity.

Golden retrievers, for example, have a lot of energy and require a lot of space, so you’ll need to take them to the park every day. They also have separation anxiety, so they’ll be sad to see you leave every morning.

However, if you live in a large house (with a large yard) and have several roommates, a golden retriever may be an excellent choice. The Golden Retriever is one of the top 10 best dogs for college students in the United States. 

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#2. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are not only one of the cutest, most adorable, and fluffy dog breeds, but they are also one of the best dog breeds for college students.

When their owner leaves the house, many dog breeds experience separation anxiety.

Pomeranians do not experience separation anxiety, which is why they are ideal for you – a student who is gone most of the time. Not to mention how much they enjoy their company and playing with toys by themselves.

Because knots can easily lead to a skin infection, their fur will require special attention and brushing. Pomeranians are one of the top 10 best dogs for college students. 

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#3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be among the dogs considered ideal for a student. They are small-breed dogs, but not too small. Their personality, rather than their size, makes them an excellent choice.

They are gentle, calm, and loving. These Spaniels enjoy exploring and sniffing around, but it doesn’t take long for them to tire and seek attention.

They cannot be always left alone for long periods because they may experience separation anxiety. The Spaniel is one of the top 10 best dogs for college students. 

#4. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzu is a small dog breed with long, beautiful fur. Because of the length of their fur, they require regular grooming to avoid tangles and mats.

Shih Tzus are generally playful and friendly, and they enjoy resting on their owners’ laps just as much as they do playing at the park. The Shih Tzu is one of the best dogs for college students.

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#5. English bulldogs

There are several English bulldog breeds to choose from, but they all have one thing in common that fits in perfectly with the study lifestyle: they would sleep and eat all day if you let them.

That, of course, would be a problem for both of you. However, if you need to lock yourself in your room to study for midterms or finals, the English bulldog is ideal because you will both need to get up and stretch your legs now and then.

The English Bulldogs is one of the top 10 best dogs for college students. 

#6. Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is unquestionably one of the best dogs for college students, especially if you want to be easily noticed and make new friends everywhere you go.

They’re seriously adorable and amusing puppies who will capture everyone’s attention. Also, they enjoy sleeping and dozing throughout the day, so they won’t mind if you attend a lecture or two.

Equally, they are friendly dogs who are also simple to train and they need a little exercise, but they will need to go for a walk to keep the pounds off.

They can be prone to howling (as can nearly all hounds), so take them for a walk early in the morning to avoid disturbing your roommates!

#7. Labrador Retriever

So, what makes a labrador retriever one of the best dog breeds for college students to train? Let’s look at their characteristics to get a better idea:

• They’re lighthearted and easygoing. The average Labrador retriever is not aggressive.
• Playfulness and a calm demeanor make for an excellent first dog.
• They are bright and easy to train because they will obey your commands without much resistance.
• They are gregarious and get along well with others. They are safe around children and are one of the best breeds to have in a family setting or around children.

This breed is a safe bet if this is your first time owning a dog or if this is your first time owning a dog in college. Labrador retrievers will make your life easier. They are one of the best dogs for college students. 

#8. Poodle

They are intelligent, loving, and affectionate. They enjoy meeting new people, are always up for an adventure, and are surprisingly athletic for their “fancy” appearance.

Perhaps most importantly, they have a “hypoallergenic” coat, which means they are less likely to cause allergies than other dogs. Poodles have only two disadvantages for college students: they are high energy and require regular grooming.

However, these are unlikely to be deal breakers. For the record, you don’t have to have your poodle’s hair trimmed so that he looks like a living cartoon – there are a variety of poodle haircuts that look somewhat “normal.”

Recognize that poodles come in a variety of sizes; not all poodles are small dogs. Standard poodles (the largest variety) can weigh up to 70 pounds.

This may be too large for the average college student, so consider a toy or miniature poodle instead. The Poodles are one of the top 10 best dogs for college students. 

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#9. Whippet

A Whippet is most likely a college student’s dream dog breed. They have a short coat that doesn’t need brushing. They’re small and adorable.

Most importantly, they do not require long walks in the park because they use up their energy quickly.

Furthermore, Whippets are a loving and obedient breed, so you can be confident that they will not cause you any problems.

They are usually very friendly, so if you have a roommate, he will share his love with him as well. “If you’re worried about barking, you should know that they’re very quiet when it comes to barking, so they won’t bother your neighbors. Whippet is one of the top 10 best dogs for college students. 

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#10. Papillon

Papillon is one of the best dogs for college students. The French word for butterfly is papillon. It represents how the hair in and around their ears puffs outward to resemble wings.

This, combined with their fox-like faces, makes them an adorable addition to the life of a college student. They are small dogs who are well suited to living in small apartments.

They’re also very pleasant. The only maintenance they will require is regular brushing of their magnificent coat.

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#11. Bolognese

Because of their beauty and angelic white fur coats, these dogs were usually status symbols for European nobility during the Renaissance. Bolognese, despite their long and fluffy fur coats, does not shed much.

Bolognese dogs  are people-oriented and can thrive in a variety of homes because they were originally bred to be companions. They are one of the best dogs for college students. 

#12. Greyhounds

Choosing a greyhound will get you out running because they are one of the faster breeds but also need to stretch those four legs to stay in shape.

If your living quarters aren’t large enough, the dog’s size may be an issue, but the benefit of getting a greyhound is that they have a very calm demeanor and won’t tear up your furniture or the last week of research you have laying around your room.

This is one of three tall dog breeds, measured from the ground to the tip of the shoulder blade. Make sure there is enough floor space for them to stretch out and lay down. 

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#13. Boston Terrier

One of the best dogs for college students is the American Gentleman. They are small dogs who do well in apartments but also enjoy living with other people.

They’re friendly, inquisitive, and enjoy playing. They have higher energy levels and more demanding exercise requirements than other small breeds.

A good walk or a game of fetch will quickly burn off that energy, and they’ll be content to rest for the rest of the day. Although it is not recommended to leave them (or any breed) alone for extended periods, they will be fine if you go to a lecture or are gone for a few hours.

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#14. Pekingese

If you like dogs, you’ve probably had a thing for Pekingese at some point in your life.

Pekingese is a Chinese dog with a broad head, wrinkled muzzle, and mane of hair on its neck.

They are fearless and intelligent, and you can easily train them at home and bring them to your college.

For healthy growth, make sure to stick to the exercise routine. The Pekingese is one of the top ten best dogs for college students. 

#15. Bichon Frise

If you’re a student, chances are you live in a flat or an apartment. The Bichon Frise dog breed is ideal for this type of situation. Let’s look at why it’s a good option for students: 

• They’re small: That’s the first step. Most students do not live in a large house with a garden. Mostly. A small dog like the Bichon Frise will not cause much trouble or inconvenience in your small home.
• This dog breed is well-known for its cheerful and friendly demeanor. They’re simple to train, adorable, and only require very light exercise.
• This breed’s only high-maintenance feature is its coat, which must be usually trimmed, brushed, and maintained regularly. Otherwise, you’ve got the ideal college dog.

Bichon Frise dogs are usually companion dogs, so they’ll naturally get along and bond with their owners. They’re an excellent choice for a college student looking for a low-maintenance pet. The Bichon Frise is one of the best dogs for college students. 

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Is Your Roommate Going to Love The Dogs

You may adore your pet, but your non-pet-owning roommates may not feel the same way. While you adore your dog, you should be aware that pet ownership can be difficult at times. When living with roommates, there are a few ground rules for caring for a pet.

• Live with Other Animal Lovers: It should go without saying, but living with other animal lovers is a practical way to avoid pet-related disputes from the start. Even if you’re the only one who has a pet, your roommates will understand and tolerate it.
• Maintain Cleanliness in Common Areas: People who do not own dogs or cats frequently do so because they are not interested in that level of responsibility at this time. That means it’s your responsibility to clean up after your dog pukes on the carpet or tears apart one of the pillows in the living room (and to do so quickly). Your roommates are unlikely to want to clean up after your pet, but if they do, make sure to express your gratitude.
• Don’t Make Assumptions: You already know what they say about assuming, so don’t do it. If you’re going to spend the weekend at your boyfriend’s lakeside cabin, for example, that doesn’t automatically make your dog the responsibility of your roommates. Always check with your roommates first.

How do You Care For Dogs

• A safe and clean environment:  A good dog life requires protection from the elements and hazards, as well as good hygiene.
• Fresh water at hand is usually needed: Maintaining proper hydration is essential for good health and energy.
• Obesity Prevention: Overweight humans and animals can harm their health in a variety of ways. Follow your veterinarian’s dietary recommendations based on your dog’s nutritional needs, which are always determined by size, age, level of activity, and breed. Remember to provide healthy treats as rewards rather than table scraps.
• Get Your veterinarian to examine your dog regularly: We will advise you on vaccination schedules, deworming, and external parasite control. Keep a copy of your pet’s vaccination records at home or in your luggage when you travel. If you suspect your pet is ill or injured, or if something doesn’t seem right, contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian is the authority on how to keep your dog healthy. Collaborate with him or her.
• Exercise opportunities:  Make sure your dog gets enough exercise regularly to stay fit. Your dog will be able to participate in its favorite activities if it is in good shape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

A dog can be your best friend, a delightful distraction from your stressful student life, and the impetus for a relaxing walk in the park. However, a dog can assist you with great excuses, such as “my dog ate my assignment.”

In any case, there are more appropriate breeds for a student, but the ones listed above are the best. Of course, every dog, regardless of breed, has a unique personality, but if you want to ensure that your furry friend does not suffer while you are away, these fifteen best dog breeds for college students are among the best.
 

References 

• k9ofmine.com -Best dogs for college students.
• hepper.com -Best dogs breeds for college students.
• toocutedogs.com -Best dogs breeds for college students.
• petplay.com -Best dogs for college students.
• image link 

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