What breeds of dogs are best for a college student(pretend that the size of the dog doesn't matter)?

Question

I'm not in college yet, but I know that when I do go to college, I would like a dog...I would prefer a smaller one, but regardless I would like suggestions. Let's just assume that I'm going to be renting a house with some friends so the dog could go out. Any breed that can handle being alone while I'm at school, isn't prone to health problems, is friendly and gentle, and won't destroy the house. Any suggestions??

Answer 1

Unfortunately, any breed can have health problems, behavior problems, and can destroy a house. There's no "perfect" breed - they all have their ups and downs.

Based on my personal experience, I would STRONGLY advise against getting a dog while in college. I did, and I have regretted it every day since then. The dog was alone far longer than any dog should be when I was at class, and then after class when I wanted to hang out with my friends, I had to make the decision whether to go out with them or to go home to the dog to let him out, feed him, and exercise him. Usually I would very grumpily and reluctantly go home to him, but I would much rather have been out and about and experiencing college life. Every dog needs time dedicated to training it, and I just didn't have that time, so the dog was not very well behaved. You can't do anything spur of the moment like road trips or overnights because you have to take care of the dog. It's difficult to concentrate on homework and study when there is a dog constantly shoving a tennis ball into your lap, and you feel awful when all he wants to do is play or go on a walk and you just plain don't have the time or energy. Not to mention if you go to school somewhere with a winter and the last thing you want is to take him outside in the middle of winter.

Also, if you ever have any parties at your house, people mess with your dog. They will try to get it high, drunk, tease it, etc. It sounds awful, but I have seen it over and over. It's a horrible situation for a dog to be in and it's almost impossible to prevent, because you can't be there ALL the time - you have to at least go to the bathroom once! And keeping it locked in a room when you have people over isn't fair to him - they are social animals who just want to hang out with their family.

Also consider breaks - when you go home, what are you going to do with the dog? You can't leave him there alone, it's a pain to travel with them - and flying with them is very expensive. Not to mention the fact that your parents or whoever you are visiting might not want a dog in the house.

A dog is a huge responsibility to take on in a time in your life when you should be focusing on having fun and being a college student. I love and adore my dog, but I wish I had waited to get him until I was out of school. If you really want a pet, consider a cat perhaps, who will be far more independent and won't require as much of your time, who you won't have to run home to let out to go potty, who you can leave overnight on its own, and who won't need a lot of attention and exercise.

If you read all this and still want a dog - and please, please think about it long and hard - consider an older dog, as they will be more settled (without the crazy puppy energy) and will be able to hold "it" longer, and maybe look for one from a shelter that has been fostered or one from a rescue, as they often have lived in houses before and have at least basic obedience training down.

Answer 2

I would recommend not getting a small breed because contrary to many people's beliefs that large breeds require more space many small breeds are incredibly hyper. I am a college student and have a dog, so do not let people's you don't have time discourage you. I think having a pet can be a great stress reliever. I would definitely say do not get a puppy, get a dog between 2 and 5 years old. The older the dog the more likely to be mellower and less likely to destroy the house. Most breeds are prone to some health problems, so that is something you will just need to accept as being a pet owner. One of my favorite breeds is pit bulls. They are extremely friendly and loyal, All they want is your love and affection and they want to please you so they listen rather well. However, they are energetic when young and may be prone to hip issues. The Humane Society has a lot of good options for pets and they already are altered and have some vaccinations. Good luck.

Answer 3

All dogs are different smaller breeds have to go to the bathroom more often so I would prefer a bigger breed one that can guard the house when no one is there upon experience and some dogs friends have had the best ones would be German Shepards, Pitbull Terrier but not just any you dont want game bred any of that mixture stuff that people try to breed with pure pitbulls I have a American Rednose and she is the best dog and smartest dog I have every had and plays with any breed of dog not aggressive at all. Labradors are also smart. But regardless of any dog you still have to make time to train it otherwise you will be very impatient while going to school and trying to take care of a dog.

Answer 4

Well, having recently gotten some help from a rescue group to place a stray dog we took in, one of the things they told me was that the 2 main people to send their dogs to shelters were college students and military people. That's not to say they didn't have good intensions, but for the military personal, if they get relocated, it can sometimes mean that bringing the family dog isn't an option... off to the shelter or rescue group. For a college student, usually they work, go to school and are typically very busy with all of this and get a dog only to realize they really don't have the proper time for it.

I'm not saying that all college students don't manage to have a dog without lack of time being an issue, but it is very common. You really need to consider not only your first few years, but all of your college time, as the dog will definitely out live your time in college. You may have time the first couple of years, but you may find years 3,4 or more, to be far more time consuming (normal for college).

I'm not trying to be mean here, I know that desire of really wanting to have a dog in your life, but it's really important you evaluate your situation now and in the future to really determine if having a dog will be in the dog's best interest. You have to make sure you have the time that a dog will need... even "low maintenance" types, still take a lot of time and work. So please consider this before committing to getting a dog while your in school.

Answer 5

Not prone to health problems? All dogs have health problems common to the breed. College students, unless there will be someone at the house available at all times for the dog or the dog would only be left alone for short stints, wouldn't be a good idea to have one. Dogs, especially puppies, are a huge responsibility and require alot of time and dedication.

Answer 6

I understand that you want to get a dog when you are in college. Just make sure you understand what a HUGE responsibility it is! not to mention the amount of time it will take up. what ever you imagine it to take, triple it, seriously. i never imagined having a dog would be as time consuming as it is. there is no way i could have enjoyed my college years the way i did if i knew there was a dog waiting for me at home. what it you decide to study abroad? what if you want to stay out all night? spring break trips? these are all things to consider. also, financially, how will you pay vet bills, food, toys? vets are expensive, and things come up that you can't anticipate. i know most college students aren't exactly rolling in the dough. if you are SET on getting a dog, go for something smaller so it will be easier to manage. just do a lot of thinking before you commit. good luck!

Answer 7

Sorry, but this really isn't the situation that a dog of any kind would thrive in. Dogs are highly social animals, and even relatively independent dogs would not enjoy being left alone for this long a time.

If you want some sort of pet, your best bet is a cat. Cats are much more independent and might not mind being left alone so much, as long as you make up the time being gone with lots of attention when you get back.

Answer 8

A well-trained mutt! Mutts often have less genetic health issues than purebreds. But, all dogs can destroy property if left home alone for long periods and if they're not well-trained. If you do get a dog, make sure your roommates have different schedules so they could take your dog out when you're not home!

Answer 9

I'd like to suggest volunteering with a rescue group, instead of actually owning a dog. When I was in college, I missed having a dog very badly and so did my room-mate. She discovered a rescue group through one of her classmates and decided to help out. I ended up becoming involved, as well. We had so much fun playing with all those dogs. We cleaned runs, kennels, and helped out on adoption days. It really helped relieve stress and lessen the void of being dog-deprived. It also lead me to my career choice of becoming a vet tech.

Answer 10

Remember this the smaller dogs are insecure and will bark a lot but are fun to play with and easier to take care of and the big dogs are a little more to handle but are great protection and will not be insecure!