College life is full of excitement, experiences, and study sessions, which come along with the challenge of small spaces, especially for students living in dorms. But that doesn’t mean that you can not have a pet by your side.
While not all colleges allow owning a dog, some of them have pet-friendly housing or allow emotional support animals with the right policies. For those lucky enough to bring a pup along, it is essential to choose the right dog breed that fits the college lifestyle.
Ideal dogs for dorm life are small, quiet, low-maintenance, and adaptable to busy schedules. They should also be content with limited space and a laid-back lifestyle with a little burst of energy, some times of the day that can be managed by some outdoor time.
In this list, we will explore dog breeds that thrive in dorm life. They are tiny, calm and easy to care for, making them great roommates for busy college students.
Dog Breeds for College Students Living in Dorms
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Quick Facts:
Size: Small dogs (13-18 lbs)
Energy level: Moderate
Grooming: Medium
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are practically made for the dorm life. They are small in size which means they fit easily in to tight rooms. They are sweet natured and a famously affectionate breed which means they can keep you company through study sessions.
They are quiet, adapt quickly and rarely cause any trouble, which is perfect for student lifestyle. They do not need a huge back yard or hours of exercise. A couple of short walks and a few indoor play sessions will keep them happy.
Due to their friendly nature they get along well with everyone, even strangers and other animals. They do need some grooming though. Regular brushing not only keeps their silky coats free of tangles, it also provides a great opportunity for bonding with your pet. Another bonus? It helps in easing your stress!
2. Dachshund
Quick Facts:
Size: Standard-Miniature (<11-32 lbs)
Energy level: Moderate
Grooming: low to medium
Dachshunds may be small but they hold pretty spunky personalities. Known as ‘Weiner dogs’ or ‘Hot dogs’ they have long slender bodies that were once useful in hunting badgers from their burrows. They are playful and brave and bring a lively energy to small apartments and spaces.
They are known for being overly attached to their owners and work great for emotional support. Miniature Dachshunds are specially well suited for dorm environment because of their compact size.
They do need regular exercise in the form of daily walks, and mental stimulation with interactive toys but are happy to snuggle under the blanket for the rest of the time. As per PetMD, they are prone to barking, specially when they sense their owner is in danger, which can be managed with early training and proper socialization.
3. French Bulldog
Quick Facts:
Size: Small (16-28 lbs)
Energy level: Low to Moderate
Grooming: Low
French bulldogs are one of the top choices for student dorm rooms. These compact and muscular pups have a chill vibe that fits perfectly with the smaller living spaces. They are affectionate dogs, yet not so clingy, and do not require much space or exercise. Short walks and indoor toys can keep them happy.
Frenchies are big fans of nap times and snuggles as they spend most of their day snoozing. They are not barkers, their short coats are easy to care for, and they don’t even shed much. All of these qualities mean that the students don’t have to stress much about their maintenance.
However, due to their brachycephalic, flat faces, they can overheat easily and may be prone to breathing issues. Hence, dorms with ventilation and preferably in colder climates are more suitable for them.
4. Pug
Quick Facts:
Size: Small (14-18 lbs)
Energy level: Moderate
Grooming: Medium
Pugs are the ultimate mood boosters for dog lovers because of their goofy personality. They are energetic and affectionate, always ready to be part of fun. Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living and dorms.
They are people lovers so they quickly become a hit with visitors and college fellows who may stop by. Pugs are excellent at reading emotions of their best human and make great companions.
One thing to note is that they do shed a bit and need their wrinkly faces to be cleaned regularly to prevent skin issues. They are noisy too, often found huffing and barking around random objects.
But, if you notice louder snoring, snorting, or trouble in sleeping, you must check with vet as they are prone to a breathing problem (BOAS) due to their flat features, as recommended by PDSA.
5. Chihuahua
Quick Facts:
Size: Tiny (2-6 lbs)
Energy level: Moderate to high
Grooming: low to medium
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world, but their personalities are way bigger than them. For college students living in dorms, their petite size is a major plus. All they care about is to be in your lap or on the bed, the size of the room does not even matter that much.
They bond tightly with one person and become loyal and affectionate pets. Hence, they are prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They sometimes have a spunky and sassy attitude and can be surprisingly vocal, especially around strangers and unfamiliar noises. Early socialization and training keep this in check.
Despite their size, they are alert and high energy dog, often zipping around the room during play time. Walks and indoor games keep them happy. Grooming is pretty manageable too with brushing a few times a week.
6. Poodle
Quick Facts:
Size: Toy (4-6 lbs), Miniature (10-15 lbs)
Energy level: High
Grooming: Regular
Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world. They are trainable, responsive and entertaining. For dorm rooms, toy and miniature poodles are the most suitable sizes. They thrive on mental stimulation so they are great for students who can provide them with interactive toys, short training sessions or creative games.
One of their biggest advantages is their hypoallergenic coats, meaning that they shed very little. It keeps the room tidy and allergy-free. That said, their curly coats require regular grooming to keep free of mats and tangles.
They are also very social, loving, and adaptable, forming strong bonds with their humans. They love visitors and get along well with other breeds, too.
7. Shih Tzu
Quick Facts:
Size: 99-16 lbs)
Energy level: low to moderate
Grooming: High
Shih Tzus are sweet little dogs with a calm and affectionate nature. They were bred for companionship so their main goal is simple, to love and to be loved. They are quiet, friendly and not overly demanding, making them ideal for students who don’t want a pup to be bouncing off the walls.
Their exercise needs are minimal, usually walks and indoor games are enough. Their long, flowy coats need maintenance as well as professional grooming to be manageable. Owners keep them in a puppy cut to make them low maintenance. As per WebMD, brushing their double coat daily is essential too.
They love socializing, so having friends over is not a problem with these dogs. They love being the center of attention.
Conclusion
Bringing a dog to college can be a deeply rewarding experience, especially when you choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and living situations. Dorm-friendly dogs are small with personalities of their own. What they all have in common is their love for comfort and companionship. They can bring you joy in one of the most exciting yet challenging chapters of your life.
College can be stressful, but having a furry friend to come back to takes a bit of the load off your shoulders. Taking care of their daily needs can offer bonding times and make dorms a bit less lonely!
