Dorm life can be a whole new adventure as well as an emotionally challenging situation away from home. If you’re a dog person, you can benefit from keeping a furry friend along to help you feel a bit more at home and less lonely.
The first thing to find out is whether your college allows dogs in the dorms. If it does, the next step is to look for the right dog breeds that are well-suited for college life and won’t become a nuisance in a dorm setting. Smaller and quieter dogs will be easy to manage and won’t cause disturbance.
If you’re ready to make the move and add a furry sidekick to keep you company in your college dorm, go through our review of 7 dog breeds that can live happily in dorms.
7 Amazing Dog Breeds Perfect for College Dorms
1. French Bulldog
From people living in apartments to those in college dorms, French Bulldogs provide amiable and loving companionship to those who reside in smaller living spaces.
Frenchies have a moderate energy level, which means they will stay relatively calm and won’t mind lounging by your bed or sofa. They don’t need a lot of physical activity, but make sure you don’t completely ignore them or deprive them of some playtime.
They’re happy-go-lucky pups in general and well-suited for students with a hectic routine. So, while you work on your next presentation, your Frenchie will keep itself busy playing with a toy you got it. Due to their affectionate nature, they will offer you emotional support by cuddling.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are dogs with a gentle and loving nature that adapt quickly to apartment living and dorm lifestyle. They’re compact with a quiet nature and a tendency to get along with most people.
College lifestyle has its own demands, and having a high-maintenance and high-energy dog on top of that can be draining. A sweet indoor pet like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great option for dog lovers living in college dorms who want a furry companion without an insane amount of work.
They have only moderate physical activity needs, so short walks will pretty much do the trick. They’ll need some regular grooming, but brushing and bathing occasionally is enough.
3. Pug
Pugs are one of the best dog breeds for college students due to their small size, which makes them ideal for living in a limited space. These tiny but muscular dogs generally have a good nature and a moderate need for exercise.
With their cute wrinkly and masked faces, Pugs make us fall in love with them and also offer unconditional love to their pet parents. Students living in hot and humid climates should avoid adopting a Pug as they’re brachycephalic dogs. But if you do own a Pug in a climate like this, keep them indoors.
The best thing about Pugs is that while they’re excellent companions, they’re not very clingy. They don’t freak out around strangers, which makes them a good choice for communal living situations.
According to Britannica, Pugs are moderate barkers and easier to train despite being stubborn at times.
4. Dachshund
Dachshunds (also called “wiener dogs” or Doxie) are an interesting choice of pets for students living in dorm rooms. They were originally bred in Germany to chase badgers out of their hiding places. They make amazing pets for dorm environments as well as small apartments.
Dachshunds are called wiener or sausage dogs due to their long bodies and tiny legs. With a comical but cute appearance, these dogs will help you relax during stressful academic times. Their adaptable nature helps them get used to a living situation where they’ll encounter other people.
They’re generally low-maintenance dogs in terms of grooming; brushing occasionally or once or twice a week is good enough. Dachshunds have a thing for following interesting scents and digging; just let your dorm mates know.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are really pretty dogs with a lush coat that looks elite once washed and combed. Apply some doggo conditioner and you’ll be the envy of the dormitory as the pet parent of the cutest dog.
Shih Tzus make amazing lapdogs and are happy spending time indoors, making them one of the best dog breeds for college dormitories. With their friendly nature and gleaming, dark eyes, they’ll make everyone fall for them.
They’re amazing for first-time dog owners due to their laid-back personality and minimal exercise needs. Some indoor playtime is something you should never deprive your pup of.
Grooming your adorable Shih Tzu is something you shouldn’t ignore. The American Kennel Club suggests daily brushing with a wire brush with flexible pins.
6. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas make great dorm buddies due to their small size and stress-free presence. They make very chill pets that can happily live indoors in limited spaces. They love to spend quality time with their humans and are prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long hours.
As one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, Chihuahuas are very easy to carry around. They don’t require extensive exercise but love to play games like fetch. They won’t mind brief walks outside as well; make sure to watch out for signs of exhaustion and pick them up if you notice any.
Chihuahuas can be reluctant to warm up to strangers; early socialization training makes them adapt better. They’re also very chatty dogs, so if this is something others in the dorm are going to object to, you should weigh your options.
7. Poodle
Poodles are the royalty of the dog kingdom with their versatility, luxurious coats, and diva-like personalities. They make amazing partners for student lifestyle and dorm life due to their joyful nature and hypoallergenic coats.
Their curly coats and cute faces win hearts, while their playful, clownish energy keeps things fun. Poodles come in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard poodle, according to the American Kennel Club. You can pick your ideal size based on how much space and time you think you’ll have.
These energetic and smart pups will enjoy mental stimulation as well as a good amount of regular exercise. Poodles love different kinds of activities, like swimming, jogging, and playing fetch. They’re super lovey-dovey dogs and want their humans to give them a lot of attention.
Daily brushing is a must for Poodles to keep their thick, curly coat from getting tangled and developing matts. Trimming their hair short is also a great idea to make it easier to manage.
Conclusion
All dog breeds have their pros and cons, and deciding which one will work for you takes some honest evaluation of your schedule and environment. Knowing each dog’s health and upkeep needs is also very important in making the right pick.
Some other breeds you can consider as your dorm companions are: Bichon Frise, Basset Hounds, and Golden Retrievers.
