When students move away from home, some have a difficult time adjusting to campus life.
They leave behind many important components of their youth, including friends, family, extracurricular activities, and pets. It’s not uncommon for students to get a little lonely while they’re pulling an all-nighter or relaxing before a study group meeting.
How can a student who has just moved away from home find company, stress relief, undivided attention, and eternal loyalty?
The answer: a dog, of course! Canines have been constant companions to the human race for thousands of years, so man’s best friend might be just what you need to help you adjust to college life.
Read on to find which breeds are the best dogs for college students just like you!
1. Yorkipoo
The Yorkipoo is an energetic little dog that does well in apartments and is fantastic at making adjustments (consider an automatic dog ball launcher for extra stimulation). Despite its barking (which, by the way, is just adorable), the Yorkipoo can make a great pet for college students living off campus.
Between classes, assignments, and social life, it can be difficult for college students to be active with regard to their health.
The great news is that Yorkipoos will definitely keep you on your toes and possibly improve your health through more exercise with their high levels of energy and playfulness; your dog will not be afraid to tell you when it’s time to get off the couch, turn off your laptop and get some fresh air.
2. Bolognese
Bolognese dogs are well known for their ability to adjust to new surroundings and remain in fairly good health. Such traits make a convenient match for college students also adjusting to new situations. Since the Bolognese often remain in good health, students living on a tight budget won’t have to worry about too many health expenses.
Regular veterinarian visits are still necessary (if not required). Of course, such visits are likely to be less frequent and expensive as your canine pal will require much less medical testing and procedures than other breeds of dogs might (please note, however, that your dog’s health and other characteristics will depend on its gender, genetics and personality along with its breed).
3. Cockapoo
One of the best dogs for college students is definitely the Cockapoo.
According to “Dog Time” website, “the Cockapoo is intelligent enough to train easily, hardly sheds, forgives quickly, and is so affectionate that you’ll never feel alone.” Therefore, it’s easy to see how such a dog breed could be both convenient and more enjoyable for college students.
Little shedding ensures less of a necessity for cleaning and grooming with a Cockapoo. You’ll also find that you can easily balance your schedule to give you sufficient amounts of time for classes and studying while still allotting enough time to do the small amount of training that is appropriate for your Cockapoo. Plus, above all, Cockapoos are adorable (so, enough said).
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are not only beautiful dogs; they are also loyal companions who will be there for you when you need them the most. They need constant exercise to burn some of their energy, but the great thing is that they are friendly and, for the most part, adaptable.
They are very easy to train and therefore will not become a burden of any type for students with busy schedules. Make sure to get your lab the best nutrition for their needs, and you have got an energetic friend for your college life.
5. Siberian Husky
You’ve probably seen the Siberian Husky portrayed in movies and TV shows as a type of snow dog; if so, you have observed merely some of the many possible abilities and climates in which a Siberian Husky is able to thrive.
Such dogs are able to withstand both warm and cold temperatures, so if you’re a sucker for the beach or an avid snow-lover, the Siberian Husky might just be the right dog for you. Trainability, fair adaptability, playfulness, and gorgeous blue eyes make the Siberian Husky a tough breed to beat — especially for outdoor-enthusiast students (no matter where they live or what the time of year is).
6. Shiba Inu
Are you new to dog “parenting”? Great! The Shiba Inu is a fantastic pet for inexperienced college students who are looking to get a dog. With a less major need for physical activity and play than some other dog types, your Shiba Inu will allow you to spend more time focusing on studies than you would be able to if your pet had a high level of playfulness and a “need for speed.”
Do note, however, that if you have easily annoyed neighbors, it might be a little bit difficult to maintain good relations with them as the Shiba Inu has been known to bark and howl fairly commonly. However, Shiba Inu are usually friendly and good with strangers and other dogs. To put things in simpler terms, the Shiba Inu is a friendly but loud breed.
Keep your dog active with one of those squeaky toys. These toys were nominated for the best dog toys in 2023 by Dog-Gear.
7. Akita
A bear-resembling canine, the Akita is a great fit for college students desiring a quiet, semi-active companion. The Akita is known for its loyalty and sufficient trainability which makes the dog a great play pal. Though, if you’re looking for a “skinny-mini” dog, the Akita will not be the right fit for you as males can weigh up to 130 pounds in adulthood.
Thankfully, the canine’s shedding is not constant; rather, the Akita’s shedding tends to occur on a seasonal basis. Based on its fur type, shedding will likely not be as severe as would be the case with a dog with longer fur.
Adopt, Don’t Buy!
Every day, many dogs find themselves without a loving environment to call home. In fact, roughly 3.3 million dogs are placed in shelters every year.
At least one shelter dog out there has to be the best fit for a college student, right? So, what are you waiting for? Go and get yourself a shelter dog.
Contrary to the beliefs of some people, dogs make great companions for college students, especially those who want to claim their dog ate their homework, but you didn’t hear it from us!
