Good Dogs for College Students

Going away to college is exciting, but leaving your beloved dog behind isn’t. If you’re a dog person, the idea of four or more years in a pet-free living environment might sound lonely and empty.

Fortunately, more colleges are allowing students to bring dogs to campus. That means you might not have to say goodbye to the family pet when you head off to school. This guide discusses some good dogs for college students and lists the breeds you should consider.

Characteristics of Good Dogs for College Students

There are a few things to keep in mind before ushering your dog into the car for the trip to campus. Not all dogs are suited for life in a small, confined space, and not all colleges allow pets on campus.

Dogs that are adaptable and easygoing are good for college students. They should be able to handle noise and crowds without getting too stressed out. Active dogs who need a lot of exercise may not be the best fit for a busy college lifestyle. Dogs who bark or chew on things may also not be the best choice, as they can quickly become a nuisance to roommates or hallmates.

Here are six characteristics to look for when choosing a dog to bring to college.

Dogs That Don’t Shed

Dogs that don’t shed, also known as hypoallergenic dogs, are ideal for college dorms and apartments. Even if you don’t have allergies, you never know if you’ll end up with one or more roommates who do. Hypoallergenic dogs have other benefits, as well. Because they don’t have as much hair to brush, they’re easier to groom. And they won’t leave fur all over your stuff, which can become a mess quickly, particularly in a small dorm or apartment.

Poodles
“Doodle” dogs (Poodle mixes such as Goldendoodles and Labradoodles)
Bichon frises
Miniature Schnauzers
Yorkshire terriers

Dogs That Don’t Bark (Much)

If you’re going to have a dog in your college dorm or apartment, look for one that barks very little. A quiet dog provides companionship without disrupting your neighbors and hallmates, potentially turning you into a pariah on your dorm floor. A quiet dog is also less high-maintenance and won’t drive you crazy when you’re trying to study and it wants to go outside for its ninth walk of the day. Finally, college can be stressful, especially during exams. The constant yap-yap-yap of a vocal dog can add to that stress.

Dog breeds known for their soundlessness include:

Basenjis
Cavalier King Charles spaniels
French bulldogs
Irish setters

Dogs With Good Temperaments

A dog with a good temperament is more predictable and easier to handle than an aggressive or high-strung pet. It is less likely to be combative and will generally get along well with other animals and people. These traits are necessities when you and your dog will be living in close quarters with others, whether in a dorm or in an on-campus or off-campus apartment.

You have many breeds to choose from when looking for a dog with a good temperament. Breeds known for having a good temperament include:

Labrador retrievers
Golden retrievers
Border collies
Beagles
Boston terriers
Mutts (mixed-breed dogs)

Dogs That Don’t Require Too Much Exercise

In college, you’re probably not going to be living somewhere with a big, fenced-in yard where your pup can run around and burn off energy. During times when your coursework piles up, your dog might be lucky to get a couple of long walks in every day. So, a dog that requires a lot of exercise to stay sane and healthy probably isn’t the best choice.

Fortunately, there are plenty of breeds that are ideal for busy college students who don’t have the time or energy to exercise their dog daily.

Breeds that can get by with less exercise include the following:

Bulldogs
Cocker spaniels
Basset hounds
Boston terriers
Pugs
Miniature pinschers

Dogs That Are Good With Strangers

You want a dog that will protect you in the event of an active threat, like someone accosting you late at night as you walk across campus. But when you’re a college student, a dog that is too protective or weary of strangers probably isn’t your best choice. Colleges campuses are crowded, and your dog will have people approaching it daily.

Plus, you’ll be making new friends constantly, and you’ll likely be dating. Do you really want a dog that growls and snaps at every new person who comes over?

Dogs that are comfortable with strangers are more warm and welcoming, and they can still provide a sense of security when necessary. They’re often easier to train as well.

Dog breeds known to be good with strangers include:

Basenjis
Beagles
Basset hounds
Boston terriers
Labrador retrievers
Golden retrievers
Pugs

Dogs With Minimal Health Problems

Two things most college students are short on are time and money. Unfortunately, a chronically sick dog requires a lot of both. The vet bills pile up quickly, as do the hours spent tending to your ailing pup.

For these reasons, you should lean toward breeds known for having minimal health problems. These include:

Basenjis
Border collies
Corgis
English springer spaniels
Beagles
Miniature schnauzers

Why Bring a Dog to College

Bringing a dog to college can provide companionship, fun, exercise, and security. Dogs can also help reduce stress and make you more social. Plus, they’re great for entertaining guests and making new friends on campus. Here are some reasons why bringing a dog to college is a great idea:

You’ll Always Have a Friend

As fun and exciting as college can be, it can also be a lonely time for many students, especially the first semester or two when you’re still getting your bearings down and getting to know people. Having a loyal canine friend around as a constant companion can help you stave off loneliness during this transitional period.

You’ll Get More Exercise

It’s easy to get into a sedentary routine during college, especially when exams are looming and you’re spending hours in the library. A dog forces you to get outside and move at least a couple times a day.

Dogs Are a Great Ice Breaker

People love dogs, and when you walk yours around campus, they’ll want to pet it and play with it. This is a great way to break the ice with new people and make friends on campus.

Dogs Are Good Study Partners

Spending hours in your room cramming for a chem final can be not just lonely but boring. A dog breaks up the monotony but still allows you to study in peace.

Dogs Are Good for Your Mental Health

If you’ve followed the news in recent years, you know that mental illness rates are unfortunately soaring among college students. Dogs can help in the fight against depression and anxiety by providing companionship and love.

Dogs Don’t Live for Very Long

The life expectancy of a dog is only about eight to 10 years. If you have a family pet you’re attached to at home, you’ll miss as much of half of your pet’s life if you go away to college without it.

Dogs Can Protect You

It’s unfortunate, but physical attacks and sexual assaults do occur on college campuses. Female students can be especially vulnerable. Walking across campus late at night is much safer if your canine companion is by your side.

Do Colleges Allow Dogs?

Most colleges allow leashed dogs on campus, but whether they’re permitted to live in on-campus housing is another story. If you live in a dorm, you’ll more than likely have to provide proof that your dog is either a service animal or an emotional support animal to get permission to have it live in your room with you. And colleges — along with airlines, restaurants, and retailers — are tightening their guidelines as to what qualifies as an emotional support dog.

If you live off campus, your college can’t restrict you from having a dog in your apartment or house, but your landlord can, so make sure you check the rules before signing a lease.

That said, more colleges are shifting to pet-friendly policies, or at least designating certain dorms to allow dogs or cats. There are usually strict guidelines, such as weight limits and breed restrictions, but if you want to have your dog at college starting your freshman year in the dorm, here are a few schools where you can make that happen.

Colleges That Allow Dogs in Freshman Dorms

Eckerd College

Eckerd College is a small liberal arts college in St. Petersburg, Florida, with a picturesque campus right on the Gulf. It has about 2,000 students and is known as the most pet-friendly college in America. Dogs and cats are allowed in almost all dorms, including freshman dorms.

Stetson University

Stetson University is a another Florida liberal arts college located in DeLand, about 40 minutes outside of Orlando. Its undergraduate enrollment is just over 3,000 students. Stetson has two pet-friendly residence halls on campus.

Washington and Jefferson College

Washington and Jefferson College is a small liberal arts college in Washington, Pennsylvania. It has about 1,500 students and low tuition for a private school, and it has a pet-friendly dorm on campus that can house up to 32 students and their furry companions.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

If you want to attend a big state school but still bring a dog to campus, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign allows dogs in on-campus apartments, but not in traditional residence halls. Snagging one of these apartments as a freshman can be a challenge, so it’s a good idea to get your housing deposit in early.

Lyon College

Lyon College is a private liberal arts school in Batesville, Arkansas. It’s small; the enrollment is less than 1,000 students. But the college allows students to bring their dogs to campus starting freshman year. The only two caveats are that the dog must weigh under 50 pounds and it must arrive within the first two weeks of the semester.

The Bottom Line on Bringing a Dog to College

Bringing a dog to college offers a number of benefits for both you and your dog. A dog can provide emotional support, help you make friends, and reduce your stress levels. It also makes for a good companion and a great friend.

If you’re considering bringing a dog to college, be sure to do your research and find an institution that allows pets on campus. And most importantly, make sure you choose a good dog for a college student — one that can enrich your four years at school and help you make memories to last a lifetime.