8 Best Dog Breeds for Small Apartments & College Dorms

college student walking dogs

College can be fun but also tough. Sometimes you just need a buddy who’s always there for you, wagging their tail and super pumped to see you, no matter what kind of day you’ve had.

What’s more, dogs are like walking, barking stress relievers. Having a bad day at college? Your dog won’t care about that failed test. They’ll just be there to cheer you up.

But, many student apartments and dorms are pretty tight on space. It’s not always fair or practical to keep a larger dog in a small living area. What’s more, some apartments or campuses have strict no-pets policies, or they might allow only certain sizes or breeds.

And the most challenging part is that between classes, studying, part-time jobs, and social life, students are usually super busy. Dogs need attention, exercise, regular feeding, and bathroom breaks. It’s a lot to juggle.

What to do in this case? Luckily, there are a lot of tools and services that make student life easier. Students can get help from professional writers online, without leaving their homes. If you use a writing service like essay helper, you’ll have more time to spend with your four-legged friends.. Academic experts can make it possible for you to juggle everything. With their assistance, you can start choosing a dog to buy. Here are our picks for the best breeds for student life.

1. French Bulldog

These little guys are known for their laid-back attitude. They aren’t high-energy dogs, which means they don’t require a ton of exercise and are happy to chill with you while you study. Plus, they tend to be on the quiet side, so you won’t have to worry about them making too much noise and disturbing your neighbors. Their small size also makes them a good fit for apartment living.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Meet the ultimate canine companion that’s always ready to adapt. With their friendly faces and sweet nature, Cavaliers make top-notch pals for students. They’re not gym junkies – a brisk walk or playful romp satisfies their exercise needs. Plus, they’ve mastered the art of inside voices, so say goodbye to noise complaints. And their compact size? Perfect for those cozy apartment vibes.

3. Boston Terrier

Think of Boston Terriers as the quiet intellectuals of the dog world. These little dynamos are built for apartment living, bringing all the friendliness you could want without an unnecessary ruckus. They enjoy some exercise – think daily walks or play sessions – but they won’t bounce off the walls if they don’t run a marathon every day.

4. Bichon Frise

With their sunny personalities and fluffy hypoallergenic coats, Bichons are like little rays of sunshine for any apartment. They’re friendly, love to hang out, and training them is usually a breeze. They’ve got the energy to burn, sure, but they don’t need a whole park to do it—a small living room works just fine.

5. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus take their role as “companion dogs” to heart. They’re all about love and sociability, without needing to run a 5k every day. They’re just as happy to snuggle on the couch as they are to go for a walk, making them a great pick for busy students who want a furry friend to hang out with.

6. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are small, lively, and typically very loyal to their owners. They’re intelligent and can be trained to follow the rules, but they do need some mental stimulation. They aren’t as demanding in terms of exercise as larger dogs and can get a lot of their exercise just running around indoors.

7. Pugs

These friendly and charming little dogs are known for their sociable and easygoing nature. Pugs don’t need a lot of exercise, but they do enjoy walks and playtime. They’re often good with other people and pets, which can be a plus in a shared living situation or if you’re in an area with lots of other students. One thing to note is that Pugs can be prone to some health issues due to their distinctive flat faces, so they need careful attention to their diet and shouldn’t be exercised too hard, especially in hot weather.

8. Dachshund

Known for their distinctive shape, Dachshunds are playful and intelligent. They can be a good choice for apartment living because they’re small and don’t require as much exercise as some breeds. They enjoy walks and playtime, though, and they’ll appreciate having toys and puzzles to keep their minds active. Dachshunds are known for their loyalty and can make great companions. Although they can be a bit stubborn at times, so consistent training is important.

With so many choices of the best dogs for college students, you must easily find a pet that will match your lifestyle.

Scott Robertson

Scott Roberts is a seasoned writer with a passion for animal welfare. He has been writing professionally for over a decade. Scott combines her experiences as a former international student and a dog lover to provide unique insights and advice. He volunteers at his local animal shelter in his spare time.

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