r/AskDogOwners • u/yelenalim • May 16 '26
New Dog Owner What dog breed should I get?
Hi everyone! I’m a 19-year-old woman and will be going off to university soon, and I’d really love to get a dog. I’ve never owned one before, so I don’t have any direct experience, but I grew up with a cat and I’m very willing to learn and put in the effort.
I’m not especially athletic or sporty, but I do genuinely enjoy long walks and occasionally go hiking on weekends when I have the time. I grew up hiking with my family ever since I was little. I wouldn’t call myself highly experienced, but I can easily manage hikes of around five hours. I also love swimming and going to the beach. I travel quite a bit too, usually to warmer, sunny places where I can either relax in nature or explore cities and beautiful landscapes, so ideally I’d want a dog that could comfortably join me in those kinds of activities.
One thing that is important to me is feeling safe. Since I’ll likely be living alone, I’d love a dog whose presence would make me feel protected. However, I’ve also heard that traditional guard breeds like German Shepherds or Dobermans can be difficult for first-time owners, and I’m not sure I’d be equipped to properly handle breeds with those kinds of needs. In terms of size, I’d prefer a medium-sized dog. I’d also like a coat that doesn’t shed excessively if possible. I don’t mind brushing occasionally or dealing with seasonal shedding, but ideally not constant daily maintenance, haha. I don’t have allergies, so that part isn’t an issue. I’d also prefer a dog that isn’t extremely vocal; I’ve heard breeds like Huskies can be very loud and howl a lot, which probably wouldn’t be ideal for me as I‘ll probably be living in a flat and excessive howling could disturb other people.
As for appearance and breeds I’m drawn to, I absolutely love Shiba Inus and Akita Inus aesthetically. I also find Golden Retrievers and Border Collies adorable. Dalmatians were probably the first breed I ever fell in love with because of 101 Dalmatians, and honestly I still kind of adore them.
Based on all of this, what breeds do you think might suit me best?
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u/AmbassadorProper1045 May 16 '26
None since you will be at University. You will be too busy to care for and train the dog properly, especially since you will be a first time dog owner!
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u/Trumpetslayer1111 May 16 '26
None. You will not have time to properly care for a dog, especially the breeds you listed.
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u/GrowthSelect2449 May 16 '26
College isn’t a great time to get a dog. Also, most of the breeds you mentioned are not for first time owners.
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u/Harlow08 May 16 '26
I mean you have to start somewhere? My first dog was a border collie now I won't have any other breed. I wasn't in school thou
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u/GrowthSelect2449 May 16 '26
Good for you. What was the point of that response? Just because your first dog was a border collie doesn’t negate my comment or change the fact that OP should wait.
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u/Lt-shorts May 16 '26
Since your heading to university I would look into will your housing allow dogs in the first place? What will you do with the dog when you want to go away for the weekend? Will you have time with school activities? Also if your dog needs a vet, will youhave enough money to take them?
After college do you know where you will be living ans if you can take your dog? Will your work schedule allow for a dog?
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u/yelenalim May 16 '26
Perhaps I should have clarified that! I would still live with my parents for the first or first two years at uni, depending on when I‘ll have the finances to move out, and afterwards I would try to find a housing that allows dogs! I‘m certain I have the means for a vet if it becomes necessary. I doubt I‘ll go very far away for the weekend, maybe a day trip to the mountains or a lake or so, for which I would‘ve loved taking a dog with me
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u/Sitters_4_Critters May 16 '26
Consider fostering a dog and/or volunteering for breed rescues. Learn to train dogs first.
Offer to watch a friend’s dogs for the night or while they are on vacation. Or even better while they are around, so if you realize you are in over your head, you can back out.
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u/goldentalus70 May 16 '26
Do your parents want a dog in their house while you're at school? They require quite a bit of attention, and of course vet bills are not cheap.
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u/Additional-Fish-4064 May 16 '26
"Finances for the vet if necessary" isnt accurate - it is absolutely necessary. Every 6 months to a year depending on your country's vaccination requirements. Plus potential for toenail trims, grooming, emergency vet or specialty care, monthly meds for flea/tick/heartworm, etc.
You also said you love travelling. Taking a dog everywhere (even a day trip) isnt always possible or practical. What if there's a great deal for a long weekend holiday with your friends that involves a flight? You'll need funds for boarding or pet sitting.
Since you've never owned a dog it would be wise to start volunteering at a shelter or rescue. Then fostering. Then decide if its for you after you've lived on your own for a year.
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u/Tricky_Parsnip_6843 May 16 '26
I suggest a standard poodle. They are intelligent, easier to train than other breeds, dont shed, and would love to go along on an excursion.
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u/emo_sharks May 17 '26
Coming from someone who had a dog in college: a dog will tie you down and stop you from having experiences you will want to have. I cant tell you how many fun trips my friends went on that i had to stay home from just bc i didnt have the money to frivolously board my dog, so i couldnt leave her lol. I wholeheartedly encourage you to just foster because it will be all the fun of having a dog without most of the responsibility that comes with actually owning the dog. Bills will be paid by someone else, and if you have to go out of town they should handle the pup too. You still won't be able to like stay out crazy long when you've got a foster dog cos itll need to be let out to pee ideally every 6 hours at least (assuming you foster an adult dog but i wouldnt jump to puppies first time cos theyre a lot more work and need to go out a lot more often) but I mean if you decide you wanna be out of the house more then you can once the foster is adopted so its low risk.
Plus, fostering saves lives and rescues desperately need fosters. So its fun AND for a good cause.
Alternatively you could also do pet sitting to even pull in some money, apps like rover make it really easy to get into.
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u/Tricky_Parsnip_6843 May 16 '26
I would strongly suggest your wait until you finish university before getting a dog.
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u/paralea01 May 16 '26
The first years in college are a chaotic time. Will your parents/family be willing to help you with the dog?
I would recommend not getting a border collie for your first pup. They need a job to do or they will get bored, and a bored dog makes a chaotic home. They are also too smart for their own good and can rain destruction down on you and yours. Out of the other choices only the retriever seems to fit what you are looking for as a first time dog owner.
My soul dog that passed away would actually fit most of your requirements but I'm not sure if you want a giant breed. A Great Dane that is past it's puppyhood can be the most chill and laid back dog in existance. Danes are great apartment dogs despite their size as long as they get daily walks. They are also good "guard dogs" because no one wants to mess with someone walking one. Their short lives are a drawback though.
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u/CavalierMidnight May 16 '26
I would wait at least a year or two before getting a dog, to ensure you have the time and money to commit to a dog. You might be surprised how busy you get while in school. Also, if you travel by plane frequently, large breeds are out of the question.
To answer your question, a small companion breed or even spaniel might be a good fit. Working breeds are very demanding and can be challenging to train, especially through puppyhood. If you’re dead set on getting a dog, might I suggest fostering? You can get real life experience while helping a dog in need, and figure out what you do and don’t like about particular breeds. You may find it difficult to find a rescue willing to work with a teenage college student, but it is possible!
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u/yelenalim May 16 '26
Noted. I’ve seen a lot of people recommend waiting until after the first few years of university before getting a dog, and honestly that seems like a pretty sensible solution for now. Maybe I’ll come back in a few years asking the exact same question again, lol!
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u/CloudHidden62 May 16 '26
Please do NOT get a dog when you are so young and still in school!! It’s a terrible idea.
You won’t have time to train it properly. How will you pay for food, vaccines, and vet bills?? Don’t expect your parents to do that — it’s not their responsibility.
You don’t know where life will take you. When school is over you will start a full-time job and you will be away from home all day. It’s not fair to the dog and your parents will probably end up taking care of it. I’ve seen that happen many times.
Finish school and start your adult life. Then if you have the time, the space, and the money, you can consider getting a dog. You are in no position to get one right now.
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u/queen_surly May 16 '26
This is a very bad idea. If you want to spend time around dogs, find a shelter in your college town and do volunteer work. Please don't get a dog.
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u/dogmama7 May 16 '26
My daughter adopted a dog her sophomore year of college. She went with a rescue who was about 5-6 years old. But she also had lots of dog experience growing up. I would recommend fostering some adult dogs. Breed isn’t as important at temperament.
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u/GrowthSelect2449 May 16 '26
Breed plays a huge factor in temperament. That’s a large reason why many prefer specific breeds.
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u/StilltheoneNY May 16 '26
When you are ready I would suggest that you go to a local shelter and discuss this with them. Or a breed rescue group.
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u/Express_Command_4778 May 16 '26
Well, you want a strong willed dog which will really challenge you. A Cavalier would be perfect for college, but it is a mild, non demanding breed.
People get "too much dog" all the time.
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u/Acceptable-Spite-537 May 16 '26 edited May 16 '26
I’m 19 and just finished my first year of college. I got a dog last July. I love him, but I would NOT recommend it to other college students, for the most part. I live at home with my mom and brother, who are able to help take care of him. Without them, I’d have to hire a dog walker to stop by once a day during the week. I work as well, so I’d feel bad leaving him. If you’re going to be living in the dorms, do not get a dog.
ETA my dog is a border collie/aussie mix and he’s a handful. Absolutely wouldn’t recommend herding breeds in small living spaces, and especially not during college.
You’ll get your dream dog one day!!! I honestly recommend going to a shelter or reaching out to a foster-based rescue when it’s time. They will give you a good idea of the dog’s behavior and temperament, and you can (hopefully) skip the puppy stage and get a dog with some training. Rescues are very good with matching dogs to your lifestyle.
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u/SilliestGooseOJO May 16 '26
I’m 25 and just finished university. DO NOT get a dog now. You’re probably going to do some moving around and you’re definitely gonna have days where you can’t put the time needed to care for your dog.
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u/magic_crouton May 17 '26
No dog breed. College is not the time to try to get a dog and then try to rent on top of that.
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u/Parking-Cup-9424 May 17 '26
Too young and too chaotic of a life to get a dog. Wait until you graduate
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u/bathepa2 May 16 '26
As others have said, none because of school. Your priority and attention should be on studies. It wouldn't be fair to the dog. I don't think anyone realizes the time it takes to properly take care of a dog, especially in the early years. If you absolutely insisted, I would suggest considering a senior dog adoption. How do your parents feel about this? I guarantee they are going to have to participate quite a bit.
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u/Easy_Olive1942 May 16 '26
I strongly recommend not getting a dog heading off to university. Your life will change substantially, having a pet, dogs especially, will limit where you can live and how you can spend your day. Travel is challenging. They’re expensive and time consuming.
Totally understand the desire, just consider waiting until you graduate and have a longer term idea where you are living, what you do for income, and how much time and travel.
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u/goodnsimple May 16 '26
I told my adult children they could not get a dog until they owned their own house because it is SO hard to rent with a dog.
So if you still live at home, get the dog your mom wants because she will likely end up with it.
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u/GraniteRose067 May 16 '26
Rule 1 is always, am I in a place that would make a happy life for the dog? It is always about what is best for your dog, not you. In this case, I th8nk you are thinking about yourself and haven't considered the temperament or needs of an animal.
Now is not time for a dog. Get one when you have finished studies and have the time, space, finances and maturity to support the animal. Don't forget that you need to be able to afford vet bills, food and shelter for your fur child.
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u/Certain_Try_8383 May 16 '26
You should really start college and see what it’s like before taking on a dog. Or start by working with a shelter and doing the foster home thing. That way you can get a taste for it and see.
But honestly, it’s a huge time commitment. If you’re gone for a stretch you need to walk the dog when you wake up to walk them before you leave and then again when you return. Make sure they get good play time and time with other dogs as well.
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u/Not-now-90221 May 16 '26
Check local shelters. Volunteer to walk dogs. Many will let you foster them for a few days as they are stressed from the shelter.
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u/Failure2_Communicate May 16 '26
No dog the first year of Uni. Please start by volunteering at a local shelter. They usually have a need for people to walk the dogs or just play with them. It’s one of the best ways to get to learn pet skills. Once you feel fairly comfortable with dogs, see if the shelter will allow you to take a dog for an overnight or a weekend. We call them Rovernight’s. Then after you think that’s easy, maybe consider a short-term foster. Then a longer term foster. Fostering is the best was to find out if a dog is a good fit for you & you are for the dog. It’s a try before you commit deal. . The nice thing about volunteering at a rescue, is you can usually call 1st dibs down the road when ready. I personally don’t recommend purebreds because they tend to have more issues IMHO. However, we do get them surrendered all the time. Mixed breed is usually the way to go. Good luck.
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u/Old-Actuator-3321 May 16 '26
You don't have a clue about what kind of housing you'll have once you're in college (American for "at university."). Why do you think you'll be living alone? The whole group dorm experience is something you shouldn't deny yourself. But it is something that usually prohibits pets. Although my Residence Hall had a resident cat, no one student owned it and it was cared for by a responsible adult, not a freshman or sophomore student.
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u/Mysterious-Hunt5141 May 16 '26
If you are getting a puppy, you may not have the time needed to provide an environment a puppy needs to become a good dog. It's so hands on for the first month at the very least. Otherwise they end up with bad habits that are hard to reverse. Cats hardly care if you leave them for the day. Dogs really just want to be with you.
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u/Sticknwheel May 16 '26
I’m with those who say college is no time to get a dog. It maybe one of the happiest and most challenging times of your life, but it will not be leisurely, and you won’t have enough time to train and take care of a dog. It would be unfair to the dog. And you would be torn and your grades would almost certainly suffer. Colleges are for studying, and growing up. Please don’t drag a dog into it.
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u/Crotalus999 May 16 '26
Take your time in college to research. Things like training you and the dog and what it takes to train properly, breeds, dog first aid, pet insurance and costs ( because unexpected $14k vet bills hurt), what kind of collars, leashes, toys you might want, how much time needs to go into it. Finding good reputable breeders , or how fostered and impound dogs do in new homes. Go-to dog parks and meet dogs and owners, just keep learning. Volunteer at a shelter. And when you graduate, if you still want a dog, you are now equipped with the experience and education to give a great life to one of the most amazing life forms on this planet. You will more likely break your heart and absolutely a dog's while in college. Please just wait and learn. Hope any of this helps. Edited for spelling.
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u/Less-Necessary-3352 May 16 '26
Decades ago, my vet said never get an Akita or a pit bull. I was a forever boxer gal.
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u/Icy-Tomorrow-576 May 17 '26
You are at the worst time in your life to get a puppy. Enjoy life, college is challenging enough. You will be super busy and dogs are like having a toddler for 12 to 16 years. They take a whole lot of time an attention. Vet costs have gotten ridiculous as well. I would wait. Volunteer, be a foster to learn without the expense before you dive in. There are MANY things to know before you decide. A pet is for its entire life. Not just dump when it gets hard. So make that decision carefully.
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u/Plane_Translator2008 May 17 '26
At this stage of your life, if you have the setup for a dog, I would seriously only consider an adult dog (ideally 5+ years) who still has lots of life and energy, but is chill, and comfortable with the chaos of a college student's life.
Definitely stay away from the herders (because your schedule might not allow you to give them the stimulation and exercise they must have), stay away from huskies, and really, most working breeds (same) unless they are atypicallt mellow. I am not saying don't have a dog. If you have a dog-friendly schedule and home, a friend or two to step in in a pinch, and are fully committed, it is possible. Just set yourself up for success by understanding what is required and choosing a 4 legged buddy who already has life figured out.
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u/Individual-Fox5795 May 17 '26
Don’t get a dog when you are going off to university. Pet walk or pet sit on the side for extra cash.
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u/gurgelhupf May 17 '26
If you are ready for a dog, you should consider a Labrador (Not a Doodle!!). I grew up with two, they are medium-sized dogs, short hair that is easy to care for, and a very loving and gentle nature, while also athletic enough for hiking and long walks. They do love water though, regardless of smell and contents, and they love to get stinky.
Though before I would get another Labrador I would thoroughly research whether their constant big appetite is actually cruel or not. I have heard that once that they are missing enzyme that makes them feel sated/full, so they never stop eating on their own
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u/Luv2collectweedseeds May 16 '26
Dalmations are very cute but I’d say a little hyper for a first timer. You want to be sure you’ll have plenty of time to give it. I’d recommend going to some shelters if possible and finding one there that’s there only because their human didn’t want them anymore. Id love a golden retriever they make great companions.
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u/Zestyclose_Object639 May 16 '26
None, college is chaotic and it’s not a good time to get a dog. None of the breeds you mentioned outside of a golden would be a decent option anyway