Everybody has seen too many videos on the internet of the well-known corgi. What is not to love? Their short, chubby bodies and their uncanny resemblance to a loaf of bread. However, are these adorable little dogs corgis suitable for college students and their active lifestyle?
The Advantages of Having a Corgi
- Friendly: They are a playful yet responsible dog breed. They are happy and energetic but require lots of exercises to keep them active. Corgis are very sociable dogs, and they are good with other animals as well as people, which is a big benefit in the case of interactions with other dogs and the dog owners on campus.
- Intelligent: Corgis have great logistical and trouble-shooting skills, this is due to the instinct while herding which requires good analytical skills. Their elevated intelligence level makes them unproblematic to train. They are smart, obedient, and always prepared to satisfy their owner. Consequently, they always need to be working on task or challenge to engage their brains, or else they will act up or get bored.
- Low Maintenance: Corgis are mostly energetic and need lots of stimulation, but otherwise they are very low maintenance. The only area of concern would be their medium-length double coats that require regular grooming.
- Small size: These chubby little dogs reach their full size at roughly a year of age. Welsh corgis are known to grow to 10 to 12 inches and weigh approximately between 23 to 28 pounds. This is particularly convenient for students who live in small spaces.
- Apartment friendly: Due to their small stature, corgis are easily adaptable to apartments. College dorm rooms will make suitable houses for your furry companion given that the owner takes them on regular walks.
- Good guard dogs: Getting a corgi means you are getting a very attentive and protective companion. This means that you have just procured yourself an effective guard dog that won’t leave your side.
What Should Be Looking for in a Dog as a College Student?
Choosing to get a dog is no easy decision. There are certain factors to consider before choosing your furry companion. This is advice given to anybody searching for a dog but when you are a college student searching for a dog this is more imperative. Your busy lifestyle will contribute the most to finding a suitable dog. Therefore, you should look for dogs that are:
- Social and Outgoing: Social dogs enjoy meeting new people and new animals. This is important in a college environment when you are constantly introducing your dog to new people and new situations. When your dog is friendly and outgoing, it makes it easier as they are readily adaptable.
- Easy to train: Choosing a stubborn dog that is hard to house train will make life more difficult for you. That is why it is advised to choose a dog that can pick up rules easily, especially for pooing and peeing purposes. Having a well-trained, easy-to-train dog will make your life stress-free as a college student.
- Low to medium energy: It is no secret that college students live busy lives. This intense schedule requires dogs that are not as hard to maintain as you might not find the time. Having a bored, energetic dog will only bring more problems than finding a naturally low-maintenance dog.
- Small Dogs: As a college student you are very limited regarding space, be it in an apartment or a college dorm you need to consider this. Small dogs can adapt to any living space as well as spaces shared with other people.
When reviewing all the information and factors, it is seen that corgis make ideal pets for college students. They are friendly and love people; they are incredibly intelligent and pick up training as if it is second nature, and they are small and are suited for small living spaces. As much as they need to be stimulated this can easily be remedied with active dog toys.
Do College Allow Pets On Campus and in Student Life?
Colleges generally allow for dogs and cats that act as service animals and emotional support animals. This is due to the two federal laws that specify the permission of service and emotional support animals. These laws are namely, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and The Fair Housing Act (FHA)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act requires colleges to allow service animals on campuses and dormitories.
- The Fair Housing Act requires colleges to allow service animals and emotional support animals in campus housing
Besides the previously mentioned laws above, more than three dozen colleges allow dogs and cats on their campuses. This applies even if they are not classified as service animals or emotional support animals.
Other colleges may allow other animals such as small, caged animals, fish, amphibians and. These animals need to follow the specific size, maintenance, and general safety requirements, as specified in the college pet policies. Luckily, in your instance, the allowance of your corgi companion is supported and in full jurisdiction of federal law.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Dog as a College Student?
Owning a pet improves your quality of life. As much as they require work and maintenance, having a dog has its benefits. It is not ideal to own a pet during your college years because it could take away from your studies but owning a dog during this time comes with benefits of its own. Dogs can improve a student’s productivity and boost their moods. Other benefits may include:
- Provides affection: We all know a dog is a man’s best friend. This guarantees an abundance of love being always provided to you. While you are doing homework or just spending time together in your free time.
- Diminishes the feeling of seclusion: As a college student one will often feel lonely, especially if you have moved away from your hometown and family. Having a dog will help alleviate this feeling by keeping you company.
- Lowers stress levels: College students are more prone to stress, anxiety, and depression. Having a dog around gives ample opportunities to cuddle and play during breaks. This helps reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety as research has proved that cuddling with animals’ releases serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, hormones that regulate your emotions.
- Helps you relax: It is easy to lose yourself in the momentum of college life. Between classes, assignments, and exams, you can find yourselves overworking. This is not ideal as it can lead to burnout and depression. When owning a dog, it is required for you to provide them with a certain amount of attention. This will ultimately help in learning how to take breaks and relax from schoolwork. It helps keep balance in a busy schedule.
Conclusion
If you happen to be a college student who yearns for a furry companion, get yourself a corgi. They have shown themselves to be great family pets and now, great college pets.
