What dog do you think would be OK to stay in a small room, go out once or twice a day and be alone for half the day?

You'll probably get the best answer by researching breeds yourself. Since we don't know you or your personality, we can only give suggestions. Consider the suggestions, but ultimatly, it's your decision and your research.
Now to think of a suggestion to give....
Hmmm....
Pekinese, maybe? They're low energy I think.

Guest 945673 answered on 3/24/08. Helpful? / 1

Well it depends on what apartment you are going to be living in. Most complex's allow most breeds within particular weight limits. But they will let you know. Now if you are going to be living in a dorm dogs are USUALLY not allowed, unless in disability situations and then I'm sure they allow service dogs. (such as seeing eye dogs) In that case your best bet for a companion or friend is to get a room mate. This is the second time I've seen a question like this today, it is pretty much common knowledge that pets are not allowed in dorms on campus

Guest 293575 answered on 3/24/08. Helpful? / 1

Dogs are somewhat like people, they need contact, affection and love - place yourself a dogs position and visualize what it might be like to be locked into a small room for hours on end with nothing but the sound of your own breath. That should give you a pretty good idea on how a dog would feel.

But if you yourself need contact, affection and love and really want a dog - and they do have to be left alone for hours - be sure your new little guys gets plenty of exercise, leave the T.V. on to the animal channel and supply him/her with lots of toys....

Nikko answered on 3/24/08. Helpful? / 1

I know you really want a dog, but I don't think that your college lifestyle would allow for a dog - at least it wouldn't allow for a dog to be cared for in the way that a dog needs to be cared for.

Dogs are very social animals and they will get into mischief when they are left alone for long periods of time and don't get enough exercise and mental stimulation. Any dog, even a small breed, is going to need to go for walks at least twice a day, and spend time training and playing games.

It sounds like your schedule might be too busy. Keep in mind that even when you're back from school, you probably need to do homework, have a job, have friends over, etc. and may not really have the time for a dog.

Honestly, I would get a pet that doesn't require the amount of attention that a dog needs. Cats do a lot better in this type of situation and you don't need to walk them - but they do need play time and affection, too.

Abby K-9 answered on 3/24/08. Helpful? / 3

I hate to discourage you, but I also believe that this is far from an ideal sitation for a dog.

First, what you're talking about is the best case scenario. In the best case, you'll be spending 1/2 a day with the dog, but in reality, it will more than likely end up being much less than that by the time you add up your studying, social life and maybe even a part time job.

Having a dog is a HUGE responsibility and getting one to be your friend may SOUND like a good motivation, but it really does put your desires before the needs of the dog.

Honestly, I wouldn't want you take on the responsibilty of having a dog in college for a lot of reasons. It is a burden of responsibilty that you don't really need right now in your life, and it isn't fair to the dog you'll own if you can't spend more time with it.

You could volunteer at a local dog shelter. You can spend time with dogs and even possibly help foster them after you get more responsible and stable.

Enjoy your freedom!

Jack answered on 3/24/08. Helpful? / 1

It is not a good situation to have a dog in. If you really wnat a companion and you have really thought about the life long commitment then you should consider a cat.They don't follow to many routines and they can use a litter box if they need to go potty.you will not even potty train a dog on those sort of hours.
I would also reccomend that you volunteer at your local shelter in your spare time,walking dogs and maybe even bathing them for the shelter.That way you will get your dog fix and have a buddy to go home to.

Clay answered on 3/24/08. Helpful? / 0

Hmmmm, well I guess we need to re-home all four of our dogs because they are home all day alone without human contact. They do have each other but I have to disagree with what is being said here. I have a girlfriend with one dog, she also works all day and he is just fine home alone. I guarantee out of the almost 380,000 dogs on Dogster most of the owners are working during the day. To me the big question is; being that your a collage student are you home in the evenings to take care of a dog? Will he/she be left alone a lot more than you think? Your young and a dog can be a lot of work, time and a huge commitment, especially at first. Since I don't know you personally I'm not going to judge you or your situation but I hope you stop and think about how a dog can cramp your lifestyle somewhat. He/she has to come first in your life not your friends are partying. You can always volunteer at a nearby shelter and make all kinds of doggy friends, without the same huge commitment.

Jiggs CGC answered on 3/24/08. Helpful? / 0

There are a lot of people who have answered this question who do not believe that college is a good time to have a dog. This is true for most college students, but not for all of us! I am a second year Mechanical engineering student with a dog, and some of my friends have dogs also. (I had a dog befeore Tesla, but she was old and died of cancer).

Having a dog works well for me because I am not the typical "university student" type. To be quite blunt, I do not have a very active social life. I've got a couple of good friends, but most of my time is devoted to studying and playing with my dog. I also run each day before class, and I will take Tesla with me when she is fully grown. My schedule is such that I am never in class for more than three consecutive hours, and I live 10 minutes from campus.

Take a few months, evaluate your lifestyle honestly, and then if you still want to be responsible for another life, start researching breeds. Even inactive dogs need lots of love!

Tesla answered on 3/25/08. Helpful? / 0

NONE! All pups need companionship, love, excersize, interaction with humans and other pups. Buy a rubber plant.

Donovan'sMajesticJet of Solace answered on 3/25/08. Helpful? / 1

I suggest you wait....what you are describing is no life for any dog in fact this borders on animal abuse.
Get a Parakeet

Reba answered on 4/3/08. Helpful? / 1