Keeping Dogs Outdoors

There are many reasons for keeping an dog outdoors. If you are a renter or are still living with your parents, you might not be allowed to have an indoor dog. If you live with someone who is allergic to fur you may also have to keep your dog outdoors.

Dogs are very human oriented. Some people say that keeping any dog outside is cruel, as they will not get adequate human attention, or care. I do not believe this is true with all dogs, but it can be with some. Any of the hairless breeds (read the post "Hairless Dogs" for more information) should not be outdoor only dogs, as they cannot tolerate very hot or very cold weather well. Also, the toy breeds such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies are too small to live outdoors. 

A yard can be a great place for a dog like this Lab puppy!

The dogs that are best for outdoor living are: dogs with thick fur (such as chow-chows), very large dogs (such as mastiffs), Sled dogs (such as the husky)  or "Farm Dogs" (such as collies). Outdoor dogs should be cared for just like an indoor dog, and, unless you live on a farm, you should still walk them.

Just because a dog lives outdoors does not mean that you don't have to groom it. You may actually have to groom it more!

I think that the best life for most dogs is indoor/outdoor. This often means that the dog spends a lot of his time outdoors but is let in at night and in bad weather, or a dog that is allowed use of a pet door.

It can also mean that the dog is allowed in an enclosed porch, a foyer, or a (preferably attached) garage.