Tatum would never live outside (small dogs just aren't built for this) BUT we have an Australian Shepherd that is a 24/7 outside dog. She is by no means lonely though. Our kids are always outside with her as is my husband - he's in his body shop on our property when he's not working. She rides in the truck and Gator every time he leaves the house and she has a big padded outdoor bed on the porch. We are in the country and she is a country dog. Tatum likes to think she's a country dog too and gives Stormie a run for her money when they play outside which is quite often. Stormie has a chain link kennel with a nice doghouse inside that she sleeps in. She thinks she has the best life! I don't agree with the generalization that NO dog should ever live outside. Stormie is our watchdog and my husband's outside play friend. We couldn't love her more if she lived inside. In fact, I for one would probably love her a little less if she lived inside because the hair issue would kill me (not really love her less but the frustration would overpower my love for her just a tiny bit)!
On the other hand, my sister has a Great Dane along with two other medium size dogs that all live inside and really don't even care to go outside except to potty. They sleep in bed with her and everything (her husband's a cop on a night work schedule). Somehow that seems a little too much for me but to each their own!
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~ Angie |