[ISUKappa]

Growing up on a cattle farm, we always had blue heeler dogs. They were strictly outside dogs. Once in a great blue moon, if it were cold enough, Dad would let them in the garage, but otherwise they slept out in the barn, they had plenty of food and water to drink and got all the exercise they needed working with the cattle, though we and all the guys (my dad, my uncles and the hired men) would play with them, too. They were good dogs, and I don't think they hated us because we made them stay outside.

My husband and I adopted a Rat Terrier mix puppy from the shelter in December. Because she is so small and has such a short coat, she is an inside dog. In fact, Mr ISUKappa and I wanted to find a smaller dog so we could have it in our house. She is allowed on the couch, but is gated in the bathroom during the day and kenneled at night.

To me, there is nothing cruel about keeping dogs outside, as long as they are provided for: they have shelter, they have ample food and water and they get enough exercise and family love. Dogs are animals and were originally meant to live outside. They have fur coat for a reason, and many of them grow a thicker undercoat to help them through the cold seasons. Though, obviously, there are some dogs with shorter coats who can't stay outside in places where it gets obscenely cold during the winter.

edited to clarify a point.