Traveling with your dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but choosing the right canine companion is key to making the journey smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip, flying across the country, or exploring new destinations, the best dog breeds to travel with are those that adapt well to different environments, are social, and handle changes in routine without stress.
The ideal travel dog will be calm, comfortable in various settings, and easily managed during transit. From small, portable breeds that fit perfectly into your travel bag to larger dogs with the energy to keep up with your adventures, there’s a perfect travel buddy for every type of journey.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top dog breeds that excel at travel, offering you companionship, joy, and minimal stress while on the go. If you are planning your next big adventure, these popular dog breeds will be your perfect companions!
Best Dog Breeds to Travel With
1. Australian Terrier
The Australian Terrier is a small yet sturdy breed known for its independent and confident nature. Standing at about 10 inches tall and weighing between 14-16 pounds, these dogs are perfectly sized for travel. Their wiry coat, while requiring some grooming, is low maintenance and resilient, making small dog breeds of it easy to care for while on the go.
This breed is highly alert, making them excellent watchdogs, yet incredibly affectionate with their families. Known for being brave and eager to explore, Australian Terriers are always up for an adventure. Their playful nature is balanced by their independent side, allowing them to enjoy long car rides or hikes without getting overly anxious.
A fun fact about Australian Terriers is that they were originally bred to hunt small pests, so their resourcefulness makes them easily adaptable to various environments. Their ability to adjust to different living conditions, from urban settings to rural landscapes, makes them a perfect companion for travelers who enjoy variety.
With their compact size and loving temperament, Australian Terriers bond strongly with their families. These dogs thrive in social settings, and their friendly, approachable nature means they’ll interact easily with people and other pets while on your journeys.
For anyone who wants a brave and affectionate dog, the Australian Terrier is an excellent choice. Their adaptability and low-maintenance grooming needs make them the perfect companion for those on the move.
2. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is an incredibly versatile and intelligent breed, ideal for owners who want an active and adventurous companion. These dogs are known for their hypoallergenic, curly fur coat and are great for families with allergies.
These dogs were originally bred to work on fishing boats, which means they have a strong swimming instinct and an energetic disposition. This makes them perfect for active families who love water-based activities or long outdoor adventures. Their intelligence also means they’re easy to train, making integrating them into your travel routines simple.
According to Purina, Portuguese Water Dogs are highly loyal and thrive on attention and interaction. They have a calm demeanor yet are energetic and eager to explore new environments. Their ability to adapt to different surroundings—whether at a beach or in a busy city—makes them one of the very best breed choices for those who love to travel.
This breed is also known for its social nature. Portuguese Water Dogs are friendly with humans and other pets, making them a joy to bring along on any trip. Whether it’s a road trip or a vacation, their companionship will bring joy to your travels.
If you’re seeking a dog that’s both an energetic adventurer and a loving companion, the Portuguese Water Dog is an ideal choice. Their adaptability and intelligence ensure they’re well-suited for a variety of travel scenarios.
3. Toy Poodle
According to the AKC, the Toy Poodle is elegant in a compact, travel-friendly package. Toy Poodles are intelligent, easy to train, and do not require much space, making them easy to travel.
Toy Poodles excel at adapting to new environments. Their love for learning and ability to follow commands means they’re always well-behaved during travel. Whether navigating busy airports or settling into a hotel room, the Toy Poodle’s calm and obedient nature ensures they’re easy to manage.
This little breed of dog is also known for its social nature. Toy Poodles enjoy interacting with humans and other animals, making them great companions for trips that involve meeting new people or spending time with other pets. Their affectionate nature ensures they will bond strongly with their owners and enjoy every moment of the journey.
Toy Poodles are active and playful, enjoying regular walks and mental stimulation, which helps keep them engaged during long trips. Their ability to thrive in various settings—from city apartments to vacation homes—makes them incredibly adaptable.
The Toy Poodle offers a perfect balance of charm and practicality for those seeking a sophisticated, smart, and easy-to-travel-with dog. These small breeds are convenient for car seats, plane cabins, and hotel rooms.
4. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a highly energetic and versatile breed that thrives in active environments. Standing between 21 and 25 inches tall and weighing 45 to 70 pounds, they are well-suited for those who enjoy long hikes, bike rides, or other outdoor activities. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them easy to care for while on the road.
This breed is known for its boundless energy and eagerness to participate in whatever activity is at hand. According to PetMD, German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent running companions and love spending time outdoors. Their athleticism makes them great for travelers who enjoy outdoor sports or activities with their dogs.
The breed is also highly intelligent and responsive to training, adapting quickly to new environments and routines. Whether in a car, plane, or on a trail, German Shorthaired Pointers remain focused and manageable, making them a top choice for families with an adventurous spirit.
While their energy levels are high, they are also affectionate with their families, providing love and loyalty. Their sociable nature means they’ll get along well with people and other pets, making them an easy fit in various travel scenarios.
For families who enjoy active travel and need a dog that can keep up with them, the German Shorthaired Pointer’s athleticism, intelligence, and loving temperament make it a fantastic travel companion.
5. Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a breed that’s as energetic as it is iconic. Known for its distinctive black or liver-colored spots, this breed is visually striking and full of personality. Standing 19 to 24 inches tall and weighing 45 to 60 pounds, Dalmatians are medium-sized dogs with a lot of energy, making them ideal for active travelers.
Dalmatians are friendly, sociable and enjoy meeting new people and other dogs. This makes them an excellent companion for those who travel frequently and encounter new environments and social situations. Dalmatians are active and fun-loving dogs that love car rides and require plenty of exercise.
This breed is also highly trainable, adapting well to different routines and environments. Dalmatians are naturally curious, so they’ll love exploring new places with you, from city streets to nature trails. Their short coat is low maintenance, ensuring minimal grooming while on the go.
One fun fact about Dalmatians is that they are historically known for their role as carriage dogs, running alongside horses to protect the carriage from potential threats. This history gives them an instinctive protective nature, making them a great companion for travelers who want a loyal and watchful companion.
For those looking for a high-energy, loyal, and social dog to accompany them on their travels, the Dalmatian offers the perfect blend of adventure, intelligence, and companionship.
6. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small but mighty breed known for its boundless energy and playful personality. Weighing around 13 to 17 pounds and standing 10 to 15 inches tall, this breed is a great fit for a compact yet spirited travel companion. Despite their small size, Jack Russells are energetic and require plenty of exercise, making them perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor excursions.
This breed is highly intelligent and quick to learn new commands, making them easy to train for various travel scenarios. Whether it’s navigating an airport or exploring a new city, the Jack Russell’s quick adaptability ensures they stay well-behaved and easy to manage.
Jack Russells are known for their fearless and curious nature, which makes them enthusiastic explorers. Their lively personality ensures they’ll enjoy every adventure with their owners, and their social nature means they will get along well with people and other pets while traveling.
Though small in size, Jack Russells have a strong, energetic presence, and they’ll need regular exercise to stay content during long trips. Whether it’s hiking, running, or playing fetch, they will keep you active and engaged during your travels.
For anyone seeking a small dog with a big personality and an adventurous spirit, the Jack Russell Terrier is an ideal choice. Their intelligence, agility, and energetic nature make them a fantastic companion for travelers.
7. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a small yet spunky breed known for its fluffy double coat and larger-than-life personality. Weighing between 3 and 7 pounds and standing about 7 to 8 inches tall, they are ideal for travelers looking for a portable companion. Their compact size makes them easy to carry, and their fluffy coats add to their charm while requiring minimal grooming.
Pomeranians are incredibly social and enjoy interacting with people and other animals. Their friendly nature and love for attention make them perfect for families who want a companion that will happily join them on their travels. Despite their small size, they are courageous and have no problem asserting themselves, making them confident travelers.
This breed is highly trainable and enjoys mental stimulation, so incorporating training sessions into your travel routine can help keep them engaged. Pomeranians are also known for their intelligence, which helps them adapt quickly to different breeds and environments.
One fun fact about Pomeranians is that they were once the preferred breed of European royalty, including Queen Victoria, who helped popularize them. Their royal background and charming appearance make them delightful companions wherever you go.
For those looking for a cheerful, easy-to-travel-with dog, the Pomeranian’s affectionate nature and portable size make it a fantastic option for adventurous families. Their social personality and playful demeanor will bring joy to any trip.
8. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular and versatile breeds worldwide, making them an ideal travel companion. Labradors have a height of 21.5 to 24.5 inches and weigh between 55 to 80 pounds; Labradors are medium to large-sized dogs that strike the perfect balance between being active and manageable. Their friendly nature, loyalty, and love for adventure make them excellent companions for trips of all kinds.
Labradors are highly adaptable dogs and thrive in different environments, whether you’re in a bustling city or exploring the great outdoors. Known for their intelligence and trainability, they can be easily taught commands, which is invaluable when traveling to new places. They also have a calm demeanor, which helps them remain composed during long car rides or flights.
This breed is known for being social and enjoys interacting with other people and animals. Whether you’re on a beach, in a park, or visiting new places, Labradors’ gentle nature makes them easy to integrate into social settings. They’re also great with children, making them a fantastic family companion during travels.
Labradors are highly energetic and require regular exercise, so they’re perfect for active families who love to explore the outdoors. Whether it’s a long hike or a swim in a lake, Labradors will happily join in on the fun.
With their friendly, adaptable, and easy-going nature, the Labrador Retriever is a top choice for anyone seeking a loyal and enthusiastic travel companion. They’re a breed that thrives on early socialization and interaction and is ready to explore the world by your side.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small, affectionate breed that excels in companionship. Weighing between 13 to 18 pounds and standing about 12 to 13 inches tall, these dogs are perfectly sized for traveling. Known for their beautiful, silky coats and sweet disposition, Cavaliers make excellent lap dogs and are ideal for those who enjoy a calm and loving travel companion.
This breed is exceptionally social and loves being around people. Their easygoing nature makes them ideal for families and individuals who frequently travel. Cavaliers are also good with other pets, so if you’re visiting friends or family with other animals, they’re likely to get along well.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is highly adaptable to new environments, whether it’s staying in a hotel, a vacation home, or traveling on public transportation. Their calm demeanor ensures they don’t get overwhelmed by new settings, making them an excellent choice for people who often move from one location to another.
These dogs are not overly demanding in terms of exercise, making them suitable for more relaxed travelers. A couple of daily walks and some playtime are typically enough exercise to keep them happy and content.
The affectionate nature and adaptable temperament of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel make them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a compact, loving companion who will happily accompany them on their travels.
10. Maltese
The Maltese is a small, charming breed known for its affectionate nature and hypoallergenic coat. Weighing between 4 to 7 pounds and standing around 8 to 10 inches tall, they are one of the most portable dog breeds, making a person with them a perfect travel companion. Their silky white coat requires regular grooming, but their small size and easygoing nature make them easy to care for on the go.
Maltese dogs are playful, affectionate, and love being the center of attention. Their friendly personality and ability to bond strongly with their owners ensure they are always eager to accompany you wherever you go. They also get along well with other pets, making them great for travel with families or groups.
These dogs are well-suited for both relaxed city life and quieter vacation spots. Their small size means they can comfortably travel with you on planes or in cars without taking up much space. Their calm demeanor makes it easy to settle down in unfamiliar places, whether it’s a hotel or a new friend’s home.
Despite their small size, Maltese dogs are quite active and love their daily walks. They thrive in environments where they can receive plenty of attention and affection from their owners. A Maltese will happily enjoy the moment with you in a park or on a beach.
The Maltese is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a small, loving, and portable dog that will happily travel with you anywhere. Their cheerful disposition and adaptable nature make them great for various travel situations.
Conclusion
Whether you’re exploring the world with an energetic or adventurous each breed offers unique qualities that suit different travel lifestyles. Dogs like the Golden Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog are perfect for those seeking active, easy-going companions on long journeys. At the same time, smaller breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier or Toy Poodle make travel a breeze due to their compact size and low maintenance needs.
For long car rides or air travel, breeds like the Shih Tzu or Bichon Frise are well-suited for relaxing in new environments, while active dogs like the Beagle or Great Dane excel in outdoor adventures.
Ultimately, finding the right dog for your adventures is about balancing the dog’s needs with your own. Whether it’s for road trips, camping, or air travel, your furry friend will make every experience that much more special. Consider breeds with an affectionate nature and good behavior, like the Chihuahua or the French Bulldog, for a more relaxed and easy-going travel lifestyle.
