Traveling often can feel lonely. You spend long hours on the road. You stay in hotel rooms. You sit on planes for hours. It can wear you out. But imagine having a small dog beside you. A friend who never gets bored. A buddy who loves seeing new places just like you do. These dogs bring you joy and comfort wherever you go.
Different breeds come with unique traits. Some dogs enjoy riding in the car. Others stay calm on planes. A few are just happy to be close to their people. These dogs are small and easy to carry. They don’t need a lot of space. They adjust well to new environments. So if you love to travel and want a furry friend, this list is perfect for you.
Let’s take a look at the best travel-friendly dog breeds for people who travel a lot. These pups are perfect companions for road trips, air travel, and everything in between.
Dog Breeds for People Who Travel Frequently
1. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is a great choice for frequent travelers. PetMD mentions that they are one of the smartest dog breeds and also the most entertaining. It was first bred as a companion dog. That means it loves people. It weighs only 4 to 6 pounds. You can carry it in one arm or in a small travel carrier. It fits nicely in plane cabins and car seats.
Toy Poodles are very smart. They listen well. They learn commands quickly. They stay calm in busy places. You take them through airports or hotels. They stay by your side and don’t bark much. They are also very clean. Their curly coat needs brushing, but it doesn’t shed much. That helps people who have allergies.
These dogs love to be close. They enjoy your company. They’ll nap on your lap or sit quietly while you work or rest. They’re fun to take anywhere.
2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog, or Frenchie, is a strong but small dog. This dog weighs around 16 to 28 pounds. It may look tough, but it’s soft on the inside. Frenchies love people and are ideal for a travel lifestyle.
They have short and smooth coats. You don’t need to brush them a lot. That makes them easy to take care of while traveling. Frenchies don’t bark much. They’re calm, quiet, and have a stress-free nature. They don’t need long walks. A short stroll is enough.
They are happy in hotel rooms or cars. They like to lie down and relax. They get used to the new places quickly. But be careful in warm weather. Frenchies can get hot fast. Always give them shade and water on hot days. Keep them cool and they will stay happy.
3. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dogs in the world. Most weigh between 2 to 6 pounds. That makes them very easy to carry. You can hold them in your arm or put them in a small bag. They are perfect for air travel.
Chihuahuas don’t need much space. That’s good if you stay in small hotel rooms or apartments. You don’t need a yard or a big room for them. They’re fine with just a little space and short walks. They also ride well in cars or planes.
These dogs are full of life. They have big personalities. They stick close to their owners and love attention. Grooming is easy. They only need a quick brush now and then. They are simple to care for and are the best dog breeds to be your travel companion.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Britannica mentions that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was developed from the English Toy Spaniel in the early 1900s, and was named after King Charles II. It weighs around 13 to 18 pounds. That makes it small enough for travel. It fits in a car seat, a plane cabin, or a train bag.
Cavaliers are calm and gentle. They love people and enjoy cuddling. They like sitting on your lap during long car rides. They feel safe when close to you. They don’t bark a lot. They make them a great canine companion for hotels or shared spaces.
Their soft fur needs brushing. But it’s easy to handle. These dogs don’t need much exercise. Just a few walks a day are enough. They enjoy quiet time, too. You’ll love having one by your side when you travel.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a little dog that originated in England. It weighs about 4 to 7 pounds. You can carry it in your arms or put it in a small pet carrier. It can fit comfortably in cars, trains, and planes.
Yorkies love their people. They stay close and want to follow you everywhere. They are happy in hotel rooms or vacation rentals. They adjust fast to new environments. You can take them anywhere, and they’ll feel at home.
Their long coats need brushing. But many owners enjoy that time. You can even tie their hair with a little bow. They love the attention. Yorkies don’t have many exercise needs. They are fine with short playtimes or quick walks. They are also brave. Even though they are small, they love exploring new places with you.
6. Maltese
The Maltese originated in Malta and has been the aristocrat of the dog world for more than 28 centuries. Hill’s Pet states that it weighs just 4 to 7 pounds. You can hold it easily. It fits in your lap or travel bag. You can bring it on both long journeys and short trips.
Maltese dogs are gentle and sweet. They love their owners. They follow you around and enjoy being held. They’re playful and always ready for fun. They like meeting new people. They do well in busy cities, quiet parks, and even airports.
Their long white fur looks fancy. But you can trim it short for easy grooming. They don’t need much room or hard walks. They are fine with soft beds, short strolls, and lots of cuddles.
7. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a royal dog that originated from China. WebMD says that it may be a cross between a Pekingese and a Lhasa Apso. Most Shih Tzu weigh around 9 to 16 pounds. They are easily trained for travel. They like train rides, car rides, and flights.
Shih Tzus are calm and have a friendly nature. They love being around people. They do well in new places. They don’t bark a lot and enjoy quiet time. They’re perfect for families with kids. They sit still and enjoy hugs.
They have long coats that are hypoallergenic. This means they don’t shed much and are great for people with allergies. However, you need to brush them often. But many people enjoy brushing them. It’s a nice way to bond. You can also keep their short hair to make it easy to maintain.
Conclusion
If you travel a lot, you don’t need to travel alone. A small dog can be the perfect friend. Some dogs, like the Shih Tzu or Maltese, love hugs. Others, like the Chihuahua, Bichon Frise, or Toy Poodle, are easy to carry. Yorkies, Frenchies, and Cavaliers are full of love.
Then there are some large dogs as well that are ideal for pet-friendly travel. These include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Great Dane, Portuguese Water Dog, and German Shorthaired Pointer. They all enjoy going to new places with you.
Choose a dog that matches your travel style. Being their favorite toy, snacks, and blanket. Let them sit beside you on the journey. You’ll laugh more, smile more, and feel less tired. With the right dog as your travel companion, every trip becomes a little more special!
