Some dogs chase cars. Others? They’d rather ride them.
If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast who’s ever looked at your pup and wondered, “Could you be my riding buddy?”—the answer might surprise you. While not every dog is cut out for life in the fast lane, some breeds actually thrive on the rush of wind, the hum of an engine, and the open road beneath them.
Picture this: a tiny Shih Tzu snug in a leather jacket and goggles, tail wagging as you cruise through the city. Or maybe a loyal Pug balancing steady in a sidecar, ears flapping like little victory flags. Whether it’s the excitement, the bonding, or just the view, certain dogs have a biker spirit in their bones.
We’ll explore the breeds most likely to enjoy motorcycle rides without anxiety or motion sickness—and with maximum style.
So, if you’re looking for a four-legged co-rider who’s as adventurous as you, stay strapped in (and buckle their harness). These are the dogs ready to roll.
Dog Breeds That Like Motorbike Rides
1. Shih Tzu
Don’t let their delicate, royal looks fool you—Shih Tzus are little dynamos who love tagging along for the ride!
Height: Typically 9 to 10.5 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Usually ranges from 9 to 16 pounds
With their flowing locks fluttering in the breeze and big, curious eyes taking in the blur of the world zooming past, these pint-sized passengers bring a whole lot of personality to your motorbike adventures.
✔ Compact enough to sit comfortably on your lap or in a cozy pet carrier attached to your bike.
✔ Outgoing, bold, and surprisingly chill—Shih Tzus adapt easily to new experiences and are happy to be your sidekick on wheels.
✔ If there’s a canine helmet small enough, this breed’s already rocking it with style.
WebMD says Shih Tzus adapt well to any living space, making them a great choice for pet owners in homes big or small. Just be sure they have enough room to play and stay content.
Pro tip: Be sure to secure your Shih Tzu properly, and always protect those precious eyes from road debris with doggy goggles. Because even tiny royals need safety gear!
Fun Fact: Shih Tzus were bred to be companion dogs for Chinese royalty, so think of your motorbike as their royal carriage—only faster and cooler.
2. Maltese
Don’t let their delicate white coats fool you — Maltese pups have a zest for life that makes them perfect for motorbike adventures. Imagine a tiny, snow-white puffball with ears flapping in the breeze, eyes wide with excitement, and a little tail wagging like a tiny windshield wiper.
Height: Typically 7 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Usually between 4 to 7 pounds
These dogs trace their roots back to the Mediterranean island of Malta and have been faithful companions for hundreds of years, with mentions of the breed appearing in Ancient Greek and Roman writings.
✔ Small and lightweight, making them ideal lap riders or a perfect fit in a bike-side carrier.
✔ Sweet, affectionate, and surprisingly brave — Maltese pups tend to soak up the sights and sounds of the open road without a fuss.
✔ Cute little doggy helmets exist, and your Maltese will rock it like a pro biker!
Their white coat often earns them the reputation of being a “hypoallergenic” breed, although no dog is completely allergen-free.
Like all dogs, Maltese benefit from daily activity, but they don’t need intense exercise to stay healthy physically or mentally. They enjoy neighborhood strolls, playing indoors or outdoors, and picking up new tricks, says PetMD.
Pro tip: Bring a cozy blanket for after the ride, because even the toughest little road warrior appreciates a warm snuggle!
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If royalty hit the road, it’d probably be with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel riding shotgun. These pups blend aristocratic elegance with a fun-loving, adventurous spirit, making them perfect for bikers who want a stylish sidekick.
Height: Usually 12 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Around 13 to 18 pounds
Originating from British nobility, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a rich history as a beloved companion dog. Known for their expressive eyes and silky coats, these affectionate pups thrive on human interaction and make excellent family pets.
✔ Medium-small, sturdy enough for longer rides but compact enough to fit comfortably on your lap or in a well-secured bike basket.
✔ Gentle, friendly, and always up for new experiences — Cavaliers enjoy the rush of the wind and the sights flashing by almost as much as their humans do.
✔ Bonus points for looking adorable in a custom leather dog helmet and goggles. Insta-worthy, anyone?
They enjoy moderate exercise like daily walks and playtime, and their friendly, adaptable nature helps them fit well into a variety of homes and lifestyles.
Pro tip: Cavaliers can be sensitive to cold, so consider a little doggy jacket for chillier rides to keep your regal rider comfy.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Don’t underestimate this pint-sized powerhouse—Yorkshire Terriers are the ultimate little thrill-seekers when it comes to motorbike rides.
Yorkshire Terriers rank among the tiniest dog breeds and are even classified as toy dogs in some competitions. With their silky coats blowing in the wind and a fearless attitude packed into a 7-pound frame, Yorkies transform every ride into a mini adventure.
Height: Typically 7 to 8 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Usually around 4 to 7 pounds
These little pups are naturally alert but also enjoy playtime and socializing with new people. Always eager for adventures and fresh experiences, they make excellent travel buddies.
✔ Small enough to perch comfortably on your lap or nestle in a cozy bike basket — bonus points if they have their own custom harness!
✔ Bold, spirited, and always ready to bark at the wind (or maybe the squirrels)—Yorkies bring big personality to every mile.
✔ They wear their tiny helmets with pride — and look adorably fierce doing it.
Initially bred to be lap dogs, they also have a history as rat-catchers, which means they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation through toys or tasks to burn off their energy. Fortunately, Yorkies are quick learners and respond well to training.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for their sassy side—Yorkies love attention, so be prepared for lots of “Hey, look at me!” moments on the road.
5. Bichon Frise
With their cloud-like curls and cheerful disposition, Bichon Frises are basically the sunshine on wheels. These joyful fluffballs love the feel of fresh air rushing past their whiskers and will happily ride shotgun as you hit the open road.
Height: Typically 9.5 to 11.5 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Usually between 10 to 20 pounds
Thanks to their compact size, Bichon Frises are well-suited for apartment living and adapt easily to various home environments, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
✔ Perfectly sized to snuggle in a bike basket or curl up on your lap during the ride.
✔ Playful, social, and downright happy — Bichons turn every motorbike ride into a joyfest of tail wags and happy pants.
✔ Their fluffy heads make finding a helmet a challenge, but hey, a cute bandana works just as well for that breezy biker vibe.
While they may bark at unfamiliar noises, their strong desire to please makes them highly trainable. Bichons are intelligent and quick learners, often mastering potty training and basic commands like “sit” and “stay” with ease.
Pro tip: After the ride, be ready for some serious fluff maintenance — those curls love a good post-ride brush-out
6. Pug
Pugs might not look like your typical speed demons, but these wrinkly charmers bring a whole lot of personality (and plenty of snorts) to the motorbike ride. The Pug is a historic breed that dates back roughly 2,000 years to ancient China.
Over time, Pugs won the hearts of royalty worldwide and have since become a beloved and widely popular dog breed today. With their squished faces catching every gust of wind, they’re masters of looking hilariously cute while loving the thrill.
Height: About 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Typically 14 to 18 pounds
✔ Compact and sturdy, pugs fit comfortably on your lap or in a bike basket, ready to be your goofy co-pilot.
✔ Playful, affectionate, and a little bit silly — pugs enjoy the ride almost as much as they enjoy snacks afterward.
✔ It’s all about style points here — imagine a pug rocking mini goggles and a leather helmet. Instant road royalty.
Pugs enjoy moderate exercise, such as short walks and play sessions, but they’re also content to lounge around and soak up affection. Their adaptable personality and love for people make them great pets in a variety of living situations
Pro tip: Keep rides short and sweet — pugs aren’t fans of overheating, so watch the temperature and keep your snorty buddy comfy.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Meet the Jack Russell Terrier — a pint-sized powerhouse with the heart of a speed demon and the brain of a clever strategist. Originally bred to hunt vermin, these little dynamos have energy to burn and a love for adventure that makes them perfect motorbike co-pilots.
Height: Typically 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: Usually between 13 to 17 pounds
They have a natural curiosity and love to roam, dig, and explore in search of something to chase or play with. While generally affectionate and usually friendly toward strangers, their strong hunting instincts mean they can be a risk to unfamiliar dogs or small pets, so they should never be left unsupervised with them.
✔ Small enough to ride comfortably on your lap or in a secure bike basket, but don’t let that fool you—they pack serious speed and stamina.
✔ Bold, headstrong, and wickedly smart — Jack Russells thrive on mental and physical challenges, so a motorbike ride is basically their version of a joyride.
✔ With a helmet on, they’re ready to zoom; without one, well, they’ll probably just insist on barking at every squirrel along the way.
As per Britannica, this breed thrives on mastering challenging tricks and excelling in activities like agility, lure coursing, dock diving, Frisbee, obedience, and nose work. At home, a securely fenced yard is essential since Jack Russells are excellent jumpers, climbers, and diggers.
Pro tip: Combine your rides with some mental games and training—this clever pup will thank you with boundless loyalty (and maybe fewer chewed-up shoes).
Conclusion
If you’re a dog lover who prefers quiet mornings, solo trips, or peaceful outdoor time, then dog breeds with introverted energy might be just what you need. Whether you’re that guy who loves riding with his cat, or someone grieving other dogs and searching for a calm companion after your old pup passed, finding a breed that doesn’t need constant attention is key.
Maybe you’ve got a new puppy, or maybe you just read a great story about someone who found their perfect match in a chill companion. Guess what? Even a Border Collie or Labrador Retriever, if spent wisely with enough mental outlets, can be part of the journey—just choose wisely, and let the quiet bond begin.
