Have you ever felt embarrassed during air travel because your dog kept being noisy? A fussy doggo not only bothers passengers but also makes it hard for the pet parent to manage its temperament. High-energy dogs can also get restless if they have to stay put while traveling for a long period of time.
If you’re all set for your next plane journey, leaving your pup behind can feel stressful, especially if there’s no one at home to look after it. If you want to take your pet along, make sure to train them days ago by bringing home a pet carrier.
Gradually training your doggo to spend time in the carrier, with their favorite toys and treats, will help them cope with air travel better. Here are 7 dog breeds that don’t make noise on an airplane and stay calmer during travel.
Dog Breeds That Stay Silent in Airplanes
1. Great Dane
While taking a big dog along on plane travel can feel like a wager, Great Danes are actually well-behaved and quiet companions. With proper training, especially days before the flight, these pups will happily stay put and calm during the journey.
Size: 28-32 inches and 110-175 pounds.
These gentle giants are known for their quiet and loving companionship. The famous “Apollo of Dogs” is a cutie pie when it comes to family life and adaptability. As large dogs, they do need to stretch their legs, but are comparatively calmer than many other dogs.
Great Danes were originally bred to hunt wild boar and other big game. Now, they’re cuddly pups who can get anxious in new environments if they’re not well-trained. PetMD recommends early exposure to new people and experiences when they’re puppies.
2. Basenji
The Basenji is literally called “barkless dog” due to its quiet nature. If they do happen to bark or let out some sound, it will sound kind of like a yodel, as noted by Britannica. These pups need experienced owners who can spend time understanding their temperament and needs.
Size: Males (Up to 17 inches and 24 pounds). Females (Up to 16 inches and 22 pounds)
Basenjis hail from Africa and have a graceful build, which allows them to have their distinctive movement. Their sleek bodies enable them to move quickly and have also earned the title of miniature racehorses.
Basenjis are quite low-maintenance as they tend to self-groom by licking themselves like cats. Due to their robust nature, they need a lot of daily activity. So, while they’re not a barking hazard on a plane, it’s better to give them some playtime and exercise a few hours before the flight.
3. Newfoundland
“Are you sure you want to take this one along on the flight?” Despite what the skeptics say, this larger-than-life dog can stay well-behaved on a plane if it’s been given proper carrier training. You might want to make sure your airline policies allow a carrier size that can accommodate this giant breed.
Size: 26-28 inches and 100-150 pounds.
Newfoundlands are famously called “nanny dogs” due to their protective instincts for kids. They make loving furry friends and get along well with everyone in the family. They’re one of the best dog breeds for families with children and maintain calm behavior during air travel.
Newfies don’t need an extensive amount of exercise like laid-back doggos. A little physical activity before the flight is still a good idea if you’re going to be on the plane for long stretches of time. Make sure your giant ball of fur fits comfortably in the doggo carrier.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are regal canines with an affectionate nature. They make amazing companion dogs for easygoing owners, especially those who live in small or shared living spaces. They’re pretty well-suited for in-cabin travel and staying calm on a flight.
Size: 12-13 inches and 13-18 pounds.
These playful small pups have a connection with the royals, like King Charles I and King Charles II. They haven’t just enjoyed the status of royally approved pups, but have also adapted to the career of show dogs.
As little dogs, they are one of the best breeds for people who travel by air often. Their friendly temperament and adaptable nature make it easy for owners to manage them during flights. They do love playing and will chase small animals like squirrels when they get the chance.
These pups don’t bark a lot unless they want to let you know there’s someone at the door. Even some quiet breeds can bark when they’re overly excited, but this isn’t the case for this mild-mannered pup.
5. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inu are dogs that look like chubby, miniature foxes and have a big personality. These bold and alert canines are generally quiet and bark only when they feel necessary, letting out a shrill sound as a form of communication.
Size: 13.5-16.5 inches and 17-23 pounds
Shibas are friendly dogs and won’t cause you a lot of trouble on airplane travel, especially if you’ve trained them ahead of time. Shibas are quite portable due to their small to medium size and can handle in-cabin travel.
As curious and active dogs, they need daily games and fun time, or they’ll get bored. Make sure to engage them in some activity before the flight. These headstrong pups have a mind of their own, and if they haven’t been trained early in obedience, they can ignore your commands and do what they want.
6. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are very portable and small, space-friendly dogs with an amiable nature. They’re sweet and quiet pups that will not embarrass you in front of fellow passengers with excessive barking.
Size: 11-13 inches, and a weight limit of no more than 28 pounds.
According to the American Kennel Club, Frenchies are one of the brachycephalic breeds that may face breathing difficulties and are prone to snoring. Most airlines also require a health certificate for your pet, no matter what breed you’re taking on board.
These bat-eared pups are calm and quiet, though. So, noise isn’t something you’re going to have to worry about during the trip. If you’re on a long trip, make sure to check if your pup is comfortable.
7. Maltese
Maltese are big-hearted in a small package. These tiny pups are full of affection, laughter, and loyalty for their pet parents. They’re one of the most well-suited breeds for air travel due to their compact size and calm nature.
Size: 7-9 inches tall and weighs under 7 pounds.
Maltese are small, white dogs that look like marshmallows on legs. From jet-setting to apartment or dorm living, these adaptable lap dogs are fit for any small space. They’re one of the hypoallergenic dogs and won’t trigger allergies in fellow passengers.
Maltese need some playtime and mental stimulation a few hours before the flight, but they’ll stay fabulous once they’re trained and well acquainted with air travel.
Maltese can start barking if they’re overly excited or anxious. They react superbly to obedience training, especially with positive reinforcement, and can be taught to stay quiet.
Conclusion
While these well-behaved pups will be your amiable companions, make sure to deal with any health considerations before the journey. Getting the required documents ready as a top priority will save you a lot of trouble later. Also, make sure your dog is not eating any low-quality food, and their stomach doesn’t get upset during the flight.
