Packing for vacation is hard enough. Now add a furry friend into the mix and… YEAH, things get complicated.
Some dogs lose their minds the second the car starts moving. Others bark at every stranger in a hotel lobby. And some just flat out can’t handle long trips, period.
But not every dog breed struggles with travel. Some pups are basically built for it. Calm in new environments, easy to train, low maintenance, and honestly just happy wherever you take them. Car, plane, campsite, does NOT matter.
That’s the kind of travel companion every person dreams of.
According to the BBC, Mackinac Island in Michigan has banned cars since 1898. The only way to get around is by bike, on foot, or by horse-drawn carriages. It is one of the most dog-friendly vacation spots in the country, and your pup gets to ride right along in the carriage with you. Pretty cool way to see the world, honestly.
So, if you are an active traveler, a solo traveler, or someone who wants a low-key buddy for long car rides, these are the best dogs to bring along on your next adventure.
Best Dog Breeds to Bring on Your Next Vacation
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Small, sweet, and shockingly easy to travel with. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of those breeds that’s just as happy in a hotel room as it is at home.
These little dogs fit comfortably into a hotel carrier, which makes air travel less stressful for both of you. PetMD says these dogs are gentle and people-oriented. Plus, they don’t bark much at strangers.
Most places will welcome them without a fuss.
Cavaliers genuinely seem to enjoy new environments rather than fearing them, which is honestly rare in small dogs.
These Spaniels will happily greet other travelers at rest stops or curl up under a restaurant table when you eat. They do need some exercise, but nothing extreme.
A short walk, some playtime in a new park, and they are good.
The one thing to keep in mind is that they bond hard with their humans, so leaving one behind in a hotel room for hours is not really their thing.
Bring them along, and they will be the calm small dogs.
2. Dachshund
Short legs fool many people.
YES! But ASPCA says that Dachshunds are smart, lively, playful, clever, and scrappy. All qualities great for van life or long road trips.
This little dog has a big personality and does not need a ton of space to be happy, which is perfect for tight quarters like an RV or a packed backseat.
They are easy to train when you are consistent, and that stubborn streak everyone talks about usually softens once they trust you and settle into a routine.
Their small size means they can ride in a car, on a plane, or curled up at your feet at a campsite without taking up much room at all.
Dachshunds tend to be vocal, so a quick bark when someone new approaches your campsite is pretty normal for these stubborn dogs.
One thing to watch! Their long backs mean you will want to limit jumping in and out of the car or off furniture in unfamiliar places. A ramp or lift helps a lot here, and it’s worth packing one.
3. Maltese
If minimal space and minimal shedding matter to you, the Maltese is your perfect breed.
These small dogs are basically made for travel. Light, easy to carry, and totally fine being toted around in a bag through unfamiliar places, crowded airports included.
According to Pooch & Mutt, Maltese dogs are affectionate and make strong bonds with their humans. That makes them great companions for solo travelers who want company without the chaos of a high-energy dog.
They tend to adapt quickly, too.
So, new hotel rooms or campsites rarely throw them off for long. They do need regular grooming on the road since that white coat shows dirt fast. But their energy level is low enough that hotel stays and long flights are not a problem.
These small white dogs are also confident around other animals and strangers, and they act like they own the place wherever you take them.
4. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are basically professional nappers, which makes them solid travel companions.
Short hair, low exercise needs, and a temperament that doesn’t really rattle easily around other animals or even other travelers.
That’s the French Bulldog in a nutshell. No wonder they are the most popular dogs in America.
So, don’t be surprised if they make a few new friends at the dog park along your route or get stopped by strangers.
These wrinkly dogs can have breathing issues, in heat or high altitudes, so mountain trips need a little extra planning.
Many airlines won’t allow brachycephalic breeds like Frenchies in the Cargo hold, and honestly, that’s for the best.
Stick to car trips where they can ride with you in the cabin, and always keep water and shade close by.
5. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is basically the golden standard (pun intended) of dogs people want by their side, on vacation, or otherwise.
Labs are friendly, easy to train, and good with kids, strangers, and other animals, which makes them low-stress in pretty much any social setting, from a busy campground to a crowded beach boardwalk.
They do need frequent exercise, so this breed works best for active travelers who are hiking, camping, and hitting the beach rather than lounging in a hotel room all weekend.
Long car rides? NO PROBLEM!!
Labs settle in fast and tend to sleep through most of the drive, only waking up the second you mention food. Yep, they are food-motivated, The Farmer’s Dog noted.
Just know they are not exactly a little dog, so check-in policies and space in the car are important. Still, hard to beat as a travel buddy when you want a dog that goes with the flow.
6. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are the dog version of “yes”, and yes to hiking, yes to road trips, yes to LITERALLY anything you are doing.
This breed is smart, eager, and incredibly easy to train, which makes new environments way less stressful for everyone involved, humans included.
Goldens love people, love other dogs, and seem to enjoy exploring just as much as you do, whether on a mountain trail, a new neighborhood on a morning walk, or just sniffing around a gas station parking lot like it’s the most exciting place on earth.
Britannica says they need regular exercise, ‘ at least an hour of strenuous exercise’, to stay balanced. So, working dog energy is real here. It also means they can adjust to any travel style you adopt.
Just bring a towel. They shed constantly, and they love water. So, any trip near a lake or beach is basically guaranteed entertainment and probably a slightly damp car seat, too.
7. Australian Shepherd
Last but definitely not least, the Australian Shepherd!
A working dog through and through, and one seriously smart breed.
Aussies thrive with a job to do, which makes them an ideal breed for active travelers. They are easy to train, loyal, and good with kids and other people. And, they pick up commands in just a couple of tries, which comes in handy when you are in new places.
These dogs need a serious amount of exercise. Orvis mentions “vigorous exercise every day.” Boredom can turn into mischief on a long road trip with too many rest stops and not enough running room.
If your vacation is mostly lounging by a pool, this might not be the breed for you.
But if you are chasing adventure, an Aussie will keep up every step of the way.
And probably lead a few of them, too.
Conclusion
Picking the right travel companion comes down to several factors.
Your travel style, the space you have, if you want to fly or drive, and just how much energy you can match.
Small dogs like Maltese, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Italian Greyhound, Chihuahua, Brussels Griffon, Yorkshire Terrier, or Cavalier are perfect for a travel carrier and easy flights.
Bigger, working dogs like Australian Shepherds, German Shorthaired Pointer, Great Dane, Golden Retriever, or Lab are better suited for hiking, camping, and long days outside.
Whichever breed you pick, one thing is for sure.
A good travel companion makes the whole trip better.
