Ever watched someone breeze through the airport with their dog and wondered how on earth they pull it off? It looks stressful, right, juggling luggage, tickets, and a pet all at once. But it doesn’t have to be chaotic if you pick the right dog for the job.
We’ve rounded up 7 dog breeds that genuinely make great travel companions. Whether you’re flying, road-tripping, hopping on a train, or even setting sail on a cruise, these dogs are built to handle it all with you. Think of this as your go-to guide for traveling with a furry sidekick.
Keep reading to learn about each breed’s temperament, energy levels, and what makes them a perfect match for life on the move.
Best Dog Breeds for International Travel Experiences
1. Cavalier king Charles spaniel
A British toy breed with royal roots, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is sweet, affectionate, and always wants to be close to their favorite humans. According to PetMD, King Charles I and his son Charles II were so fond of these little dogs that they took them everywhere, even in horse-drawn carriages.
Thanks to their gentle, laid-back nature, Cavaliers are a great choice for first-time pet owners. Their small size and adaptable personality make them easy to travel with, whether you’re heading across town or across the country.
As pointed out on Reddit, these dogs do best traveling in-cabin rather than in cargo, since they’re brachycephalic and can struggle with breathing when temperatures shift.
The upside is they barely take up any space and are more than happy to curl up on your lap for the ride. The only catch? They’re total crowd magnets. Be ready for strangers to stop you every few minutes for a quick hello and a cuddle.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
A British toy terrier, the Yorkshire Terrier may be small in size but definitely doesn’t act like it. These dogs are protective, a little bossy, and full of confidence. One minute they’re curled up in your lap, the next they’re strutting around like they own the place, ready to boss around the dog next door.
Yorkies are high-energy and need regular exercise plus mental stimulation to stay happy. They love the outdoors and thrive on adventure, which makes their sociable, adaptable nature a great fit for road trips, car rides, or train journeys, as long as they’re safely secured in a travel carrier.
They’re also small enough to fit right in your bag for a stroll around the city. Yorkies settle into new environments easily, hotel rooms included, as long as they’re getting enough attention and playtime from you.
Just make sure they travel in a crash-tested carrier, secured with a seatbelt, especially on longer car rides.
3. Toy Poodle
An elegant little breed, the Toy Poodle is clever, quick to learn, and fiercely loyal to their owners. Their small size and sharp intelligence make them easy to carry along wherever you go, which is exactly why so many travel-loving pet parents swear by them.
These cute dogs genuinely love sticking by your side, no matter the destination, making them one of the best travel companions out there. Their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat is a bonus too, especially for air travel and hotel stays.
They do have plenty of energy, but long hiking trails aren’t really their thing. A secure travel carrier is the way to go to keep them safe and make the journey smoother. And since they’re so eager to please, Toy Poodles tend to stay well-behaved throughout vacations and long trips.
4. Havanese
Known as the national dog of Cuba, the Havanese is a smart, affectionate breed with a bright, outgoing personality. They’re well-behaved, get along with pretty much everyone, and are especially gentle and playful around kids.
Their high-spirited, sociable nature makes Havanese ideal companions for active travelers. They love being by your side and are happy to tag along on car rides, boat trips, train journeys, you name it. Their petite size makes them easy to bring on long trips, and they do great outdoors, according to WebMD.
One thing to watch out for: Havanese can be prone to motion sickness and may feel queasy during travel. Because of this, they’re often eager to get out of the car or wherever they’re traveling and get some fresh air as soon as possible.
If motion sickness becomes an issue, talk to your vet about medications that can help prevent it and ease symptoms like panting, diarrhea, or vomiting along the way.
5. Pomeranian
Tiny but mighty, Pomeranians are affectionate little dogs with a calm demeanor and a whole lot of love to give. They make wonderful travel companions, but there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the road with a Pom.
These dogs love cuddling up in your lap, so they might not be thrilled about sitting quietly in a carrier. As tempting as it is to let them out, it’s best to keep them safely inside for the duration of the trip. Pack some water and a few treats to help keep them calm and comfortable along the way.
Poms are well-behaved and just the right size for cabin travel. Before heading out on an adventure, it’s a good idea to get a quick vet check to make sure they’re fit to travel and to rule out any risk of motion sickness or other health issues during the trip.
6. Maltese
Traveling with a Maltese? There are a few things worth keeping in mind, whether you’re driving or flying. Originally from the island of Malta, these amazing dogs are intelligent, social, and deeply trusting of their people. They’re fun-loving, sweet-natured, and thrive on human companionship.
Because they bond so closely with their owners, Maltese can develop separation anxiety if left behind, so bringing them along is really the only option.
As a small toy breed, the Maltese is gentle and adaptable enough to be carried almost anywhere. That said, whether you’re flying or road-tripping, always use a secure carrier. Letting them sit on your lap while traveling isn’t safe and can lead to accidents or injuries.
To make the trip easier, take frequent breaks during long car rides. For air travel, a canine diaper can help avoid any hygiene mishaps and keep things comfortable for fellow passengers.
It’s also smart to keep water and motion sickness medication on hand, just in case, to help prevent nausea or other travel-related issues.
7. Chihuahua
A balanced small dog with a graceful yet spirited, terrier-like personality, Chihuahuas are a great pick for first-time pet owners. They bond closely with their families and are easy to train if you start early. They don’t do well being left alone for long stretches and can develop separation anxiety, according to Pet Plan, so wherever you’re headed, they’ll want to come too.
That’s actually what makes Chihuahuas such great travel companions. Whether you’re traveling solo or with the whole family, their tiny size means they take up barely any room, and you won’t run into many restrictions along the way. Still, a few things are worth doing before you set off.
Get them checked by a vet beforehand to confirm they’re fit to travel, and keep their vaccination records handy in case you need to show proof. For longer car or flight journeys, pack a few chew toys or bones to keep boredom at bay, and plan short walks during pit stops to help them stretch their legs.
A few other essentials to bring along: food bowls, potty bags, and a leash for whenever you need it.
Conclusion
Traveling with a dog doesn’t have to be complicated anymore. The key is picking a breed that’s adaptable, gentle, and genuinely enjoys being on the move. All the breeds mentioned above are just the right size and settle into new spaces easily, as long as their favorite human is right there with them.
A little planning goes a long way too. Book a pet-friendly hotel ahead of time so you’re not scrambling once you arrive, and pack the essentials: food bowls, vaccination records, toys, a leash, and a sturdy, secure carrier to keep your fur baby comfortable every step of the way.
