A trip feels a little more special when your dog gets to be part of it. Whether you are setting off by car, plane, train, or boat, bringing your four-legged companion along can turn an ordinary journey into a shared adventure. But enjoyable travel starts with careful planning.
Your dog’s comfort, health, safety, and temperament all deserve consideration before you pack the bags.
For dogs that genuinely enjoy being on the move, the right preparation can make unfamiliar places feel far less stressful. A secure crate or harness, fresh water, familiar toys, regular breaks, and up-to-date identification can help make the journey smoother.
It is equally important to check transportation and accommodation rules ahead of time, especially when traveling by air or crossing borders.
Still, not every dog enjoys travel. Understanding your companion and putting their comfort first can help you decide whether they should come along or stay happily at home.
Key Takeaways
The right dog can make traveling together more enjoyable and memorable.
A dog’s individual temperament matters when deciding whether to bring them along.
Secure crates, carriers, or appropriate restraints help keep dogs safe during travel.
Familiar toys, blankets, and other comforts can help dogs settle in unfamiliar surroundings.
Regular breaks give dogs opportunities to stretch, exercise, and relieve themselves.
Top Dog Breeds That Love to Travel with You
1. Toy Poodle
Small in size but bursting with personality, the Toy Poodle is an elegant little adventurer with a sharp mind and a lively spirit. Beneath its distinctive curly, relatively nonshedding coat is an athletic, people-loving dog that enjoys being part of whatever its family is doing.
Poodles come in three sizes—Standard, Miniature, and Toy—and each shares the breed’s graceful build and intelligent expression.
The Toy Poodle is easy to take along on outings, whether you’re exploring a new neighborhood, strolling through a park, or relaxing at a café. Its impressive intelligence also makes it highly trainable, especially when lessons are positive, consistent, and engaging.
Don’t let its petite frame fool you: the Toy Poodle has plenty of energy, according to the American Kennel Club. Daily walks, retrieving games, swimming, and canine sports can keep this spirited companion happy and mentally stimulated.
Because Toy Poodles love staying busy and close to their people, even ordinary errands can become exciting shared adventures.
With regular grooming, nutritious food, daily exercise, and plenty of companionship, the Toy Poodle can be a lively, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining member of the family.
Traveling with a Toy Poodle becomes easier with a little preparation and the right documents. A veterinary check-up can confirm your dog is healthy, vaccinated, and protected against destination-specific parasites. Air travel generally requires a pet passport, while some destinations may need additional health certificates or tests.
For flights, check the airline’s rules on approved carriers, fees, bookings, and health certificates. Carrying food, water, medication, and copies of important documents can also help keep your Toy Poodle comfortable throughout the journey.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Tiny but fearless, the Yorkshire Terrier brings a surprisingly big personality wherever it goes. Affectionately known as the Yorkie, this lively little dog was originally bred to catch rats in Yorkshire’s textile mills, and that brave, determined spirit still shines through today.
Yorkies form strong bonds with their people and often prefer being part of the action rather than spending long periods alone.
Their small size and moderate exercise needs can make them practical companions for outings, while their curious, energetic nature means they enjoy exploring their surroundings. A few short walks and playful activities each day help keep them happy and active.
With their compact size, lively spirit, and adventurous nature, Yorkshire Terriers can be wonderful companions for people who enjoy traveling with their dogs.
Yorkies are intelligent and adaptable, and with patient training and gradual exposure, many can become comfortable with different journeys and unfamiliar surroundings.
Their small size also makes them convenient to carry, although their delicate build means they need protection from extreme temperatures and potential injuries. Still, every Yorkie responds differently to travel, so short trips can help you understand whether your dog feels relaxed in different situations.
A secure carrier, familiar food, water, a leash, and comforting toys can make the journey easier and more enjoyable. With thoughtful preparation, careful observation, and attention to their individual needs, a Yorkie can happily accompany you on memorable adventures.
3. Shih Tzu
Often described as a “little lion,” the Shih Tzu may be small, but its affectionate and playful personality can make it a delightful companion on the road. Bred primarily for companionship, Shih Tzus thrive on human company and are happiest when they can stay close to their favorite people.
That makes them less suited to being left alone for long periods and naturally inclined to join in family activities.
Their exercise needs are manageable, with adults generally requiring around 30 minutes to an hour of activity each day, ideally divided between walks and play. Their curious nature also makes games and simple training enjoyable ways to keep them engaged, as stated by PetPlan.
Shih Tzus can be strong-willed, so early socialization and consistent training are important, particularly when introducing them to unfamiliar people, pets, or environments. Their long, silky coats require regular grooming, too.
For owners who enjoy having a devoted companion by their side, a Shih Tzu can happily share the journey.
Shih Tzus are devoted companions who prefer staying close to their people, making them well suited to holidays together. Their compact size, adaptable nature, and moderate exercise needs allow them to enjoy gentle walks, city breaks, cafés, and relaxed outings without demanding strenuous activities.
However, their flat faces mean they can struggle in heat, so cooler destinations and climate-controlled accommodation are important considerations when traveling.
Their luxurious coats also need regular care, while long walks, rough terrain, and excessive exercise are best avoided. With thoughtful planning and a comfortable pace, Shih Tzus can enjoy exploring new places while staying safe, relaxed, and happily by their owner’s side.
4. Maltese
Elegant, affectionate, and surprisingly spirited, the Maltese is a little companion with a big desire to stay close to its family. One of the oldest toy breeds, the Maltese has roots in the Mediterranean and has long been valued as a companion dog. Its small, hardy frame and relatively modest exercise needs can make it well suited to life on the go.
Maltese dogs are devoted to their people and generally enjoy being involved in whatever the family is doing. They can be playful and energetic, happily joining their owners for a walk before settling beside them for some quiet time.
Although small, they can also be alert and protective, often making their presence known when strangers approach.
Their intelligence makes them capable learners, though consistency is important because they can be stubborn at times. Their long, silky white coat does require daily brushing and regular grooming.
For travelers who want a loving dog that prefers being by their side, the Maltese can be a charming companion for shared adventures.
When traveling with a Maltese, a secure, airline-approved carrier can provide comfort, ventilation, and peace of mind during flights or longer journeys. For road trips, a car booster seat helps keep your dog safely positioned while making the ride more comfortable.
A soft travel bed and blanket can also create a familiar, cozy space when staying away from home. For shorter outings, a hands-free sling carrier offers an easy way to keep your Maltese close and secure.
Keeping a portable food and water dispenser on hand makes it simple to provide meals and hydration during walks, road trips, and rest stops.
5. Chihuahua
Small, alert, and devoted, the Chihuahua can be an excellent travel companion for owners prepared to plan carefully. Their tiny size makes them easier to carry on buses, trains, and some flights, but their confidence, sensitivity, and tendency to bark require patient training, as explained by PD Insurance.
Begin traveling with your Chihuahua while they are young, introducing trips gradually so they learn to remain calm in unfamiliar places.
A neutral-colored, airline-approved carrier that resembles an ordinary bag can make transportation less conspicuous, but never use it to violate a company’s rules.
Buses may be more flexible with small dogs, while flights often require pets to remain inside their carriers and may charge additional fees. Always check current policies before traveling.
Potty breaks are especially important during long journeys. Take your Chihuahua outside at every suitable stop and teach them that this is the appropriate time to relieve themselves. Practice quiet behavior, settling in the carrier, and waiting patiently rather than whining or barking. Reward calm behavior and use humane, positive training methods.
Plan for times when your dog cannot accompany you. Hotels, hostels, and rentals may have different rules, so arrange appropriate supervision and never leave a distressed dog unattended. Clean accidents immediately, prevent damage, and leave every space better than you found it.
International travel can require veterinary examinations, vaccinations, health certificates, and government approvals, often completed well before departure. Service-animal accommodations apply only where legally appropriate; never misrepresent a pet, and remain fully responsible for its behavior.
6. Pomeranian
Small in size but full of personality, the Pomeranian is a lively companion that can bring plenty of character to every journey.
Standing only around six to seven inches tall and weighing just three to seven pounds, its compact build makes it easy to transport and adaptable to different living spaces.
Friendly, inquisitive, and affectionate, Pomeranians enjoy interacting with their people and are happiest when they can stay involved.
Their energy comes in manageable bursts, with short walks and play sessions helping keep them active and mentally engaged. They are also highly adaptable and can fit comfortably into a variety of lifestyles.
Traveling with a Pomeranian does require some preparation. Their fluffy double coat needs frequent brushing, while their tendency to bark can be challenging in shared accommodations or during travel. Their small size also calls for extra care around physical hazards and larger dogs.
For owners who love having a spirited little companion close by, the Pomeranian can make every outing feel more lively.
7. Havanese
Affectionate, playful, and happiest when surrounded by their people, Havanese can be wonderful companions for those who enjoy bringing their dogs along for the journey.
Their compact size makes them easy to take on car trips, outings, and other adventures, while their adaptable nature helps them settle into different environments.
Many Havanese enjoy car rides and quickly learn that getting into the travel bag means a fun destination is ahead.
They can spend longer journeys playing, chewing, or simply sleeping until it is time to explore somewhere new. However, some Havanese experience motion sickness, particularly as puppies, which can make travel stressful. Gradual acclimatisation may help them become more comfortable with travelling.
Before setting off, owners should make sure their Havanese is familiar with its carrier and bring familiar toys or blankets. Planning for accommodation, food, water, identification, and destination requirements can also make trips smoother.
For a dog that loves staying close, the Havanese can turn travel into shared time together.
8. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Affectionate, gentle, and naturally sociable, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the kind of dog that seems happiest when life is shared with its people, according to Pedigree.
Their strong attachment to family can make them willing companions for road trips and other adventures, whether exploring somewhere new or simply enjoying time together.
Cavaliers generally enjoy car rides, but comfortable travel takes some preparation. Owners recommend getting them accustomed to the car and using a crate for safe journeys, while regular stops allow them to stretch and take potty breaks.
Familiar toys, chews, food, water, and cleaning supplies can also make travel easier.
For longer trips, it is important to plan, including checking pet-friendly accommodation and keeping vaccination records and identification information available.
Air travel may also involve carrier, reservation, and weight requirements that vary by airline.
With their people-loving nature and enthusiasm for being included, Cavaliers can bring warmth and companionship to the journey, although their irresistible charm may mean plenty of strangers stopping to say hello.
9. Dachshund
Dachshunds may be small, but their adventurous spirit makes them surprisingly capable travel companions. Originally bred in Germany as hunting dogs, these long-bodied, short-legged dogs are known for being determined, intelligent, curious, and full of personality.
Their compact size also makes them easy to take along, and many owners bring them everywhere, from everyday outings to hiking and camping adventures.
Despite their petite build, Dachshunds need plenty of activity. They were bred to cover ground while hunting, and regular exercise helps keep them fit and engaged.
Their independent nature can make training challenging at times, but their intelligence and food motivation can work in your favor.
Traveling with a Dachshund does require thoughtful preparation, particularly because the breed is prone to back problems.
Avoiding jumps and supporting their long backs during travel is important. With familiar comforts, regular breaks, and careful handling, a Dachshund can turn an ordinary trip into a memorable adventure with its favorite person.
Conclusion
Traveling with your dog can turn a simple getaway into a collection of moments you both remember long after you return home. From road trips to flights and stays in unfamiliar places, the experience is most enjoyable when your dog’s safety and comfort remain at the heart of every decision.
The breeds featured in this list each have qualities that can make traveling with their humans especially rewarding, but preparation still matters. A secure carrier or restraint, regular breaks, fresh water, familiar comforts, identification, and appropriate travel documents can help make journeys smoother. Checking transportation and accommodation policies in advance can also prevent unnecessary surprises.
Most importantly, pay attention to your dog’s individual needs. Some dogs thrive on new experiences, while others feel happier in familiar surroundings.
If your companion enjoys being by your side and is comfortable traveling, bringing them along can make the journey feel even more meaningful. After all, the best adventures are the ones shared with a beloved friend.
