Dog lovers who travel often dream of a pup whose eyes light up when they see their owners packing bags or grabbing car keys. There’s nothing like seeing your dog happily wag its tail and bounce at the prospect of going outside with you.
Many dog breeds are wonderful for the travel lifestyle; they adapt to new situations nicely, are easier to carry around, and don’t freak out when they see new people. Other dog breeds are less travel-friendly; some might suffer from travel anxiety, are too big to transport, and don’t tolerate different types of weather.
If you love to travel and want to take your furry friend with you, make sure to adopt pets that can tolerate being moved around in cars and can be crate trained. When planning a trip with your pet, also keep in mind your dog’s personality and temperament, and make sure the destination matches it.
For example, high-energy dogs might not enjoy calm and quiet vacations where they don’t get enough space to be physically active.
Small dogs are often great as travel pets, as these pooches can be carried around easily, fit in cars and hotel rooms, and can be crate trained. These seven dogs are great choices if you’re all about spending a life on the move.
Best Dog Breeds Choices For Vacationing With Pets
1. Pomeranian
This fuzzy, fox-faced little dog is definitely going to turn heads wherever you take them. Pomeranians are loyal and friendly toy dogs that are calm enough to stay peaceful in hotel rooms, and lively enough to enjoy being carried on outdoor adventures. These adaptable dogs are a great choice for frequent travelers as long as they’re healthy and being taken care of.
Pomeranian is a breed with a regal temperament and has enjoyed the company of royals (which shows in its personality). It’s considered an ideal companion dog and makes a wonderful pet for apartment living and an urban lifestyle.
Poms’ thick double coat makes it demanding when it comes to upkeep. Stay ready for its regular grooming even when you’re on your vacation and don’t ignore them. Other than that, they’re alert little dogs and enjoy different activities with their pet parents. They’ll happily go to different destinations with you and join in the selfies.
2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is an ultimate lap dog for different types of owners, especially those who live in apartments and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. This small dog has a stocky body, bat-like ears, and a brachycephalic face. Despite its compact size, this pooch can be a very alert and playful dog with clownish antics.
The French Bulldog is a good vacation pet because it loves to stick close to its owners and is easily held in laps. Though it can be taken on sightseeing, it stays calm indoors, like in restaurants (if they allow dogs) and hotel rooms. Frenchies are easy to care for due to their short, smooth coat, but some care is still required from the dog owners.
Frenchies have a smooshed, wrinkled face and are prone to breathing issues and overheating. If you’re traveling by car, make sure to check that they’re not anxious and the car interior isn’t hot. They might not be the best pet for outdoor adventures during hot and humid months.
Before taking your Frenchies on vacation, make sure to schedule their vet visit and get them checked. If they’re being taken care of, French Bulldogs can be amiable company, and they’ll enjoy various dog-friendly activities.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best dog breeds for taking along on vacations. Cavs aren’t just the ultimate companions; they’re playful and sociable dogs that’ll enjoy exploring new places with their pet owners.
Cavs have been loved and cherished by royals like King Charles I and II, who loved to take these pups around with them everywhere, according to PetMD. Cavs are adaptable and even-tempered indoors, but they also enjoy going outdoors with their humans. From playing in dog parks to accompanying you to dog-friendly restaurants, your Cav will enjoy every activity you plan, including them.
Cavs make wonderful family dogs and get along well with both adults and children. They’re a great choice of travel dogs if you’re going with family or a group of friends. These pups will even get along well with other pets around them.
4. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a compact and friendly dog bred to be a companion for Buddhist monks and Chinese Imperial rulers. This “little lion” has a lush, long coat that requires regular grooming, like weekly brushing and occasional bathing.
As people-oriented pets, properly trained Shih Tzus can be great travel pets, but pet owners need to keep some things in mind. As short-nosed doggos, Shih Tzus are prone to suffering from breathing difficulty, and their airways can collapse if they’re anxious or hot.
As small dogs, they’re easy to take along on car rides, but make sure to place them on the front seat in a properly sized carrier. Also ensure proper car cooling so they don’t overheat. While taking your Shih Tzu with you on air travel, crate train them beforehand with positive reinforcement methods.
These gentle, tempered but alert pups are great companions for many activities. They can stay happy indoors, but they’ll also enjoy outdoor activities like playing in pet-friendly parks.
5. Maltese
Maltese are among the ancient dog breeds and are no stranger to living with humans. It’s named after the Island of Malta, the place of its origin, and is one of the most popular dog breeds among apartment dwellers now.
This cute white dog breed is one of the most affectionate canines that befriend everyone in their household. They’re playful and sociable and wonderful to take on vacations as long as you understand their needs. Maltese are dogs that thrive in moderate weather, not too hot or too cold, according to Britannica.
Maltese pups adapt well to new environments; from cozying up next to you inside hotel rooms to spending some calm time in dog-friendly patios and other such pet-friendly places, they make amiable companions. When taking them outdoors, make sure to keep your pooch safe from larger dogs.
During car travel, for a smooth journey, make sure your Maltese has an appropriate harness and isn’t placed freely in the car. This small pup can accidentally get hurt or dizzy. As tiny pooches, they can do in-cabin travel with their dog parents, but make sure to check the airline’s policy first.
6. Papillon
Papillon is an elegant little toy dog that turns heads due to its butterfly-like feathery ears. They’re very companionable dogs that love spending time with their pet parents and make loving travel partners. Like all doggos, Papillons also need crate training before air travel and to be checked by a licensed vet for any potential health issues.
Paps are very adaptable and can adapt to different types of climates, both hot and cold, according to the AKC. These versatile dogs will happily accompany you to different types of travel destinations, from serene small towns to busy cities. As active dogs, they do need to be given some exercise before starting a long trip.
Papillons are a small dog breed that stays calm indoors but, as playful pups, also enjoy exploring scenic trails with their humans. They can be quite agile four-legged friends on hiking trails, but make sure they don’t overheat or get exhausted.
When your Papillon is in its dog crate, it can be helpful to give some favorite toys so it stays calm during the flight. Make sure to offer your pooch water and food at proper intervals so it stays well-fed and hydrated.
7. Affenpinscher
Affenpinscher is a friendly dog breed known for its clownish antics and ability to befriend its owners fast. As a hypoallergenic dog breed, the Affenpinscher is a great pet for allergy sufferers and families with elderly people.
These shaggy doggos have been called the “monkey dogs” due to their unique appearance. Their dense and harsh coat needs twice-weekly grooming so it doesn’t tangle or mat a lot. While a perfect indoor pet, Affenpinscher can be great outdoors and will enjoy scenic walks through green spaces with you while on vacation.
As a little dog better suited for an indoor life, the Affenpinscher can stay calm in hotel rooms. If you want to leave them alone in the room, make sure they’ve received proper obedience training.
While taking your Affenpinscher on long road trips, make sure they’re safe in a doggo harness and don’t get hurt during accidental sudden stops. It’s also nice to have dog food bowls and water along to keep them fed and hydrated.
Conclusion
While many dog breeds make great travel companions, it’s important to create a checklist before taking your pet on a trip. Look for dog-friendly vacation destinations and activities to make this experience perfect for you and your pet.
Get a health certificate for your pooch beforehand, and look up airline policies about pet travel before you book the tickets. It’s always a good idea to bring a first aid kit along when you travel, and pack appropriate dog grooming and cleaning supplies.
