Some dog breeds are natural explorers, eager to hop in the car, hike a trail, or stroll through a new town without missing a beat. With their energy, adaptability, and love for being by your side, these dogs turn an ordinary outing into a shared adventure.
Did you know that according to a study, dog owners are more likely to go out for walks than non-dog owners? That’s right. Dogs aren’t just amazing cuddle partners; they can also help you hit your fitness or active lifestyle goals, if you’re up for it.
If you’re all about taking outdoor strolls, hikes, camping trips, or just tend to travel a lot, you surely want a dog that can keep up with all that. Some dog breeds have got that X factor: they will not only embark on adventures into the forests with you, but will also adapt to your travel lifestyle better.
Maybe you can’t stay put because you love a lifestyle full of thrills, maybe you have to travel often for work, or you just happen to enjoy car trips once in a while. If you want an adventure-friendly dog, here are 7 wonderful dog breeds to pick from.
Best Dog Breeds For Day Trips
1. Labrador Retriever
Some doggos can cope well with travel, and others enjoy it like they’re made for it. Labrador Retrievers are definitely the latter as they are totally in their element when they’re on outdoor adventures or on car rides with their humans.
Quick facts
Labs are 21.5-24.5 inches and 55-80 pounds in size.
They’re one of the most loved sporting dogs, originally bred to retrieve game for hunters.
Labs come in a smooth, short double coat with colors like black, chocolate, and yellow.
What makes Labs great adventure dogs isn’t just their playful nature; as retrievers, they’re built for the outside life. Due to their water-repellent coat, they’re amazing companions if you love swimming and other water-based activities.
It’s important to remember that your Lab is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and exercise-related collapse. If you have a robust lifestyle, make sure you also check in often with your mutt at the vet’s clinic.
2. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers aren’t just amazing family pets; they’re strong and agile dogs that thrive when they get to move their strong bodies. They’re best matched with active owners and enjoy taking strolls out in nature with their pet parents.
Quick facts
Golden Retrievers stand 21-24 inches in height and tend to be 55-75 pounds in weight.
They’re one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.
Goldens have a soft and lush, thick coat that repels water.
Is the wild calling you again? Sign your Golden up, and it’ll hop happily in the car and follow you on a trail with joy. Goldens are affectionate pups that love pleasing their humans and joyfully exploring a life full of fun and games with them.
Just watch out for your pooch for signs of hip and elbow dysplasia, along with some other illnesses like Hypothyroidism (that can cause weight gain). They’re generally healthy and athletic dogs with a cheerful temperament; give them enough play sessions and attention, and they’ll stay peachy.
3. Border Collie
Border Collies were originally bred as herding dogs and are anything but dull. Give them a challenge, give them adventure, and they’ll be your best furry friends for life. As the world’s most intelligent dogs, Border Collies thrive when their owners engage with them in different physical and mental activities.
Quick facts
Border Collies stand 18-22 inches tall and weigh between 30-55 pounds.
They’re one of the most beautiful dogs with their luxurious, thick, and often black and white (or tricolor) coats.
If you want a travel-friendly dog that won’t drive you crazy, a Border Collie is a great choice. These pups are unrivaled when it comes to learning commands and cues and following them; so when you say “Come to me,” they won’t run in the opposite direction.
Make sure you don’t ignore your Collie for long periods of time when on a trip; as a smart dog, it can become destructive if it’s not being engaged.
Though it’s deeply attached to its person or family, Collie can get along well with other people on the trip. According to Britannica, Border Collies may let out some barks when excited, which makes them a good watchdog.
4. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles are small dogs with a spunky and friendly demeanor, and they love their pet parents. Bred down from the Standard Poodle, these pooches are portable dogs, great for people who live in shared living spaces and dorms.
Quick facts
They stand no taller than 10 inches and weigh between 4-6 pounds.
These pooches have a beautiful, curly, thick hypoallergenic coat.
What they lack in size, Toy Poodles make up for in personality and intelligence. As curious dogs, they love to explore new places and situations with you, as long as you’re keeping them close and giving them attention. Toy Poodles can do well in car rides; get them an appropriate crate, and they’ll be an awesome company.
They’re generally healthy and quite calm doggos and get along well with all family members, including children. So, if you’re going on a family trip, these pooches will entice everyone with their adorable presence.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Despite their background with the royals, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are friendly and sociable dogs. They’re great indoor pets, especially for apartment dwellers, and are equally well-suited for people living in cities. They also don’t mind going on walks outdoors with their owners and enjoy trotting by their side.
Quick facts
As per WebMD, Cavaliers are toy dogs and have a size range of 12-13 inches and 13-18 pounds.
They were favored by royals like King Charles I and King Charles II.
Their lush coat comes in many colors, like ruby, black, and white, and blenheim (white and chestnut).
These pups need a lot of attention, so make sure you don’t ignore them while on long car rides. Their sweet nature makes them amazing travel companions; they can make you feel less homesick just by snuggling up into your lap or into your sleeping bag.
King Charles Cavaliers are generally well-behaved on air travel, but it’s important to pre-train all doggos for staying happy in the crate. Also, make sure you take them to a vet before taking them on a longer trip.
6. Maltese
Maltese are unbelievably gorgeous dogs with their lush white coat covering their little bodies, making them look like walking marshmallows. These pooches hail from the Mediterranean islands of Malta and happen to be one of the most loved small and beautiful white dogs.
Quick facts
These pooches are not heavier than 7 pounds and stand 7-9 inches tall.
References to these pups have been seen in Ancient Roman and Greek literature, as per PetMD.
Maltese are very loving and adaptable dogs that can be easily trained to behave before a long journey, like a car or air trip. They’re happy playing indoors, but also enjoy some outdoor activities with their humans, like walks in the dog parks.
Make sure your pet fits comfortably in the dog carrier while on a car trip, and if possible, take a little break if it’s going to be a long trip.
7. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are gorgeous dogs with silky coats that come in colors like golden, red, brown, black, and white. They’re one of the most loving pups with gentle expressions and a very playful and adaptable personality.
Quick facts
They can be 13.5 to 15.5 inches in height and have weights between 20-30 pounds.
They were bred as hunting dogs and have compact but sturdy bodies that helped them in this role.
Cocker Spaniels are excellent travel companions as portable pups that adapt well to new environments and love to be close to their humans. These dogs love to follow their owners around and can suffer from separation anxiety if you’re away from them for a long period of time.
As they do well in small spaces, you can train them easily to stay in dog carriers during an air trip or long road trips; using treats and other positive reinforcement methods will help.
Conclusion
Taking your dog along on a day trip or a long tour makes the whole experience more rewarding and fulfilling. Being away from home can be tricky, but if your loving pooch is with you, any place can feel like home.
Make sure your pup is travel-ready in terms of health and training; always get them checked medically before embarking on your next journey with them.
The dog breeds listed in this article are some of the awesome choices for outdoor adventures. Taking them along will offer you lovely company. However, proper training is highly crucial for every pet dog.
