If you’re the kind of person who loves hopping on spontaneous getaways, chances are you’d love to bring your furry sidekick along for the ride. But here’s the thing—while your heart says yes, not every pup is built for spur-of-the-moment travel.
That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though! In fact, 78% of owners and their four-legged friends are driving and flying together more now than ever before, which just goes to show how many of us are packing leashes and treats alongside our passports and suitcases.
The key is finding a companion who can roll with the punches—whether that’s adjusting to airport noise, curling up comfortably in a carrier, or simply staying calm when the scenery outside the car window keeps changing.
In this article, we’ll explore which dog breeds tend to handle last-minute trips like pros, plus practical tips to make every journey smoother for both you and your four-legged co-pilot.
Key Takeaways
Find out which dog breeds are happiest tagging along on last-minute trips, from tiny purse-sized pups to easygoing lapdogs that love new adventures.
Learn why some breeds are better travel companions than others, and how their temperament, energy, and adaptability make all the difference on the road or in the air.
Get simple, practical caring tips for each breed so your furry friend stays calm, comfortable, and ready for anything from rest stops to long flights.
Discover how to match your travel style—whether active and energetic or laid-back and relaxed—with the perfect canine co-pilot for stress-free getaways.
Best Dog Breeds For Last-Minute Trips
1. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is one of the most travel-friendly pups you can find. Considered a particularly sociable dog breed, these small dogs bring big-dog confidence in a tiny package.
They’re affectionate, playful, and always ready to be by your side—whether you’re hopping on a flight or strolling through a new city.
Why they’re great for travel:
Compact and easy to bring into the cabin on flights
Confident and sociable, making them good with new places and people
Friendly companions who love to explore with their owners
Caring tips during travel:
Give them short breaks to burn off energy between long stretches
Bring their favorite toy or blanket to keep them calm
Offer small amounts of water often to keep them comfortable
Yorkies do have high energy levels, so they’ll enjoy an active trip where they can walk, play, and stretch their legs.
If you’re planning a more laid-back vacation, they might need a little extra exercise to stay happy. But with their adaptability and eagerness to join in, Yorkies are always ready for the next adventure.
2. French Bulldog
According to Britannica, the French Bulldog has been the most popular dog breed in America since 2022. They are small, low-maintenance, and travel-friendly.
Their compact size makes them easy to bring along, and their calm nature means they’re happy to relax during long car rides. Frenchies love attention and are quick to win hearts wherever they go, making every stop on your trip a little brighter.
Why they’re great for travel:
Little bodies that fit comfortably in small spaces
Relaxed attitude, perfect for long drives
Loving and social, great at meeting new people
Caring tips during travel:
Be mindful of their brachycephalic (short-nosed) nature, as it can cause breathing issues
Always consult your vet before air travel
Acclimate them to their carrier early and pack essentials like food, water, and treats
French Bulldogs don’t need much exercise, so they’re ideal for trips with fewer stops. Just remember they’re sensitive to heat and exertion, so keep them cool and comfortable.
Frenchies are attention-loving pups and thrive when they’re close to their humans. Companionship is the best comfort you can give them. For last-minute family road trips, they’re one of the easiest breeds to pack up and go with.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is affectionate, adaptable, and laid-back. These little dogs are gentle in nature and love being close to their people. They’re easygoing travel companions who fit right in, whether you’re exploring a busy city or relaxing at a quiet retreat.
Why they’re great for travel:
Small size makes them perfect for in-cabin flights
Adaptable to new environments and people
Gentle and friendly, great with both strangers and other animals
Caring tips during travel:
Choose a Cavalier with a moderate muzzle to avoid breathing issues
Keep them cool in warm climates, especially during flights
Bring along familiar items like a blanket or toy for comfort
Cavaliers are active enough to join you on city outings but calm enough to relax when it’s time to rest. Their charm makes them instant conversation starters wherever you go. With their loving temperament and extremely playful nature, they’re truly built to be by your side on last-minute adventures.
They’re happiest when close to their humans, so plan to keep them with you whenever possible. A Cavalier’s gentle presence can make travel less stressful, turning any trip into a shared joy.
4. Maltese
The Maltese is an ancient breed known for its elegance and charm. With their silky coats and expressive eyes, they look like little aristocrats, but don’t be fooled.
They’re hardy, adaptable, and always ready to travel. Their sweet and mellow temperament makes them the perfect breed for long road trips and long flights ahead.
Why they’re great for travel:
Adaptable to different environments and routines
Low-shedding and easy to keep tidy on trips
Friendly and affectionate, making them great companions everywhere
Caring tips during travel:
They can be prone to separation anxiety, so keep them close
Bring grooming supplies to keep their coat neat on the road
Use familiar toys or blankets to reduce stress and keep them calm
Malteses are gentle and easygoing but may be a bit yappy at times, so dog-friendly hotel stays are preferred. They enjoy short walks and exploring new places, but don’t require too much exercise, which makes them easy to manage on trips.
With a little care for their grooming and comfort, these adorable pups are always ready to join you on last-minute adventures.
5. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed, but don’t let their size fool you. These tiny pups have big personalities and love being close to their owners. Loyal, spirited, and portable, they’re always ready to join you on planes, road trips, or even tucked in a carrier for a day out.
Why they’re great for travel:
Small enough for in-cabin flights and easy to carry
Loyal and happy to stay close to their humans
Big personalities that make every trip more fun
Caring tips during travel:
They can be anxious, so keep them calm with familiar toys or blankets
Be mindful of their sensitivity to cold or heat, and pack a blanket
Stick to their regular food and water schedule to avoid tummy issues
Chihuahuas don’t need much exercise, but they enjoy short walks and exploring new places. They thrive when they feel secure and close to their humans, so keep them nearby instead of leaving them alone.
With their mix of charm and confidence, these intelligent dogs are the ideal pets for last-minute trips. They’re also natural watchdogs, often alerting you to anything new. For travelers who want a tiny but bold co-pilot, the Chihuahua is a perfect fit.
6. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a cheerful little dog with a love for people and plenty of charm. Known as the “lion dog” in China, as per Britannica, this breed has long been admired for its flowing coat and sweet personality. Playful yet laid-back, they’re happy to join you on adventures or simply relax by your side.
Why they’re great for travel:
Adaptable to new places and people
A laid-back personality makes them less stressed when traveling
Small and portable, perfect for in-cabin flights and road trips
Caring tips during travel:
Keep an eye on them in warm or cold temperatures, as they are sensitive
Bring grooming supplies to manage their long hair while on the go
Allow for rest breaks, but they don’t need heavy exercise
Shih Tzus love companionship and fit in well, whether you’re traveling solo or with friends. They enjoy being pampered and will happily sit back and soak up attention wherever you go.
With their friendly nature and adaptable spirit, Shih Tzus are easygoing travel buddies who add joy to any trip. They’re also natural conversation starters, thanks to their playful personality and adorable looks.
7. Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle is a smart, adaptable, and cheerful travel companion. These little dogs are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, which makes training and traveling much easier.
With their hypoallergenic coats and small size, they’re lightweight, tidy, and easy to bring along anywhere.
Why they’re great for travel:
Hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat, perfect for hotels or rentals
Highly intelligent and easy to train for travel routines
Sociable and adaptable, comfortable in new surroundings
Caring tips during travel:
Give them regular exercise, as they have lots of energy
Bring toys or chews to keep them stimulated during downtime
Keep them close, as they thrive on companionship and attention
Toy Poodles are quick to adjust whether on a road trip, flight, or city stroll. They’re friendly with strangers, making them a joy to take along on adventures.
With their brains, charm, and resilience, Toy Poodles can turn any last-minute trip into a smooth and happy experience. They’re also observant and often quiet, which makes them easy travelers in shared spaces.
Conclusion
Traveling with your dog can transform any trip into a richer experience. From the quintessential family dog to the tiniest pup, every furry friend brings unique qualities to your journey.
Some are calm and laid-back, while others are energetic, eager, and always ready for adventure—even a larger dog can make a great companion with a little planning.
No matter the breed, preparation is key. Plan for rest stops, check in with your vet, and be mindful of other travelers along the way. Avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods, and make comfort and companionship a priority.
With the right care, your athletic adventurer or gentle lapdog will be ready to join you on your next last-minute getaway.
Looking for more travel-friendly dog breeds? You can also check out the Clumber Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Bichon Frise, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Pomeranian, Boston Terrier, German Shorthaired Pointer, Portuguese Water Dog, and Jack Russel Terrier.
