Summer is the season for adventures, and if you’re a dog lover, chances are you’d rather not leave your best friend behind. Traveling with your pup can be one of the most joyful experiences, but it can also be stressful if the dog isn’t suited for the journey.
Size, energy levels, and temperament all matter when deciding if your furry companion is ready to join you on the road or at a busy event. Crowded expo halls, long flights, or endless car rides can overwhelm some dogs if they aren’t well-suited to travel. Choosing wisely helps keep both you and your pup comfortable.
Did you know that dogs are the most popular traveling pets worldwide, making up 58% of all pets who travel? That number shows just how many people want their four-legged friends by their side when exploring. But not every dog is cut out for different environments.
The good news is that many dogs can adapt beautifully with the right planning. Whether you’re heading to a summer expo, catching a flight, or taking a road trip, the right travel companion will make the experience far more fun and stress-free.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best dog breeds for travel expos so you can find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Best Dog Breeds For Travel Expos
1. Pomeranian
Size: 3-7 pounds
Pomeranians are tiny dogs with a big personality, making them ideal travel-friendly dog breeds. Their small size means they can fit easily in a carrier, crate, or even a handbag. They love attention, so they won’t mind if people stop to pet them during your trip.
These little dogs are smart and easy to train. They learn routines quickly, whether it’s staying calm in a carrier, waiting quietly during flights, or adjusting to hotel stays. Positive reinforcement works best, and their adaptability helps them settle into new places without stress.
They are also non-fussy and well-behaved, which makes traveling with them easier than you’d expect. Their sharp minds and problem-solving skills make them great at handling sudden changes in routine.
Pomeranians are also sensitive to human moods, which makes them strong bonding companions. Their emotional intelligence, along with their patience and friendly nature, makes traveling smoother.
This combination of brains, adaptability, and charm makes them one of the easiest breeds to bring along for adventures.
2. French Bulldog
Size: Under 28 pounds
The French Bulldog is a small dog with a big heart and a calm demeanor. They are playful without being overly energetic, which makes them easy to manage while traveling. Their size and affectionate personality allow them to adapt well to hotel rooms, motorhomes, and even busy expos.
While French Bulldogs travel well, they do have some special needs. Britannica states that because of their short noses, they can struggle in hot weather and are at risk of overheating. It’s important to keep them cool with shade, fresh water, and air conditioning when needed.
Many airlines also restrict them from flying due to breathing issues, so safer options like cars, trains, or boats are better choices. Short walks and cooling accessories like vests or mats can make travel more comfortable for them.
French Bulldogs may not be strong swimmers, so water activities require extra care. A fitted life jacket is a good idea if you plan to be around lakes or the beach. Despite their quirks, these dogs are loyal, friendly, and happy to stay close to their owners.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Size: 7 pounds
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small, confident breed that loves to stay close to its owner. They are portable and fit easily into handbags, backpacks, or travel crates, making them convenient for air, land, or water travel. Yorkies are also one of the most popular breeds in cities, especially because they do well in apartments and small spaces.
Yorkies have lively personalities and usually adapt quickly to new places and people. Their affectionate nature makes them good companions during trips, and they often get along well with other dogs.
Because of their small size, they are easy to bring along on air travel. However, you may need to check for vocal habits, as some Yorkies can be a little chatty.
This breed is intelligent and learns routines fast, which makes traveling smoother. They need only short walks or light play to stay happy, so their exercise needs are easy to manage on the road.
While they do have high energy, they balance it with loyalty and affection, making them an ideal pet for frequent travelers who enjoy staying active.
4. Chihuahua
Size: Not exceeding 6 pounds
The Chihuahua is the ultimate travel-sized companion. Weighing no more than six pounds, they fit easily into a small carrier, purse, or backpack. Their tiny size means they don’t take up much space, need little food, and are usually accepted in a cabin during flights.
Despite being small, they are full of personality and charm, often surprising people with their bold, confident nature.
Chihuahuas enjoy being close to their owners and can be prone to travel anxiety when left alone. With early socialization, they can become confident, outgoing dogs who adapt well to new environments.
Toilet training may take longer due to their small digestive systems, but they are intelligent and can be trained to a high standard. Many owners love how these little dogs are portable yet still alert and loyal.
This breed is low-maintenance and does not need much exercise, making travel easier. They are happy to snuggle in carriers during car rides, flights, or even cruises. Chihuahuas come in both long and short hair, and both are easy to manage on the go.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Size: 13-18 pounds
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle and mild-mannered breed that loves to stay close to its owner. According to PetMD, they got their name from British royalty in the 17th century. King Charles I and his son Charles II were so fond of this breed that they took these dogs everywhere—even to Parliament.
Cavaliers are small, portable, and easygoing, which makes them perfect for both road trips and plane travel. They enjoy being with people and other animals, and their friendly personality makes them welcome guests in hotels, cottages, and caravans.
Their sweet nature also makes them great conversation starters, since they often attract attention wherever they go. This breed does need regular grooming and care. Their long coats should be brushed weekly, and they benefit from professional grooming.
Cavaliers can also face health issues, so responsible breeding, good veterinary care, and insurance are important. With proper care, they make great companions for long road trips and air travel, and are happiest when by your side.
6. Bichon Frise
Size: 12-18 pounds
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful little dog with a fluffy white coat and a friendly nature. Their name comes from the French phrase for “curly lap dog,” and they have been loved for centuries as companions to sailors, royalty, and even circus performers.
These small dogs are playful, intelligent, and affectionate, which makes them perfect travel companions. They adapt well to new places and people, and their social nature often draws attention wherever they go.
They are compact but sturdy, and many pet parents find them easy to manage in hotels, cars, or even plane cabins.
The Bichon Frise does have one important need: daily exercise. These are high-energy dogs that require about an hour of activity each day, which can be a great way to keep both you and your dog active while traveling.
Regular walks help keep them calm and happy, and early socialization prevents shyness. With the right care, the Bichon Frise is a loyal, friendly, and lively companion for a smoother travel experience.
7. Maltese
Size: Under 7 pounds
The Maltese is a toy breed that usually weighs less than seven pounds, making them one of the easiest dogs to travel with. Their small size makes them fit comfortably in travel carriers, travel bags, or even on your lap during long trips. They are low-shedding, which keeps cars, hotel rooms, and planes cleaner while on the move.
These adaptable dogs are playful and friendly, but don’t need much exercise to stay happy. Their moderate energy level and calm temperament make them well-suited for air travel and long car rides.
However, they can develop separation anxiety and may become noisy if left alone, so it’s best to keep them close during your adventures.
The Maltese has a long, flowing coat that needs regular brushing to stay neat. Many owners choose a short “puppy cut” for easier grooming while traveling. Always keep them on a leash and wear proper identification in new places, and carry a recent photo just in case.
With the right care, the Maltese makes a cheerful, affectionate, and easy-to-manage travel companion.
Conclusion
Traveling becomes so much more enjoyable when your furry friend can join you. While not every dog is built for travel, the right companion can make every trip easier and more fun.
Certain breeds are naturally calmer, adapt quickly to new places, and handle the noise and movement of travel better than others. By knowing your dog’s needs and planning, you can create stress-free adventures for both of you.
Other than the ones we have mentioned above, there are some other dog breeds as well that are ideal for travel expos. These include the Miniature Schnauzer, Portuguese Water Dog, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Golden Retriever, Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, and Labrador Retriever.
Whether you’re flying, driving, or attending a busy event, remember that dogs are individuals, just like other pets. Some are naturally more adaptable, while others need extra patience, but most can become great travel companions with the right care.
Dogs that are easily trained and socialized early will have an even smoother journey, giving you the chance to make wonderful memories together on the road.
