Blame it on their big personalities or the rise of pet-friendly travel, but one thing’s clear: adventure is better when it fits in a tote bag. These best toy dog breeds for travel may be tiny, but they come fully equipped with courage, intelligence, and enough charm to melt a passport officer’s heart.
What’s magical about these little dogs is how much life they pack into their mini frames. They’re intelligent dogs who can handle airports, elevators, and endless selfies without missing a beat. Whether they’re lounging on a café chair in Paris or snoozing on a mountain trail in Colorado, these toy breeds make every mile memorable.
So grab your leash, zip up your carry-on, and meet the best toy dog breeds for travel—each one born for adventure, wagging tails, and boundless love.
Best Toy Dog Breeds for Travel
1. Shih Tzu
It’s hard not to fall for the Shih Tzu, the original travel influencer of imperial China.
Developed primarily as royal lapdogs for Chinese emperors (no, really—these pups once lived in palaces guarded by eunuchs), they carried themselves with the confidence of a tiny monarch. Today, they bring that same grace to first-class cabins and cozy hotel beds alike.
A Shih Tzu doesn’t just travel; they float through life like a furry little diplomat. They’re masters of calm, unfazed by turbulence, traffic, or toddlers. With their soulful eyes and gentle nature, they’re equally at home in Tokyo tea houses or Oregon Airbnbs.
Their long coat deserves its own travel spa kit—regular grooming keeps them photo-ready, while their cheerful personality makes them the ultimate icebreaker wherever you go. They love companionship and will happily watch the world from your lap while you sip your latte.
Fun Fact: The name Shih Tzu means “lion dog,” but don’t worry—they’re far more likely to snuggle than roar.
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Meet the Yorkie—small dog, large ego, and even bigger heart.
Known to hunt rats in English textile mills back in the day (seriously, this glam pup was once a pest control pro), the Yorkshire Terrier quickly climbed from soot-covered factories to silk-covered laps.
PDSA says these pocket-sized great companions are bold, mischievous, and delightfully loyal. They pack enough self-confidence to stare down big dogs twice their size—and probably win. Ideal for travel, they weigh less than a laptop, yet have the attitude of a rock star with a private jet.
Because of their fine, human-like hair, regular grooming keeps their locks luscious, and a daily walk satisfies their inner explorer. Some Yorkies even enjoy long hikes tucked safely in a carrier, ruling mountain trails like furry monarchs.
Fun Fact: The smallest dog in history was a Yorkie named Sylvia—just 2.5 inches tall! Proof that good things really do come in small packages.
3. Maltese
Ah, the Maltese—a small pooch so ancient that Aristotle may have written about them (3rd century BCE, give or take a couple thousand years).
The Maltese’s calm, friendly demeanor makes them ideal travel buddies. They thrive on attention, delight in human company, and greet every adventure with optimism and elegance. Whether it’s Venice gondolas or rooftop cafes in Melbourne, they fit right in wherever style and comfort collide.
Though dainty, this small breed isn’t delicate in spirit—they’re surprisingly athletic, chasing beach waves with the energy of a dog twice their size. Their silky coat needs regular grooming, but let’s face it: they love the limelight anyway.
Fun Fact: Ancient Romans adored the Maltese so much that they even built tombs for them. Talk about VIP—Very Important Pup!
4. Papillon
If energy were elegance, it would have wings—and those wings belong to the Papillon.
Named after the French word for “butterfly,” thanks to their fluttery ears, the Papillon has been stealing hearts since the 16th century. Marie Antoinette herself was said to own one, and rumor has it that her Papillon followed her to prison (now that’s loyalty).
This intelligent dog is a traveler’s dream—small enough to fit under an airplane seat, smart enough to figure out how the zippers work. Purina claims they adore adventure, from long walks along coastal trails to people-watching in Parisian parks. Papillons are also surprisingly athletic, excelling in agility sports despite their size.
Their fine coat needs occasional brushing, but otherwise, they’re delightfully low-maintenance and endlessly cheerful. The world is never dull with a Papillon—it’s like traveling with a butterfly that barks.
Fun Fact: Despite their delicate looks, Papillons were bred to chase rats in castles before they became high-society charmers. Every butterfly has a little warrior in it.
5. Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is like that quirky artist friend who somehow ends up being the life of every party.
Known as the “monkey terrier” for its expressive face and mischievous energy, this small breed may be little, but it’s not low-maintenance emotionally. They love entertainment, excitement, and stealing snacks from your travel bag when you’re not looking.
Bred initially in 17th-century Germany to guard pantries from mice (and maybe to keep bakers company), the Affenpinscher later charmed European nobility with its impish antics. Today, they’re confident, playful travelers who make new friends wherever they go.
They thrive on mental stimulation and need a few bursts of exercise throughout the day. A brisk walk, a playful wrestling session, and some cuddles—boom, the perfect day. And with their wiry fur requiring minimal grooming, they’re practically adventure-ready.
Fun Fact: Charlie Chaplin had an Affenpinscher named “Buddy.” Perhaps those slapstick instincts run in the breed!
6. Pomeranian
Fluffy, feisty, and fiercely fabulous, the Pomeranian is the ultimate jet-setter in a pint-sized package.
Originally bred from Arctic sled dogs (yes, those majestic Alaskan types), these extremely affectionate dogs are now more accustomed to first-class seating and photo ops. But don’t let the glamour fool you—under all that fluff beats the heart of an explorer.
Their big personalities shine wherever they go. Whether strutting through Rome or riding shotgun across Route 66, a Pomeranian treats the world like its runway. They may be small, but they have energy for days, making every trip an adventure filled with pom-pom enthusiasm.
Their double coat requires a bit of grooming, but brushing them feels more like self-care than a chore. They love humans, adore attention, and often think they’re three times their size.
Fun Fact: Two Pomeranians were among the few dogs to survive the sinking of the Titanic—both traveled in lifeboats with their owners. Talk about resilience and class!
7. Chihuahua
Tiny but mighty, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world—and probably the sassiest.
Compact enough to carry in a purse or backpack, Chihuahuas are born travelers. Compared to other larger breeds, they are alert, friendly, and incredibly loyal to their owners, often forming unbreakable bonds.
Don’t be fooled by their size; with the right confidence, a Chihuahua walks like a lion and snuggles like a teddy bear.
Because they’re energetic, a bit of playtime or a short walk keeps them happy. They’re adaptable, clever, and sharp as a tack—great travelers who always have their tiny noses to the grindstone.
Fun Fact: Tech giant Paris Hilton helped rocket Chihuahuas into pop culture stardom, but their original celebrity status traces back centuries to Aztec palaces. Royalty runs deep in those little paws.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a stroll through the Scottish Highlands, a cappuccino break in Rome, or a sunrise hike in Malibu, these best toy dog breeds for travel prove that great adventures don’t need great size. Each has a remarkable history, vibrant personality, and enough heart to fill an entire airplane cabin with love.
Traveling with a small dog means discovering the world through the eyes of a loyal sidekick—one who fits in your bag but takes up your entire heart. You’ll laugh at their antics, marvel at their courage, and wonder how you ever traveled without them.
Toy Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, French Bulldogs, Cairn Terriers, Bichon Frises, Miniature Pinschers, and Miniature Dachshunds are other small dogs. Still, you’ll never have a dull moment around them.
So, the next time you pack your bags, make room for one of these fun-loving, intelligent dogs. Whether it’s a Shih Tzu with royal flair or a Chihuahua with endless sass, these tiny legends will remind you that adventure is always better shared—with a wagging tail by your side.
