For some dogs, a car ride is pure chaos—panting, whining, and enough drool to fill a bucket. But for others, it’s pure bliss. These dogs settle into the backseat like seasoned travelers, eyes bright with curiosity but bodies completely relaxed.
Whether it’s a cross-country adventure or a weekend getaway, certain breeds simply handle travel better. They don’t get car sick, anxious, or restless—they just enjoy the journey beside their favorite humans.
Here, we’ll explore dog breeds that stay calm during long car trips, and what makes them perfect travel companions. From laid-back Retrievers to mellow Beagles, these dogs bring peace to every road trip.
So, if you dream of driving with your furry co-pilot by your side, windows down and tail wagging in the wind, get ready to meet the breeds that truly love the open road.
Tip: Dogs with low anxiety and strong habituation skills are excellent travel companions. Experts suggest gradual exposure and positive reinforcement to make rides stress-free.
Dog Breeds That Stay Calm During Long Car Rides
1. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are calm, friendly, and endlessly adaptable—making them the ultimate travel companions. Whether it’s a short drive to the park or a long road trip across states, these hunting dogs remain relaxed, happy, and eager to explore alongside their humans.
Their natural sociability means they enjoy being part of every adventure, keeping close to their family while soaking in the sights and sounds from the car window.
Bred to be obedient, intelligent, and highly trainable, Golden Retrievers are generally well-behaved passengers. These dogs thrive on plenty of exercise and shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods, as they can be susceptible to separation anxiety.
Adaptable and sociable — fit comfortably in cars, new environments, and with other animals.
Affectionate and loyal — love staying close to family, providing companionship throughout the journey.
Perfect for active families — love trips to the beach, park, or hiking trails where adventure continues off the road.
They can sit quietly in a crate or lounge comfortably in the back seat, all while being attentive and ready for the next adventure. Their curiosity and enthusiasm often make them excited co-pilots, peeking out the window to watch the world go by.
Golden Retrievers are more than just passengers—they’re enthusiastic companions who turn every car ride into a joyful family adventure. With their gentle nature, loyalty, and curiosity, they make traveling a pleasure for both humans and canines alike.
2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a pint-sized travel buddy with a heart full of love. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were originally bred to provide warmth on chilly carriage rides and in drafty castles.
With their gentle and affectionate nature, they make an ideal choice for first-time dog owners. Today, they are ranked as the most popular dog breed.
Small, gentle, and affectionate, they’re happiest snuggled up beside you on the car seat, gazing out the window, or dozing off in your lap. Their calm temperament and love of companionship make them perfect for long drives.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels love to accompany you on long walks, so aim to give them at least one extended stroll each day, in addition to regular potty breaks. If you have the space, a daily game of fetch is a great way to keep them active and engaged.
Compact and portable — perfect for cars or even small travel crates.
Calm and patient — handle long rides without stress or fuss.
Adaptable nature — comfortable in new places and with changing scenery.
With their natural curiosity and love for exploring, Cavaliers make excellent adventure companions for hiking enthusiasts, says WebMD. Begin with shorter treks and gradually build up their endurance for longer outdoor adventures over time.
Simply put, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel turns every car ride into a cozy, joyful adventure, bringing warmth and companionship wherever you go.
3. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is one of the world’s most popular small dog breeds, particularly favored by city dwellers. Playful, alert, and endlessly charming, these little dogs are simply irresistible.
They adapt effortlessly to life with singles, couples, or families, needing minimal outdoor exercise. Friendly and sociable, they get along well with other pets and love making new human friends wherever they go.
Their small size, calm demeanor, and strong attachment to their humans make them natural travel companions. Whether perched on a lap or lounging in a travel crate, Frenchies are content just being near their favorite people.
Compact and cozy — easy to fit in any car seat or crate.
Calm and laid-back — stay relaxed even during longer journeys.
Adaptable personalities — comfortable in new environments without fuss.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Frenchies are relatively quiet, rarely barking, yet their keen awareness makes them surprisingly effective watchdogs. French Bulldogs bring a mix of affection, ease, and humor to the car ride, making every trip with them feel like a mini adventure with a perfect companion.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are among the most beloved dog breeds globally. With their signature floppy ears, soulful eyes, and ever-wagging tails, they radiate friendliness and warmth.
Labradors are the ultimate road trip companions—friendly, adventurous, and always ready for a new journey. Their love for exploring means they’ll happily hop in the car, tail wagging, and eyes sparkling at every new destination.
Labs are social, adaptable, and calm during long rides, especially if they get regular breaks to stretch their legs or splash in a lake. Their affinity for water makes them particularly suited for trips that include beaches, rivers, or lakeside adventures.
Eager explorers — always up for a new destination.
Calm and adaptable — handle traffic and unfamiliar environments well.
Adventure-ready — their curiosity keeps every trip exciting.
Known for their athleticism and strong desire to please, Labs thrive in roles ranging from therapy work to search and rescue. Their gentle temperament also makes them wonderful companions for children, solidifying their reputation as one of the ultimate family-friendly dogs.
Labrador Retriever in the car is like having a perpetually cheerful co-pilot: ready for adventure, easygoing, and always happy to share the journey with their favorite humans.
5. Clumber Spaniel
If there were an award for “most chill co-pilot,” the Clumber Spaniel would take it home—then probably nap with it in the back seat.
The Clumber Spaniel is one of the calmest and most easygoing breeds you’ll ever meet. These stocky, gentle dogs were bred for hunting, but don’t expect them to bounce around the car like an over-caffeinated puppy.
Instead, they’ll happily snooze through most of the trip, waking up occasionally to give you a sleepy glance as if to say, “Are we there yet, or should I keep dreaming?”
Perfect travel companion— they prefer smooth cruising over high-speed adventures.
Nap masters — long drives? Perfect time for a marathon snooze.
Luggage-like loyalty — quiet, dependable, and always along for the ride.
Clumbers are low-energy, patient, and affectionate, which makes them ideal for long car rides. They travel well because they’re not easily stressed or excitable — just make sure they’ve had a bathroom break and a comfy spot to sprawl out, and they’re good to go.
In short, the Clumber Spaniel is the ultimate laid-back travel buddy — calm, cuddly, and perfectly content to turn every road trip into a rolling nap session with you by their side.
6. Poodle
If you’re looking for a classy, calm, and road-trip-ready companion, the Poodle is your perfect passenger!
Whether it’s a Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle, this breed travels like a pro — cool, composed, and just a little bit fabulous.
Poodles are known for their intelligence and adaptability, which means they handle new environments (and long car rides) with ease.
They’re not the type to get restless or bark at every passing car — instead, they’ll happily settle into their seat, perhaps giving you an approving glance that says, “You packed the treats, right?”
Calm and composed — stays relaxed, making road trips stress-free.
Low-shedding coat — keeps your car clean (no hairy seats here!).
People-oriented — happiest when near their favorite humans.
Their calm temperament and predictable nature make them great travel companions. They don’t drool excessively, don’t shed much, and — let’s be honest — they look like they belong in the passenger seat of a convertible, wind blowing through that perfectly coiffed fur.
In short, the Poodle is the perfect mix of poise and practicality — a travel companion who’ll nap peacefully through the drive, charm everyone at the rest stop, and still look red-carpet-ready when you arrive.
7. Beagle
If there were an award for “Most Enthusiastic Road Trip Buddy,” the Beagle would win it paws down! With their adorable floppy ears, curious noses, and love for adventure, Beagles are born explorers—always ready to sniff out what’s around the next corner (or gas station).
These little hounds thrive on new experiences, which makes car rides feel like a moving treasure hunt for them. Every whiff of passing air is a new mystery to solve—“Was that a cheeseburger? A squirrel? Another Beagle?!”
Their friendly, outgoing personality means they’re happy to tag along on any journey, from a quick grocery run to a cross-country adventure. Beagles are also great with families, adapting easily to kids, other pets, and new environments.
Adventurous spirit — every ride is an opportunity for discovery.
Friendly travelers — they love being part of the pack, wherever you go.
Compact size — settle comfortably in the back seat or travel crate.
Just make sure they’re safely buckled in or crated—because if a Beagle catches an interesting scent, they might just want to follow it! Beagles don’t just ride in the car—they turn every drive into a joyful, tail-wagging expedition, one sniff at a time!
8. Japanese Chin
If road trips had a VIP lounge, the Japanese Chin would definitely be sitting there—probably on a plush pillow, gazing out the window like royalty on a grand tour.
This elegant little breed is the epitome of grace and composure, making it one of the calmest companions you can bring along for a drive. The Japanese Chin doesn’t get ruffled easily; instead, they prefer to perch quietly, watching the world roll by with an almost zen-like tranquility.
Their cat-like nature (yes, they even groom themselves!) means they love cozy spaces, and your car seat or travel carrier is just another comfy throne to them. They’re perfectly content to curl up and nap, or observe with their signature dignified stare—as if silently judging your playlist choices.
Chill travelers — they ride quietly and adjust easily to new surroundings.
Low stress levels — their calm temperament keeps travel peaceful.
Nap pros — they’ll snooze through traffic jams without complaint.
Japanese Chin isn’t just a passenger—they’re your refined, unbothered travel companion, bringing calm energy, class, and a dash of royal charm to every car ride.
9. Dachshund
Who knew such tiny legs could carry such a massive love for adventure? The Dachshund, affectionately known as the “sausage dog,” may be low to the ground, but their enthusiasm for life—and car rides—is sky-high.
These pint-sized explorers adore tagging along wherever you go, their noses pressed against the window as they take in every new smell, sight, and squirrel along the way.
Their compact size makes them ideal road-trip companions—you don’t need a giant SUV to fit one, just a comfy seat and maybe a blanket for them to burrow under.
Best of all, Dachshunds are surprisingly calm travelers once they settle in. Give them a view, a chew toy, and maybe a few pit stops for sniffing breaks, and they’ll be your happiest little co-pilot.
Compact and portable — fits perfectly in any backseat or lap.
Naturally curious — loves watching the world go by.
Devoted travel buddy — happiest when by your side.
Just be warned—if you pass by a park or open field, don’t be surprised if those curious eyes start plotting an “escape” for adventure time!
Dachshund isn’t just along for the ride—they’re the life of the road trip, packed with charm, curiosity, and just enough attitude to keep things interesting.
Conclusion
Not all dogs love car rides, but certain breeds like Border Collies, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, and German Shorthaired Pointers thrive in a moving vehicle. These highly trainable dogs with high energy levels can associate car rides with outdoor activities, dog parks, or hunting.
With mental stimulation, frequent stops, and a comfortable space or cozy spot, your canine companion or furry friend becomes an easy-going, great companion for short trips or long distances. Pet parents and dog lovers alike can enjoy spending time with their fur babies without worrying about motion sickness, making car travel stress-free for both dogs and humans.
