Whether you’re catching a quick Uber across town or embarking on a spontaneous road trip with a rideshare driver at the wheel, bringing your dog along for the ride can turn any commute into a shared adventure. But not all breeds are built for backseat travel. Some dogs thrive in the ever-changing environment of a car, while other dogs might prefer to stay planted at home. The key is finding a breed that adapts easily, stays calm under pressure, and doesn’t mind a little stop-and-go.
From sociable Labs to pint-sized lap dogs, many breeds are naturally equipped to handle the unpredictability of rideshare travel. These dogs tend to be friendly with strangers, comfortable in confined spaces, and happy with moderate bursts of stimulation. Whether it’s a quick pit stop or a change in route, these pups take it all in stride.
In this article, we’ll explore dog breeds that are perfectly suited for rideshare journeys, whether you’re hopping in a taxi or planning a day of urban exploration with your furry co-pilot.
Dog Breeds Good For Rideshare Travel
1. Labrador Retriever
Affectionately known as “Labs,” Labrador Retrievers are among the most adaptable dogs for rideshare adventures. Originating from Newfoundland and historically prized as hardworking companions for fishermen, these dogs have become beloved family pets thanks to their friendly, loyal, and cooperative nature.
Their calm demeanor and eagerness to be part of any activity, including hopping into the backseat for a rideshare, make them excellent travel companions. Males typically stand 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall and weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, while females range from 21.5 to 23.5 inches and weigh 55 to 70 pounds.
Whether you’re running errands or embarking on a road trip, Labradors are ready for every detour. They handle long drives with ease and are sociable enough to remain relaxed around unfamiliar drivers and new environments.
Appearance
Labs sport a short, dense double coat in black, chocolate, or yellow. Their signature “otter tail” helps them steer through water, one of their favorite pastimes. Their strong, athletic build pairs with a broad head and expressive eyes, contributing to their reputation as both gentle and capable.
According to the AKC, Labradors have a dense, tough coat that comes in black, yellow, or rich chocolate. They feature a broad head, warm, kind eyes, and a thick, tapering “otter tail” that constantly reflects their natural enthusiasm. Labradors are well-known for their friendly nature.
Fun Fact: A Labrador named Endal once saved his owner’s life, earning the title “Dog of the Millennium.”
2. Australian Shepherd
Also known as the “Aussie,” the Australian Shepherd originated in the United States despite its name. Originally bred for herding livestock, this energetic and intelligent breed thrives when given both physical and mental stimulation.
With a medium build, standing 18 to 23 inches tall and weighing between 40 to 65 pounds, Aussies are strong, agile, alert, and have a naturally herding instinct. They are easily recognized by their expressive almond-shaped eyes, merle or solid coats, and keen, watchful demeanor.
Thanks to their responsive nature and sociability, Australian Shepherds adjust surprisingly well to rideshare travel, especially if the journey involves stops for outdoor exploration.
Appearance
The Aussie carries a solid, muscular frame built for endurance and movement. Slightly longer than tall, their athletic stature is wrapped in a medium-length double coat that is either straight or slightly wavy, with a thick, weather-resistant undercoat.
Coat colors range from red and blue merle to black or red, often complemented by white markings or copper points, making them one of the most visually striking breeds on the road.
Fun Fact: Despite their tireless energy, Australian Shepherds remain deeply loyal and obedient, making them excellent co-pilots on any adventure.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers, also affectionately known as “Goldens,” are iconic for their sweet disposition and eager-to-please nature. Originating from Scotland in the 19th century, they were bred as sporting dogs and soon became beloved family companions.
Known for their friendly temperament and reliable behavior, Goldens are among the easiest breeds to bring along on a rideshare journey. They’re calm, adaptable, and sociable, ideal traits when sharing space with unfamiliar drivers or passengers.
Whether you’re headed across town or on a long ride, these dogs settle in quickly, often dozing off with a contented tail thump. Males typically stand 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 65 to 75 pounds, while females range from 21.5 to 22.5 inches and 55 to 65 pounds.
Appearance
Golden Retrievers are known for their dense, medium-length double coats that come in radiant shades from light to dark gold. Their broad heads, expressive eyes, and feathered tails give them a warm, intelligent look.
Britannica notes that the breed is robust and versatile, with excellent swimming abilities. It has a thick coat that is longer around the neck, thighs, tail, and the back of the legs, and can range in any shade of golden brown.
Fun Fact: Golden Retrievers love car rides almost as much as they love water, making them perfect for lakeside detours on the go!
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Affectionately known as the Cavalier or King Charles Spaniel, this breed traces its roots back to English royalty, where it was adored as a lapdog and constant companion. Weighing just 13 to 18 pounds and standing 12 to 13 inches tall, the Cavalier is one of the largest members of the Toy Group.
Their calm, sociable temperament and love for snuggling make them good dogs for rideshare travel partners. Happy to curl up in a booster seat or on your lap, they handle car rides with ease, rarely showing signs of anxiety or discomfort.
Appearance
Cavaliers boast a soft, long, and silky coat that features graceful feathering around the ears, chest, feet, and tail. Their expressive round eyes and sweet facial features are instantly endearing. WebMD explains that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels display a variety of coat colors.
The most common is Blenheim, which features rich chestnut markings on a pearly white background. Other variations include black and tan, with black fur and tan points above the eyes, on the cheeks, chest, and legs; and black and white, which presents as a white base with larger black patches across the body.
The tricolor pattern combines black and white with tan markings above the eyes and on the cheeks. There’s also the ruby variation, characterized by a solid reddish-brown coat.
Fun Fact: Due to their short snouts, Cavaliers are considered brachycephalic and are banned from flying in the cargo area on many airlines.
5. Border Collie
Often referred to as the most intelligent dog breed, the Border Collie, also known as the Scotch Sheepdog, originated in the British Isles and was bred primarily for herding livestock. These dogs are packed with energy, instinct, and brilliance.
Standing between 18 to 22 inches tall and weighing 28 to 48 pounds, Border Collies are agile and quick to learn, making them highly responsive in rideshare environments. Because of their alert nature and mental sharpness, they’re well-suited for rides that involve frequent stops or varied environments, especially if outdoor activity is involved.
Appearance
Border Collies sport a medium-length double coat that may be smooth or rough, featuring a coarse outer layer and soft undercoat. Their coats come in a spectrum of colors, including bicolor, tricolor, merle, and sable, with combinations like black and white, red merle, or blue. Their eyes are usually dark but may be heterochromatic, adding to their distinct charm.
Fun Fact: A famous Border Collie named Chaser knew more than 1,000 words, more than the average 4-year-old child.
6. Dachshund
Also known as the “wiener dog” or “sausage dog,” the Dachshund originated in Germany and was originally bred for scent tracking and burrow hunting. These clever and devoted companions are small in stature but full of bold personality.
Standard Dachshunds typically stand 8 to 9 inches tall and weigh between 16 to 32 pounds, while miniatures reach about 5 to 6 inches and weigh under 11 pounds. With a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, they bring years of loyalty and energy to their owners. Their compact build, long back, and low center of gravity make them easy to transport; this is among the best breeds for rideshare travel.
Appearance
Dachshunds are easily recognized by their elongated, muscular bodies and short, sturdy legs. Their large, paddle-like front paws are built for digging, and their skin is loose enough to allow flexibility underground.
Coats vary, smooth, longhaired, or wire-haired, in colors like chocolate, black, red, and fawn, often with patterns like dapple or piebald.
Fun Fact: Their body shape allows them to curl up perfectly in carriers or snug car seats, making them natural travel pros.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Also known as the Parson Russell Terrier, this lively breed originated in England and was developed for fox hunting. Their fearless spirit and love of exploration make them an exciting companion for on-the-go lifestyles.
These energetic pups thrive when given a task, and a car ride full of adventure fits the bill. Though their boundless energy needs to be managed, Jack Russells make surprisingly good travel buddies.
They love hopping in and out of cars, sniffing out new stops, and then curling up for a nap between bursts of activity. Their adaptability and compact size make them a great dog for rideshare environments, provided they get enough stimulation before and after the trip.
Appearance
Weighing between 13 to 17 pounds and standing 10 to 15 inches tall, Jack Russell Terriers pack a bold personality into a compact frame. These animals sport short coats that come in three types—smooth, broken, or rough, all of which tend to shed. Their coloring is predominantly white with black, tan, or brown markings.
Fun Fact: Despite their small stature, Jack Russells are natural athletes with a quirky, clownish charm that makes every ride more entertaining.
Conclusion
When choosing a dog for rideshare travel, it’s not just about breed; it’s about the individual dog. While pure breds are often praised for being a dependable working dog, not every pup is cut out for the backseat life that includes a German Shepherd, Rottweiler, or Rough Collie. Many dogs do just fine, even in extreme cold or cold weather, especially short-haired breeds like the black Lab. Just don’t forget the food, water, and a comfy space to sit.
Years ago, people chose travel dogs based on necessity; today, we choose them as friends. Whether you’re traveling long distances or running quick errands, the right dog won’t bark excessively, act overly aggressive, or mind an occasional cat sighting. If it’s your first dog, consider breeds that are smart, cute, and adaptable. You’d be surprised how well some can handle cattle and traffic alike. So, hope for the best and expect a loyal human companion by your side.
