Whether you’re planning a cross-country adventure or just a quick trip across town, bringing your furry best friend along can make the journey even more enjoyable. After all, dogs are loyal companions who love being by your side, and having them along can turn any trip into a shared adventure.
The best travel dogs are typically easygoing, sociable, and adaptable, comfortable around new people, environments, and modes of transportation.
Smaller breeds often make ideal travel partners—they fit easily into carriers, require less space, and don’t demand huge amounts of food or gear on the go.
If you’re dreaming of exploring the world (or even just your city) with a four-legged friend in tow, check out our list of the best dog breeds best suited for frequent travel. These small pups are not just adorable—they’re adaptable, adventurous, and ready to be your loyal travel companion wherever you go.
Top Dog Breeds Ideal for Frequent Travel
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Meet the Yorkshire Terrier, aka the tiny traveler with a giant personality. This little furball is basically made for life on the move. Whether you’re hopping on a plane, taking a train, or cruising by boat, your Yorkie can cozy up in a handbag, backpack, or carry-on seat—basically anywhere that doesn’t require legroom.
These pint-sized pooches are sweet, affectionate, and utterly photogenic, making them the perfect companions for spontaneous selfies and airport encounters.
But be warned: their cuteness can attract a small crowd of admirers, so you might need to politely remind strangers that your Yorkie’s heart—and your lap—aren’t public property.
Don’t let their size fool you: Yorkies think they’re skyscraper-sized superheroes. They have enormous personalities packed into tiny frames and a tendency to be… shall we say… vocal. If a plane door squeaks, a train rattles, or someone sneezes two rows back, your Yorkie will let the world know in true diva fashion.
According to PetMD, Yorkies make wonderful family pets, whether you live in a cozy apartment or a sprawling house, but travelers especially appreciate their compact size and adaptability. They’re basically the perfect little jet-setters with a flair for drama.
2. Maltese
Say hello to the Maltese, the ultimate pint-sized globetrotter with a flair for charm. This little white fluffball is equal parts affectionate, playful, and surprisingly bold—sometimes to the point of staring down a dog ten times its size like it owns the place.
Don’t be fooled by the dainty coat; this pup has a personality that can fill a plane cabin faster than your carry-on luggage can make it through security.
Thanks to their small size, Maltese dogs are perfect for hopping around town in a travel carrier or purse, though Britannica wisely warns not to keep them confined for too long. These little adventurers need a chance to stretch their legs, burn off energy, and show the world just how much sass can fit into a tiny frame.
Maltese are people dogs through and through. They’re happiest when included in your travel plans, whether that’s road-tripping across states, cruising in the backseat, or lounging in a plane cabin. Their long, low-shedding coat makes them surprisingly low-maintenance for long hours in the car or on flights—no shedding catastrophe here!
Training is a breeze with these clever companions, and their friendly, affectionate nature makes them perfect for older, gentle children, seniors, or anyone who loves a lapdog with a playful streak.
Introduce them to new environments and other pets slowly, use positive reinforcement, and you’ve got a travel buddy that adapts like a pro—ready for planes, trains, and even the occasional cargo hold adventure (though let’s be real, the cabin is far preferable).
Whether it’s a long road trip, a family-friendly getaway, or a day exploring a new city, the Maltese is a pint-sized partner in crime who will happily tag along, charm everyone you meet, and make frequent travel look effortless.
3. Toy Poodle
Meet the Toy Poodle, the sophisticated little adventurer who’s basically a four-legged Swiss Army knife of travel companionship. Small enough to fit comfortably in a travel carrier or purse, these pups are ready to tag along on road trips, plane rides, or even boating excursions.
Yes, they’ll happily paddle around a lake or splash at the beach—but don’t forget a doggy life jacket, unless you want a soggy little drama queen on your hands. Toy Poodles are intelligent, social, and surprisingly easygoing, making them one of the best travel companions around.
They adjust easily to new environments, love meeting friendly strangers, and even get along with other pets when introduced properly.
Long flights? No problem. Road trips? Bring snacks. Outdoor adventures? They’re in. Basically, if you have a spot for them in your bag or a comfy lap in your car seat, they’re ready to come along.
With their playful charm and adaptable nature, Toy Poodles combine brains, beauty, and a dash of diva—all wrapped up in a pint-sized package. They’re perfect for travelers who want a pup that’s equally happy exploring new environments or curling up after a long day of adventures.
4. Pomeranian
Say hello to the Pomeranian, the pint-sized pooch with a big personality—and an even bigger fan club. These little fluffballs are travel-ready superheroes: small enough to fit in a handbag, crate, or carrier, yet confident enough to make a scene in any plane cabin, car, or boat.
If someone wants to pet them? Great! If an entire row of passengers wants a cuddle? Even better—your Pom lives for the attention. Despite their tiny stature, Pomeranians are bold, curious, and surprisingly adaptable.
Unfamiliar airports, new cities, or long road trips won’t faze them—they just need a bit of quality time with you and a comfortable spot to rest. Their low-maintenance size makes travel easier, too: they don’t need much space, and a few toys or treats can keep them entertained on long journeys.
Just a quick tip: before checking in for flights or hopping on boats, make sure your Pom is in good health and up to date on vaccines—they’re little dynamos, but safety first!
With their playful energy, charming personality, and ease of transport, Pomeranians make fantastic travel companions who turn every trip into a miniature adventure (with plenty of photo ops, of course).
5. Chihuahua
Meet the Chihuahua, the ultimate pint-sized travel buddy with a heart—and attitude—way bigger than its tiny frame. This little dynamo doesn’t need much exercise, which makes long car rides, flights, or even cruises surprisingly low-stress for owners.
Their small, portable carriers fit just about anywhere, so your Chihuahua can tag along without taking up valuable legroom—or stealing the spotlight (well… maybe just a little).
Chihuahuas are masters of adaptability. They’re happy to be carried in a sling, wheeled in a stroller, buckled into a raised car seat, or tucked safely under an airplane seat. Their only real requirement?
Being close to their humans. These loyal little adventurers want to be part of every moment, from boarding a plane to exploring a new city street.
Sure, they can be a little high-strung—think of them as the pint-sized drama queens of the dog world—but that energy makes every outing feel like an adventure.
With a Chihuahua by your side, even a mundane commute can feel like an epic journey. Just be prepared for plenty of snuggles, a touch of diva, and endless “aww” moments along the way.
6. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Meet the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the ultimate travel companion wrapped in a pawfectly pint-sized package.
These sweet, easygoing pups are basically the canine version of a cozy travel blanket; they’re calm, friendly, and happy to go wherever you go. Whether it’s a plane, a train, or a long car ride, Cavaliers adapt effortlessly, making travel feel less like a chore and more like a mini-vacation.
Their lovable personality doesn’t just make them perfect for lap time—it also makes them social butterflies. They’ll happily greet fellow passengers, sniff out new friends at rest stops, or quietly charm everyone in a plane cabin.
And because they’re one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, you can bet that wherever you go, someone will swoon over your little companion. Cavaliers are even known to excel as therapy or service dogs, thanks to their gentle, intuitive nature.
So if you want a travel buddy who’s calm, affectionate, and universally adored, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel checks all the boxes—plus, they’re compact enough to fit into carriers and small spaces without complaint. Long road trips? No problem. Busy airports? Totally chill. Endless love and snuggles? Absolutely.
7. Shih Tzu
Say hello to the Shih Tzu, the ultimate furry friend for travelers who like a little luxury on the go. These small dogs are basically royalty in a tiny package, with flowing coats and personalities that ooze charm.
Perfect for planes, trains, or road trips, Shih Tzus fit comfortably in a travel carrier or on a lap, making them the ideal companion for frequent adventures. Despite their regal looks, Shih Tzus are easygoing, affectionate, and surprisingly adaptable.
They thrive in new environments, love spending time with their humans, and are happy to socialize with other pets (as long as they’re treated with the proper level of royal respect, of course).
Long car rides? No problem. Strolling through a new city? Absolutely. They’re small but mighty when it comes to spreading joy wherever they go.
If you’re looking for a travel buddy who combines charm, cuddliness, and a dash of sass, the Shih Tzu is ready to hop into your carrier—and your heart—on your next adventure.
Conclusion
When it comes to frequent relocations, certain dog breeds are naturally more adaptable and handle change with ease. Some breeds and even larger dogs often thrive during long trips, air travel, or car rides due to their gentle temperament, trainability, and social nature.
Active dogs with moderate energy levels adjust well to new environments, while high-energy breeds benefit from structured daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent stress. Choosing a breed suited to your travel lifestyle, living situation, and routine ensures both you and your furry companion remain happy, healthy, and well-adjusted no matter where life takes you.
