Ever seen a dog wait patiently at the curb, tail wagging, ready to hop onto a city bus like it’s just part of their day?
For many dogs, especially service animals, public transportation is more than a novelty; it’s part of their routine. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act ensures equal access for service dogs on buses and other forms of transportation.
Still, travelers must notify carriers in advance, carry ADA law documentation, and be prepared to educate staff who may not know the legal requirements. Knowing these rights ensures both the dog and its handler ride safely and comfortably.
But even beyond service roles, some dog breeds naturally enjoy bus rides. They’re calm, social, and unbothered by motion or crowds. If you’re a commuter, traveler, or run a dog walking service, the following breeds might just be the perfect passengers for every stop, route, and round trip ahead.
Dog Breeds That Enjoy Bus Rides
These seven dog breeds that enjoy bus rides are calm, adaptable, and people-friendly, making them ideal companions for public transit adventures, daily commutes, or even group outings with other pups.
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Despite their tiny size, Yorkshire Terriers have a bold spirit and love going wherever their humans go, including the bus. Their compact build and alert nature make them ideal for urban transport and city life. Many owners say they act like big dogs in little bodies.
Confident and Compact Travel Style
Yorkies are perfect little dogs for buses. They’re light enough to carry in a soft crate and calm enough to sit quietly beside you. Their familiarity with car rides helps them adapt easily to public transport.
Bonus for Apartment Living
Yorkies can be left alone for a few hours and don’t require a large yard, making them great for city dwellers. With several factors working in their favor, size, loyalty, and low grooming, they’re a top pick for bus-loving pet parents.
2. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are compact, confident, and perfectly suited for bus travel. Their small frame and sharp mind allow them to stay calm in motion, while their loyal temperament makes them stick close in crowded spaces. They’re the kind of dogs who turn every ride into a smooth experience.
Built for Travel, Big on Personality
According to WebMD, both male and female Miniature Schnauzers average just 13 inches tall, making them highly portable and easy to include in daily transit. Their compact bodies fit easily into carriers or laps, and they adapt well to apartments, buses, and new routines without anxiety or fuss.
Smart, Calm, and Social
These pups are intelligent and steady, which helps them handle noise, strangers, and sudden movement without stress. They’re alert but not overly reactive, making them great for buses, parks, and city sidewalks. They enjoy interaction but never demand it, making them ideal co-pilots for any kind of commute.
3. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be the smallest breed on this list, but they’re among the most common dogs seen on public transport. With their feather-light weight and fierce devotion, they make perfect bus-riding pooches for solo travelers.
Tiny Travelers
Chihuahuas don’t need much space, which means they can rest on your lap or in a small pet carrier. Their portability reduces stress for both dog and owner, especially on crowded routes or cargo hold restrictions on other transport.
Big Loyalty in a Small Package
Often underestimated, Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal and protective. While some may bark at other dogs, consistent socializing helps. They’re surprisingly adaptable with proper rules, making them ideal for bus-loving commuters.
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
This breed is a fan favorite among travelers for a reason: their personality is affectionate, docile, and completely content to sit quietly beside their human. They’re cuddly companions who do well in close quarters like bus seats or train cabins.
Cuddly and Calm
If you’re wondering what the #1 most cuddly dog is, the Cavalier often tops the list. Their gentle disposition and desire to please make them ideal for longer journeys. They won’t fidget, bark, or jump around mid-ride.
Easygoing with Structure
With the right prep, Cavaliers learn routines quickly. Many even enjoy videos of moving vehicles, making them natural fits for a puppy bus or dog bus line. They’re perfect for senior travelers and urbanites alike.
5. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are laid-back companions who shine in short, structured outings. Their compact size and mellow energy make them perfect for bus rides, where sitting still and soaking in the scenery is their idea of adventure. Frenchies aren’t here to rush but to ride in style and charm.
Chill Riders With City Smarts
These pups don’t crave the chaos of a dog park or jog; they prefer calm streets and quiet corners of public transport. One viral Instagram video shows a Frenchie sadly “saying” it might be his last bus ride, proof that even these stoic little charmers can grow attached to routine travel.
Affectionate Yet Low-Maintenance
Frenchies thrive on companionship but are also okay with short solo hours, ideal for city dwellers. They love being part of daily routines like pet taxis or group walks, and their steady nature makes them one of the most reliable breeds for any transit-filled lifestyle.
6. Maltese
The Maltese is a social butterfly with a luxurious coat and a gentle soul. While they may look delicate, they’re actually confident and alert travelers, perfect for hopping from bus to bus with minimal fuss.
Friendly and Unfazed
Maltese dogs are used to being the center of attention, which helps when navigating city trips or dealing with humans in tight spaces. Their calm demeanor and people-pleasing nature make bus rides enjoyable for both dog and passenger.
Built for Company
They don’t mind spending time alone for short periods, which is useful for owners with office jobs. Their affection, paired with minimal shedding, makes them ideal pack members in multi-dog households or walking groups.
7. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are nicknamed the “American Gentleman”, and their polite nature makes them bus-riding legends. From Alaska’s viral dog videos to dog-friendly cafes, Boston Terriers love to join the adventure.
Quick to Learn, Easy to Please
They respond to commands and adjust quickly to routines. Whether it’s a daily journey on the puppy bus or the occasional ride, they adapt well and don’t get motion sickness easily.
Balanced Energy
With a playful side and a chill streak, Boston Terriers strike a balance. They enjoy fresh air but are just as happy sitting quietly beside their person. This makes them ideal for mountain mutt-style rides or city services requiring calm riders.
Conclusion
From the buzzing sidewalks of Manhattan to the snowy routes of Alaska, more dog owners than ever are discovering the joy of bringing their pooches along for the ride. Whether you’re inspired by Lee Thompson’s mountain mutts or starting your own dog walking business, choosing the right travel-savvy breed makes all the difference.
These dogs aren’t just passengers; they’re friends, companions, and part of your daily routine. They love their assigned seat, respect the rules, and bring a little happiness to every stop. Just remember: each dog is unique, and eventually, even the most nervous rider can learn to enjoy the journey.
