Seeking a road trip companion? How about taking your furry friend along for a car ride? All dog breeds have a taste for adventure. They love nothing more than visiting and exploring new sights, sounds, and smells.
A car ride is a sensory overload for your puppy—an open-ended adventure that offers endless opportunities for fun and discovery. Another reason why dogs love car rides is their pack mentality. They might think the pack has an alpha, that is, you!
So, whenever they see you head out in your car, they naturally want to follow you. These fur buddies love sticking their heads out of the car window and feeling the fresh breeze on their faces.
Wondering which dog breeds are born road warriors? Have a look at these 9 best dogs that love daily car rides!
Dog Breeds That Love Daily Car Rides
1. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Famous for its adventurous and outgoing nature, a Labrador Retriever enjoys car rides more than anything else. Labradors love exploring new surroundings and the thrill and excitement that come along with car rides.
These pooches exhibit a calm demeanor while travelling, happily sticking their heads out of the car window or sitting contentedly as the best backseat passengers. Their love for adventure will always make your car trip worth it.
Labradors tend to be devoted, obedient, and even-tempered dogs that are extremely eager to please their owners. These energetic dogs need a lot of stimulation, so make sure to take lots of rest stops.
According to PetMD, they are affectionate and friendly. So they end up making new friends wherever you pull over on your road trip.
2. Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Golden Retriever has a very similar temperament to its cousin Labrador Retriever. They are enthusiastic and adventurous by nature. Calm disposition and affinity for exploration allow these excellent car travellers to enjoy the car rides to their fullest.
They are friendly, adaptable, and relaxed, making them one of the best dog breeds for travelling in a car. Whether it’s a long road trip or a short drive to the dog park, Goldies will happily jump into the car with great excitement for the adventure ahead.
Golden Retrievers love car travel because they get to spend a lot of time with their owners in the car. Their natural curiosity contributes to their excitement as they get to explore a lot of new places with their human family.
3. Boxer
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 25 inches
Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
Boxers are the playful and lively fellows who love spending time with their families. They have a natural curiosity to explore the world, which makes them excellent road trip companions. They love the sights, smells, and sounds of a road trip.
It is a highly energetic and enthusiastic breed, and car travel levels up their excitement. With their heads out of the window, they inhale the fresh air as the car goes on. Some boxers might prefer relaxing as backseat passengers.
They require regular physical and mental stimulation. Considering their energy levels and exercise needs, acclimate your dog to the travel conditions before the journey. Take frequent stops during car travel and do not forget to keep your Boxer’s favorite toys and chews to keep them entertained.
4. Cocker Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 13.5 to 15.5 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Cocker spaniels are the lovely and affectionate dogs who love spending time with their owners, making them pawfect for car travel. These puppies are also known for being curious—they love new experiences and often associate car rides with positive outcomes like going to the park or running errands.
Their calm demeanor allows them to adapt well to travelling. They are happy to sit quietly in the car, especially if a new adventure is on the way. Cocker spaniels are the perfect size for car travel. Their easygoing nature makes them excellent car travellers.
Cocker spaniels are hunting dogs. Travelling in a car, moving forward with their family pack, and the sight of other moving cars may make your dog feel like a part of a hunting group. The stimulating smells and hearing potential prey (squirrels and cats) make car travel a great sensory experience.
5. Dachshund
Breed Profile
Height: 5 to 9 inches
Weight: 11 to 32 pounds
Dachshunds are small dogs that love adventures and are always curious. They enjoy exploring new places, and car travel can be a great way to do so. These brave pooches are eager to discover the world and will hop into the car as soon as they see you heading out.
Their energetic personalities make car rides fun. They love peeking out of the car window and watching the world go by. Dachshunds were originally bred as hunting dogs. Car rides are a good way to satisfy their hunting instincts.
Dachshunds are known to be territorial by nature. When going in a car, your dog feels you are going somewhere. They take it as an opportunity to explore a new place and expand their territory. At the same time, they know it’s safe with you inside the car.
6. Border Collie
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 30 to 55 pounds
Border Collies are known for their intelligence and high energy. Car rides are a great way to channel their energy in a positive direction. They are always ready for new adventures, so they love the idea of exploring a new place during a road trip.
One of the most car-compatible breeds, Border Collies are highly adaptable. They can handle car rides with great ease. It provides them with a lot of physical and mental stimulation on the way. So they often start whining with excitement as soon as they get into the car.
Whether you are heading to a dog competition, a hiking trail, or simply running errands, Border Collie loves being a part of the action. They will be more than happy to hop into the car and sit in the backseat like a child.
7. Australian Shepherd
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 23 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Australian Shepherds are highly energetic dogs who have a strong affinity for adventures, and car travel fits their active lifestyle. These intelligent and highly trainable pups are always excited to hop into the car for a new adventure.
Their love for hiking, running, and other outdoor activities makes them the best road trip companions. These pooches are alert and curious during car rides, and look at their surroundings with great interest. They thrive on new experiences, and car rides are a great way to explore things.
New sights and smells they encounter during car travel keep them busy. Due to their herding history, they are naturally inclined to follow moving objects and other cars on the way. Australian Shepherds often associate car rides with fun outings and spending time with their families.
8. Beagle
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 15 inches (or under 12 inches)
Weight: Under 30 pounds
Popular for their curiosity and love for exploration, Beagles are one of the best dog breeds for car travel. They love discovering new places and happily hop into the car when it’s time for an adventure. These highly adaptable dogs handle car travel very well and make great backseat passengers.
They associate car rides with outdoor activities such as hiking or visiting dog parks. Their keen sense of smell and excellent tracking abilities make their rides more enjoyable as they get a chance to explore new smells on the way.
Beagles are the energetic and friendly dudes who make excellent car travelers. But according to the American Kennel Club, the best dog passenger is a tired one! Therefore, it is advised to let your dog burn some energy before riding in the car so they do not have a hard time settling down.
9. French Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Under 28 pounds
French bulldogs may not be very active, but they thrive on human companionship, and that includes going together on a car ride. These muscular dogs are loyal and affectionate, and love being part of a family trip or a long journey.
Their calm and adaptable nature makes them well-suited for car travel. They might not love outdoor activities as much as some other breeds. But they love spending time with their favorite human. They contentedly sit back in the car seat and enjoy the ride, especially if it leads to a fun destination.
For a stress-free car travel with your Frenchie, gradually introduce them to the vehicle via non-moving sessions. Start with the short rides and once they get familiarized, you can plan a long trip.
Do not forget to take along their favorite toys and a cozy blanket to make them comfortable in the car.
Conclusion
Almost all dog breeds love car rides due to their love for exploration and adventure. However, some might not feel comfortable with car travel for the first time. Training or acclimatizing your dog to the vehicle can make your car travel stress-free. So what are you waiting for? Plan a fun road trip with your fur buddy now!
