For dog lovers who crave adventure, few things are better than having a four-legged co-pilot who loves the journey as much as the destination. While some pups get nervous at the sound of jingling car keys, others leap into the backseat with uncontainable excitement.
These road trip-ready dogs not only tolerate car travel—they thrive on it, bringing joy, companionship, and a spirit of exploration to every ride.
Certain dog breeds are natural travelers. With their adaptable nature, eagerness to explore, and calm demeanor in moving vehicles, these dogs are built for life on the road.
Whether it’s a quick trip to the store or a cross-country drive, they’re at ease watching the scenery roll by or sticking their heads out the window to catch the breeze. Their steady temperament and curiosity make every mile memorable.
In this article, we’ll explore the top dog breeds that love traveling in cars. If your lifestyle includes frequent drives or spontaneous road trips, these breeds will be more than happy to ride shotgun.
Dog Breeds That Love Traveling in Cars
1. Labrador Retriever
With roots in 19th-century Newfoundland, the Labrador Retriever was bred from the St. John’s water dog to assist fishermen with hauling nets and retrieving fish. Today, this beloved breed remains one of the most popular in the U.S., praised for its friendly nature and tireless enthusiasm.
Labradors typically weigh between 55 to 80 pounds and stand 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall. Their dense, water-resistant coats come in black, yellow, and chocolate. A hallmark of the Sporting Group, Labs boast a lifespan of 11 to 13 years and a temperament that’s as stable as it is affectionate.
Care Needs
Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that thrive on physical and mental activity. Daily exercise is essential—whether it’s long walks, swimming, or games of fetch. PetMD explains that because of their double coat, these dogs shed heavily and need regular brushing to keep the shedding under control.
Labs love being with their humans, making them not just ideal travel companions, but also emotionally attuned pets who need companionship and structure.
Fun Fact: Labradors are so people-oriented and eager to explore that they’re one of the top dog breeds that love car rides.
2. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog—often called the Frenchie—is an affectionate breed known for its playful charm and iconic bat-like ears. The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that beneath its sleek and glossy coat, the breed has a compact, well-muscled body.
Originating in France, this breed stands about 11 to 13 inches tall and weighs under 28 pounds. Frenchies belong to the Non-Sporting Group and enjoy a life span of 10 to 12 years. Their calm demeanor, small size, and love for companionship make them an excellent fit for travel enthusiasts seeking a canine co-pilot.
Care Needs
French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance, but traveling requires extra care due to their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure. They are sensitive to heat and require air-conditioned environments during car rides.
Always secure them with a harness or car seat, and avoid long stretches without breaks, as Frenchies love exploring new scents and surroundings. Keep their facial folds clean to prevent irritation, and never leave them unattended near water—they are poor swimmers due to their body structure.
Fun Fact: French Bulldogs are such enthusiastic travel companions that they often jump into the car on their own, eager to be part of every adventure.
3. Dachshund
The Dachshund, affectionately known as the “wiener dog” or “sausage dog,” is a travel-sized hound with a big personality and an even bigger love for adventure. WebMD states that Dachshunds were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885.
Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, this small but mighty breed comes in two sizes—standard (16 to 32 pounds) and miniature (11 pounds or less)—and three coat types: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired.
Standing 5 to 9 inches tall, Dachshunds are alert, brave, and always eager to be part of the action. Their long backs and short legs make them uniquely adorable, while their compact bodies make car rides a breeze. With a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years, they’re ideal long-term travel buddies.
Care Needs
Dachshunds are relatively low-maintenance but do have a few breed-specific health considerations, particularly related to their spine. It’s essential to prevent excessive jumping and provide car seats or ramps for safe travel.
Regular vet visits for back health, weight management, and dental care are crucial. Grooming needs vary by coat type, but all enjoy daily walks and mental stimulation. Their affectionate and social nature makes them happiest when close to their people—whether at home or on the road.
Fun Fact: Despite their tiny legs, Dachshunds are tireless explorers who love sticking their heads out the window for a whiff of fresh air.
4. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua, also known as the “purse dog” and a national symbol of Mexico, is a pint-sized companion with a supersized spirit. This toy breed dates back to pre-Columbian civilizations and remains one of the oldest breeds of the Americas.
Typically weighing under 6 pounds and standing 5 to 8 inches tall, Chihuahuas are both graceful and bold. With their luminous, expressive eyes, erect ears, and apple-shaped heads, they come in short- or long-haired coat varieties with an array of colors and patterns.
Belonging to the Toy Group, these dogs live 14 to 16 years and are well-known for their fierce loyalty and confidence.
Care Needs
Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are energetic and need regular activity to stay mentally and physically sharp. Short walks, indoor games, and frequent breaks during road trips help keep them content.
Their coats require minimal grooming—short-haired types need occasional brushing, while long-haired Chihuahuas benefit from weekly care. Dental hygiene is essential, as they are prone to dental issues, so daily toothbrushing is recommended.
Fun Fact: Chihuahuas are such travel pros that they’re frequently ranked among the top dog breeds for car rides—and their tiny legs rarely need a stretch before yours do.
5. Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd, affectionately known as the “Aussie,” is a highly intelligent, medium-sized herding dog originally developed in the United States. Despite the name, this breed has roots in European shepherding lines, refined in the American West alongside cowboys and ranchers. Aussies typically stand 18 to 23 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds.
They feature a striking merle coat (red or blue), bright eyes—often with a unique gaze—and a plumed tail. These members of the Herding Group live around 12 to 15 years and are known for their agility, loyalty, and love of work.
Care Needs
These adaptable dogs require ample daily exercise to stay balanced and content, especially on long trips. While their dense double coat only needs weekly brushing, more frequent grooming is necessary during shedding seasons.
Aussies thrive on mental stimulation, so puzzle toys or training sessions during travel breaks are ideal. They also benefit from having a secure, spacious area at home and don’t typically escape if properly engaged. A cool climate suits them best, but they adapt well with the right care and activity.
Fun Fact: Despite their rugged energy, Aussies are famously adaptable car companions who remain engaged and observant throughout every journey.
6. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, a Scottish-born gundog, is one of the most beloved breeds in the world—and for good reason. With their calm demeanor, eagerness to please, and joyful energy, Goldens are natural travel companions.
These medium to large-sized dogs typically weigh 55 to 75 pounds and stand 21.5 to 24 inches tall. Known for their thick, water-resistant golden coats, soulful eyes, and feathered tails, they’re as photogenic as they are friendly.
Their balanced build and relaxed temperament make them well-suited for long rides, whether to the mountains or across town.
Care Needs
Golden Retrievers thrive on companionship and daily physical activity. They require regular brushing to maintain their thick coats and minimize shedding, especially during seasonal changes. Health-wise, it’s important to be proactive: screen for hip and elbow dysplasia, and stay on top of eye exams due to common hereditary concerns.
Their love for exploration means they benefit from both physical and mental stimulation, making car trips a healthy outlet for their natural curiosity and bonding instincts.
Fun Fact: Golden Retrievers were originally bred on the Guisachan estate in Scotland, where detailed breeding records were maintained between 1835 and 1890.
7. Beagle
Originating over 200 years ago in Great Britain, the Beagle is a compact hound dog bred for pack hunting and tracking small game. This cheerful and adventurous breed stands between 13 and 15 inches tall and weighs 20 to 30 pounds.
Beagles are known for their soulful brown or hazel eyes, long ears, and short, easy-to-maintain coat in colors like tricolor, lemon, and red and white. A member of the Hound Group, the Beagle boasts a lifespan of 13 to 15 years and has earned its spot among America’s most beloved dog breeds.
Care Needs
Beagles are naturally healthy and require moderate grooming thanks to their short coat. Weekly brushing keeps shedding under control, and their high energy levels mean they thrive on regular exercise—especially walks and outdoor play.
Because of their strong food drive, portion control is important to avoid obesity. Beagles also benefit from early training and plenty of companionship to prevent boredom or stubborn behavior, especially during long trips.
Fun Fact: With one of the most developed senses of smell among dogs, Beagles especially love car rides for the ever-changing array of scents they can explore along the way.
8. Boxer
The Boxer, a member of the Working Group, is a medium-to-large dog known for its muscular build and playful, loyal spirit. Originally developed in Germany from the now-extinct Bullenbeisser and the English Bulldog, Boxers were bred for hunting and guarding.
Males can stand up to 25 inches tall, while females are slightly smaller, and they typically weigh between 60 and 70 pounds. Their athletic bodies are matched by a smooth, short coat that comes in fawn or brindle, often with white markings. With their alert eyes, wrinkled brows, and ever-curious expressions, Boxers are natural adventurers.
Care Needs
These loyal companions require a balance of physical exercise and mental engagement to thrive. Their high energy levels demand 30 minutes to two hours of activity daily, whether it’s a walk, a game of fetch, or an agility course.
Though playful, they also need structure and early socialization. Grooming is minimal thanks to their sleek coat, but regular brushing helps with seasonal shedding. Boxers are best suited for families or individuals who can meet their active lifestyle and emotional needs.
Fun Fact: These energetic dogs are known to stick their heads out of car windows in sheer joy, taking in every scent and sight like a true road trip enthusiast.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, often nicknamed the “ultimate lap dog,” is a charming toy breed originating from England with a royal lineage that dates back centuries. Recognized by the AKC in 1995, this breed stands 12 to 13 inches tall and weighs between 13 to 18 pounds.
Their long, silky coats come in four beautiful color combinations, including tricolor, ruby, black and tan, and Blenheim. Known for their sweet, expressive eyes and feathered ears, Cavaliers belong to the Toy Group and typically live 12 to 14 years.
Their gentle demeanor and compact size make them ideal travel companions who relish being close to their humans—especially during car rides.
Care Needs
Cavaliers thrive on companionship and regular attention. Their long coat requires consistent brushing to avoid tangles, especially around the ears and tail.
They benefit from moderate exercise, such as daily walks or play sessions, which helps keep them content on longer journeys. Because they bond deeply with their owners, these dogs do best when not left alone for extended periods and adjust well to life on the move.
Fun Fact: Despite their aristocratic history, Cavaliers are enthusiastic adventurers and love nothing more than joining their family on road trips.
Conclusion
Not all dogs enjoy hopping into a vehicle, but some breeds genuinely embrace the ride—making every journey feel like an adventure. Whether it’s short trips around town or long car rides across the country, the best dog breeds for travel often share traits like adaptability, calmness, and a curious nature. Breeds like the German Shorthaired Pointer and Boston Terrier are not only generally well behaved on the road but also eager to explore new surroundings with their favorite human by their side.
If you’re planning stress-free road trips or even air travel with a furry friend, it’s essential to choose a breed that adjusts well to movement and confined spaces. Breeds such as the Miniature Schnauzer and Border Collie combine intelligence with a love for companionship, making them excellent co-pilots. While dogs prefer routine, the right breed will relish the journey as much as the destination—turning each drive into a bonding experience filled with excitement and comfort.
