If you’re the type who loves hitting the road with a furry friend, you already know how much fun it can be. Car rides offer fresh air, endless smells, and plenty of new sights streaming past the car window, giving pups mental stimulation while they spend time with their favorite humans.
In fact, studies show that 37% of families travel with their four-legged friends, proving just how many dogs enjoy joining their owners for a good ride. Of course, not all dogs are natural travelers—some may feel uneasy in a moving vehicle or even struggle with motion sickness. But for the pups who truly love road trips and long drives, even short trips can feel like an adventure.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most travel-loving dog breeds. Because when it comes to car travel, the right pets aren’t just passengers—they’re great companions who make every trip more fun.
Dog Breeds That Love Road Trips And Long Drives
1. Maltese
The Maltese, lovingly called “Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta,” has been adored for centuries for its silky white coat, playful charm, and affectionate nature. Weighing less than seven pounds, this toy dog is both elegant and adaptable.
Despite their aristocratic look, Maltese are lively, intelligent, and easy-going, making them great companions for car rides. Their small size and friendly personality mean they can easily join you on road trips or long drives without much hassle.
Small size makes them easy to carry and helps them fit comfortably in the back seat or passenger seat.
Adaptable and easy-going, they handle short trips or longer trips with ease.
They love sitting close to their owners, making every ride more comforting and fun.
Hypoallergenic coat keeps your vehicle cleaner during trips.
They’re easily trained and generally well-behaved, even in new environments.
2. Pomeranian
The tiny Pomeranian has long been adored by royals and families alike for its glorious double coat, bright foxy face, and confident, vivacious personality. Weighing no more than seven pounds, this toy breed has a surprisingly bold, big-dog attitude in a petite frame.
Intelligent and alert, Pomeranians are easily trained, love companionship, and thrive on being the center of attention. They’re adaptable pets, happy in both city apartments and suburban homes, and their lively spirit makes them entertaining and loyal companions.
Unlike large working dogs, their small size makes them highly portable and easy to transport in a carrier, crate, or travel bed.
They fit comfortably without taking up much space in the vehicle.
With proper early socialization, they adjust well to new environments, new sights, and different destinations.
They require only short trips outdoors for exercise and potty breaks, making travel routines easier.
Their affectionate nature means they’re happiest sitting close to their owner during a ride, making them great companions for both short drives and long journeys.
3. Boston Terrier
PetMD states that the Boston Terrier is affectionately known as the “American gentleman” and is admired for its dapper tuxedo-like coat and polite, friendly nature. Originating in Boston, this small yet sturdy breed typically stands 10–12 inches tall and weighs between 12–25 pounds.
While they can be lively and playful, Boston Terriers are adaptable and thrive with moderate exercise, making them excellent companions for families in both apartments and houses.
Their smooth, short coat is low-shedding and easy to maintain, which adds to their charm as a low-maintenance and affectionate companion.
Their compact size allows them to fit comfortably in the vehicle.
They have an easy-going personality and are generally calm and well-behaved during a ride.
With minimal grooming needs, they’re ideal for longer trips without the worry of heavy shedding.
Boston Terriers adapt quickly to new environments and new surroundings, making travel less stressful for both dog and owner.
They are eager to spend time with their owners, making them great companions for short drives, long drives, or even air travel to a different destination.
4. Yorkshire Terrier
Beneath the dainty, glossy, floor-length coat of a Yorkshire Terrier lies the fearless heart of a true terrier. AKC mentions that they were originally bred as rats in mines and mills. They later became beloved lapdogs of Victorian society.
Weighing no more than seven pounds, this toy-size breed boasts a silky, steel-blue and golden-tan coat that feels more like human hair than fur. Despite their elegant appearance,
Yorkies are tenacious, lively, and confident, packing big-dog attitude into a small, portable package. Known for their loyalty and entertaining personality, they bring years of laughter, love, and close companionship to their families.
Their small size makes them ideal for car rides, as they can fit comfortably in the seat or carrier during short trips or longer trips.
Yorkies have a naturally adventurous spirit and are often eager to join their owners in new environments and different destinations.
Their intelligence makes them easily trained, helping them stay calm and well-behaved during a ride or journey.
As a hypoallergenic breed, they shed very little, keeping your vehicle clean on trips.
Loyal and protective of family, they’re loving great companions for both short drives and a long road trip while also serving as alert little watchdogs in new surroundings.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer may belong to the terrier group, but its personality sets it apart. Goofy, easygoing, and affectionate, this clever and energetic breed is known for its intelligence and eagerness to please.
While they can have a feisty and independent streak, Mini Schnauzers are equally cuddly and active, thriving on close companionship with their families, including children.
Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs, always ready to let you know when something needs attention. With a balance of playfulness and loyalty, they’re both entertaining and devoted companions.
Their compact size allows them to fit comfortably in a back seat or passenger seat, making car rides easier for both dog and owner.
They are highly intelligent and easily trained, which helps them adapt to new environments and remain well-behaved on short trips, longer trips, or even a long road trip.
Mini Schnauzers are naturally energetic dogs, so rest stops for quick exercise and stretches are essential during long drives.
While adaptable, they may initially feel stressed in new surroundings, so keeping familiar items like their bed or toys helps them settle during a journey.
Their loyal and affectionate nature makes them great companions, always eager to spend time with their owners, whether hitting the road or exploring a new destination.
6. Chihuahua
Britannica says that the Chihuahua is the smallest recognized dog breed, which has a rich history tracing back to the ancient Techichi of the Toltec people in Mexico. With their rounded head, large expressive eyes, and alert ears, Chihuahuas are tiny yet full of confidence.
Despite their little bodies, they are sturdier than they appear and are known for their spirited, lively personality. They are beloved companions, perfectly suited for apartment living and always ready to be by their owner’s side, whether at home or on the go.
Many Chihuahuas naturally love car rides and will happily sit quietly beside you during long car rides.
Their little bodies take up very little space, so there’s always enough space for them in any travel setup.
Even with their sometimes high energy, they don’t need much exercise, making them low-maintenance during trips.
While small, they can still display bursts of high energy levels, which makes exploring new places fun for both dog and owner.
Some dogs love being close to their humans, and Chihuahuas especially enjoy staying near you, whether on quick errands or longer adventures.
7. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog, lovingly known as the Frenchie, is one of the most popular breeds around the world, especially popular among city dwellers. With their signature bat-like ears, square head, and compact yet muscular build, they are both distinctive and irresistibly charming.
Known for their affectionate, playful, and calm nature, French Bulldogs are equally happy lounging at home or exploring new places. They’re low-maintenance in terms of exercise, sociable with people and other pets, and bring an easygoing charm to any household.
Their portable size makes it simple to bring them along on any journey, whether by car, train, or plane.
They adjust well to hotel stays, motorhomes, or small spaces, requiring minimal activity to stay content.
Frenchies are naturally calm, which helps them remain relaxed and stress-free during trips.
They tend to enjoy meeting new people and exploring new surroundings, making them fun companions on the go.
Because they are sensitive to heat, they need proper ventilation, regular breaks, and a cool resting spot while traveling.
Conclusion
Traveling with a dog can turn any journey into a more meaningful and memorable experience. With the right preparation, patience, and attention to their comfort, your four-legged friend can enjoy the adventure just as much as you do. From planning regular breaks to creating a cozy travel setup, small steps can make a big difference in keeping your pup happy and relaxed on the road.
Apart from the breeds mentioned above, there are other dogs as well that are ideal for road trips and long car rides. These include Golden Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointer, Standard Poodles, Clumber Spaniel, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
At the end of the day, what matters most is the time you share together. Whether it’s a quick getaway or a long journey, having your loyal companion by your side makes every trip feel special. With love, care, and a little planning, your travels will be filled with wagging tails, happy moments, and unforgettable memories.
