Having your dog along for vacation changes the whole experience. Whether it’s a road trip, a stay at a pet-friendly hotel, visiting family, or exploring somewhere new, the right dog can make the whole trip more fun for everyone involved.
That said, not every breed travels well. What makes a good travel companion really comes down to temperament, adaptability, energy level, trainability, grooming needs, and how they handle being around strangers.
Smaller breeds are often easier to manage on planes or in carriers, but every owner should still consider their own dog’s unique personality and needs. A confident dog might love exploring new places, while another could easily get startled by crowds or unfamiliar noises.
If you’re on the hunt for a breed that can truly join you on the journey, these seven breeds have the traits that could make them the ideal travel buddy, whether you’re hitting the road or flying the friendly skies.
Great Dog Breeds to Bring on Your Next Vacation
1. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian may be tiny, but its personality is anything but small. This little dog is adventurous, energetic, and endlessly curious, the kind of pup that adds real joy to any vacation. According to the AKC, Pomeranians are inquisitive, lively, and bold, and they’re classified in the Toy Group.
They do have a lavish double coat that needs regular grooming, unlike some other breeds, especially after a day of outdoor adventure. Packing a small hairbrush and grooming kit for your trip goes a long way in preventing tangles and keeping your Pom comfortable the whole time you’re away.
Being small definitely works in their favor when it comes to travel. A tiny dog is much easier to fit into pet-friendly hotels compared to a large breed, and Pomeranians are generally easy to transport and handle even in crowded places.
Travel Tip: Bring along familiar bedding or a favorite toy so your Pomeranian has something comforting to sleep with while away from home.
2. Chihuahua
Purina describes the Chihuahua as a dainty, compact breed, and honestly, that makes them a great fit for travelers who want a best friend with a seriously big personality packed into a tiny body.
Their small size definitely comes in handy when you’re traveling and working with limited space. Chihuahuas can fit into travel plans that just wouldn’t work with a larger dog, depending on your accommodations and mode of transport.
That said, it’s not just about size; Chihuahuas shouldn’t be treated as accessories. They’re lively, alert dogs that still need real exercise and mental stimulation, even while adjusting to new environments. They also tend to be pretty aware of their surroundings and can get a little worked up around strangers, other animals, or unfamiliar noises.
Travel Tip: Bring a well-fitted harness for your Chihuahua, and never let them roam freely in an unfamiliar environment.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel makes an especially warm, cuddly travel companion. Often described as a mix between a lap dog and a sporting dog, Cavaliers are gentle, intelligent, affectionate, and highly adaptable, making them a great fit for solo travelers in particular.
That adaptability really comes in handy when you’re heading somewhere new. A Cavalier is just as content curled up with you one-on-one as they are joining the whole family on a moderately active outdoor outing; they fit comfortably into pretty much any setting.
They’re also naturally social dogs, making them great companions for anyone ready to spend a lot of quality time together. Unlike pets that crave solitude, Cavaliers thrive on human company above almost everything else.
That said, don’t skip the grooming; regular brushing is still needed, even if their overall grooming needs stay fairly minimal.
Travel Tip: Book accommodations where your Cavalier can stay with you the whole time, rather than planning your trip around long stretches apart.
4. Shih Tzu
According to Orvis, the Shih Tzu was practically born to be a furry companion, making it a great fit for anyone who spends their holidays bouncing between hotels, visiting relatives, or simply relaxing around the house.
One of their most noticeable features is that long, flowing coat, which means grooming needs to stay a priority even while traveling. Packing a small brush and some pet-safe cleaning supplies is a smart move for outdoor outings, since their coat can pick up dust and get clumpy pretty easily.
Their facial structure also means you need to be extra mindful of heat exposure. In warmer weather, plan for shaded breaks, plenty of fresh water, and walks scheduled at cooler times of day.
Shih Tzus don’t need a rough-and-tumble, activity-packed vacation like some other breeds, but they do enjoy a moderately active one. They tend to do best with trips built around cafes, sightseeing, dog-friendly shopping areas, and relaxed walks, rather than hours of intense exercise.
Travel Tip: If you’re headed somewhere hot, plan your sightseeing for the cooler parts of the day.
5. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a vigorous, assertive, compact little dog, and that combination makes it a genuinely great travel breed. Yorkies are small and easy to carry around, but don’t be fooled; they’re Terriers at heart, so a trip with one can be just as active as it is fun.
Their small size makes them a solid choice for owners who like to walk from place to place while exploring a city during the day, and they tend to fit more easily into smaller hotel rooms compared to larger dogs.
Don’t let their tiny frame fool you, though. Yorkies still need plenty of attention and activity. One minute they’re happily exploring a new neighborhood, and the next they’re just as content curling up beside their owner to relax.
Their fine coat is another thing to keep in mind. Regular brushing helps keep it in good shape, especially if your Yorkie spends time in a carrier, outdoors, or in warm, humid weather.
Travel Tip: Stay focused when walking near traffic or unfamiliar animals, and a secure harness makes a real difference when navigating busy tourist areas.
6. Papillon
At just around 5-10 pounds, the Papillon is easily one of the smaller breeds on this list, but its size definitely doesn’t hold back its abilities. Known for their alert expression, distinctive butterfly-shaped ears, and lively personality, Papillons pack a whole lot of character into a small frame.
One of their standout traits is their intelligence. Training sessions can stay short and genuinely enjoyable even while traveling, even when your normal home routine gets thrown off. Practicing commands, bringing along familiar toys, or introducing puzzle-style games can all help keep a Papillon engaged on the road.
Because of their small size, though, owners do need to stay mindful of hazards that a larger dog might shrug off easily. Keep an eye out for crowded sidewalks, unfamiliar larger dogs, open doors, and busy roads.
Travel Tip: Don’t overpack the itinerary. Build in rest stops so your Papillon has time to relax between activities.
7. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles make wonderful travel companions for anyone who wants a small, highly trainable friend by their side.
Their trainability is a real asset on the road. Travel brings new routines, new places, and new expectations, and a dog that responds reliably to consistent cues makes the whole experience so much smoother.
Toy Poodles are also compact enough to fit comfortably into most travel arrangements built for smaller dogs. That said, their curly coat does need some upkeep. It’s worth prepping ahead of your trip with the right grooming tools so you can keep their coat manageable and comfortable no matter where you go.
Travel Tip: Practice the basics of travel at home before you leave, things like settling quietly in a carrier or car and reliably following simple commands.
Conclusion
When planning any trip, whether it’s a road trip or air travel, make sure to factor in your dog’s comfort just as much as your own. Review pet policies ahead of time, keep identification and any necessary paperwork on hand, and build in regular breaks so your dog has time to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings.
With the right preparation, your dog can turn an ordinary trip into a genuinely memorable one, full of new sights, smells, and experiences to explore together.
The breeds covered here tend to travel more easily than most, adapting well to everything from van life to fitting comfortably in the cargo hold on most airlines. That kind of versatility makes both plane travel and long road trips a whole lot easier for any dog-loving traveler.
