Do you ever picture your dog waiting by the door as you grab your suitcase?
Does it make you wonder if your next trip could include them, too?
Many frequent travelers ask themselves the same thing. The truth is, with the right breed, travel doesn’t have to mean leaving your best friend behind.
Most people assume small dogs are easier travel partners. But did you know some big dog breeds are even better suited for long journeys and adjusting to new environments? Their calm nature, loyalty, and ability to bring comfort make them wonderful companions on the road.
In fact, research says that 78% of American pet owners now travel with their pets each year. Doesn’t that make you imagine your own furry friend with their head out the car window, ears flapping in the wind, sharing every mile with you?
That’s why we’ll explore the best large dog breeds for those traveling frequently—because the right companion can turn any trip into an unforgettable adventure.
Best Large Dog Breeds For Those Traveling Frequently
Here we go, one by one.
1. German Shepherd
Ever met a dog so smart it feels like they can read your mind?
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. Known as an intelligent dog and a reliable guard dog, this loyal companion is both protective and adaptable. They were originally bred for herding sheep, but today they thrive in family homes, service work, and even travel.
For frequent travelers, their ability to adjust to new environments makes them a dependable partner on both road trips and long journeys.
Studies say that they are incredibly smart and, with proper guidance, they respond quickly to training cues and enjoy the challenge of dog sports, which helps keep them active and balanced while away from home.
What sets this big dog breed apart is its loyalty and ability to form a strong bond with its owners. They’re confident, courageous, and happiest when they have a job to do—even if that job is simply watching out for you on your adventures.
While they need physical and mental stimulation, they also love downtime with their family members, making them both a protector and a travel buddy.
Fun Fact:
German Shepherds have “big brains” to match their energy—some are trained to understand over 200 words and commands!
2. Greyhound
What if I told you one of the fastest puppies in the world is also one of the calmest?
The Greyhound is famous for speed, but in daily life, they’re gentle souls. Despite being surprisingly athletic, they’re also known for lounging happily beside their owners after a walk. With a short coat and minimal grooming needs, they are surprisingly low-maintenance to care for on the road.
They adapt smoothly into every situation, so whether it’s short trips or long journeys, this breed stays relaxed and easygoing.
With their friendly disposition, they make travel less stressful and more enjoyable. What travelers love most is how well these active dogs handle different environments.
They don’t require as much daily exercise as many other big dog breeds, but they do appreciate a good sprint followed by lots of rest. Known for their easygoing nature, Greyhounds bring peace of mind on the road.
Fun Fact:
Although Greyhounds can run up to 45 miles per hour, they’re often called “45-mph couch potatoes” because of how much they love to nap!
3. Golden Retriever
Looking for a travel buddy who makes strangers smile everywhere you go?
The Golden Retriever is the ultimate furry friend—gentle, loyal, and always eager to be part of the adventure. Known as one of the best dog breeds in the world, due to their happy personality and patience with children and family members.
Their friendly disposition makes them easy to take into a new place, whether that’s a bustling city, a quiet cabin, or a sandy beach. For frequent travelers, their adaptable nature is a gift, as these dogs love companionship and adjust smoothly to a busy travel lifestyle.
This dog breed is also known for being loving with other animals, which helps when trips involve parks, hotels, or even flights filled with other dogs. They may need regular brushing, but their easygoing nature outweighs grooming concerns.
As the American Kennel Club points out, their soft personality makes them an ideal choice for active families, and some even include them among the top dog breeds for frequent travelers. If you’re dreaming of a partner who loves both play and rest, this could be your companion dog.
Fun Fact:
They are so affectionate that therapy programs worldwide often use them to comfort people in hospitals, airports, and schools.
4. Great Dane
Ever imagined traveling with a dog so tall that they can see over the car window without standing up?
The Great Dane is often called the gentle giant, and they live up to the name. Despite their massive size, they’re known for a calm and loving nature that makes them great travel companions. With a sleek short coat, they fall into the category of low-maintenance dogs, which is helpful for frequent travelers who don’t want to worry about heavy grooming on the road.
Their laid-back personality makes them perfect for road trips, where they’re just as happy stretching out in the backseat as they are exploring a new trail with their owners. Though this giant dog breed enjoys plenty of rest, they still need daily exercise to stay healthy and balanced.
Luckily, a short walk or quick play session usually does the trick. Their towering presence also offers a sense of security, making them an ideal companion for people who like a mix of comfort and protection during long journeys.
Fun Fact:
The tallest dog ever recorded was a Great Dane named Zeus—he stood over 44 inches tall at the shoulder!
5. Gordon Setter
Looking for a travel buddy with style, energy, and loyalty all in one?
The Gordon Setter is a striking, big dog breed with silky black-and-tan fur, long floppy ears, and a proud stance. Known for their gentle disposition, they’re loving yet spirited, making them a great choice for people with an active travel lifestyle.
While their dense double coat does call for brushing, they’re still manageable for owners who don’t mind a little grooming on the road. With their natural curiosity, they adapt well to new environments and enjoy exploring right alongside you.
As active dogs, they thrive on outdoor fun and need regular exercise to stay happy. That makes them well-suited for frequent travelers who like hikes, nature trips, or any activity that keeps a pup moving.
They’re affectionate at heart and love forming a strong bond with their families. Orvis highlights their endurance and devotion, praising them as loyal, energetic partners for active households.
Fun Fact:
The Gordon Setter is the heaviest of all setter breeds, which gives them both stamina and strength for long outdoor adventures.
6. Newfoundland
Ever dreamed of traveling with a dog so big that they feel like a gentle bear by your side?
The Newfoundland is a true giant dog, but one with an easygoing nature that makes them perfect for adventurous families. Known for their size and strength, they were once working dogs on fishing boats, yet they’re also some of the most loving pups you’ll meet.
Their calm personality helps them settle everywhere, whether that’s a lakeside cabin or a bustling hotel. While they handle travel well, owners should be mindful of extreme temperatures, since their thick coats make them sensitive to heat.
Despite their size, Newfoundlands are famously gentle with children and safe around other pets. They thrive on human interaction, which makes every trip more enjoyable for both dog and owner.
Their patience and steady temperament make long road trips easier, as they’re content to rest and simply be part of the journey.
Fun Fact:
Newfoundlands are such strong swimmers that they’ve been known to save people from drowning, making them natural-born lifeguards on water adventures.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog
What if your travel buddy was as fluffy as a teddy bear and as loyal as a best friend?
The Bernese is known for its gentle heart and majestic presence. Originally bred as a working dog in Switzerland, this breed loves being close to its family and adapts surprisingly well to road trips or cabin stays.
Their thick coats mean they’re better suited for cooler destinations, where they can truly enjoy the outdoors without getting overheated.
With their calm personality, they bring a sense of comfort during long journeys and are happy to simply be near their owners. Berners, as they’re often called, are especially good around children, due to their patient and affectionate nature.
They form deep bonds with their humans and thrive on companionship, which makes them less likely to feel stressed in a new place. They are affectionate, loyal, and excellent family dogs.
Berners are sometimes used as service dogs, highlighting their intelligence and reliability—qualities that make them ideal travel companions.
Fun Fact:
Because of their strength, Bernese were once used to pull carts loaded with milk and cheese in the Swiss Alps.
Conclusion
Traveling with a dog isn’t just about bringing a pet along—it’s about sharing the joy of the journey with a trusted companion.
From the loyal German Shepherd to the gentle Newfoundland and the affectionate Bernese Dog, each breed brings something special to life on the road.
Unlike medium-sized dogs that may need extra attention in vehicles, these large breeds handle travel with ease.
Some dogs provide comfort in new environments, while others offer protection or companionship for children and families.
Choosing the right breed can reduce separation anxiety, helping your dog stay calm during your travels.
No matter which breed you choose, the right dog will turn ordinary trips into unforgettable adventures.
After all, isn’t traveling always better when you have a furry co-pilot by your side?
