If you love travelling and exploring nature, nothing can be more fun than doing it with a travel buddy. For dog lovers, the best travel buddy is the one that walks on four legs. You must be wondering which breed is the best for RV travel.
There are certain characteristics you should look for in a dog breed while finding an ideal canine companion for your adventurous life. For instance, they should be small enough to satisfy your RV’s weight requirements. Secondly, the dog should not shed much.
Since you love to keep your RV clean, opt for a low-shedding breed. Also, consider the exercise requirements of your pups. Make sure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation. Along with the RV rides, you should be able to take your dog for a couple of walks.
Here are the top 7 dog breeds that make the best RV travelers.
Dog Breeds that Love RV Travel
1. Pomeranian
Breed Profile
Height: 6 to 7 inches
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Pomeranians are small dogs weighing less than 7 pounds. Their small size makes them ideal RV travel buddies. Poms are friendly and playful dogs who love to be around people. They can coexist peacefully with other animals, which is a plus if you are traveling with multiple pets.
According to the American Kennel Club, these pint-sized pooches are high-energy dogs. They need moderate daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Around 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day will suffice. The physical activity can include short walks and play sessions.
Pomeranians are highly intelligent, which makes them easily trainable for the RV lifestyle. They respond well to positive reinforcement-based training. However, Pomeranians have an independent streak, due to which they like to walk on their own instead of being carried.
2. Cocker Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 13.5 to 15.5 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs weighing around 20 to 30 pounds. Their alert and easygoing personality makes them well-suited for the people who love hanging out with other RV travel enthusiasts.
They are highly adaptable and can adjust to the changes in their environment if they keep getting adequate mental and physical stimulation. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Cocker spaniels have a natural affinity for the outdoors and moving objects, which is another plus for an RV camping breed.
Cocker spaniels have a cheerful disposition and an eager to please. They happily get along with people and other pets. However, their beautiful coats require regular grooming to prevent matting. Cocker spaniels make excellent hiking companions, provided the hiking goes smoothly.
3. Maltese
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Maltese is a smaller breed weighing around 4 to 6 pounds. The friendly and loving nature of these lap dogs makes them well-suited for life at RV parks. Their playful and gentle personalities make them ideal for hanging out with other RV camping buddies.
Maltese have a hypoallergenic coat, which makes it ideal for allergy sufferers. However, you need to brush their coat regularly to maintain their star looks. They are loving and compassionate towards the people they love, but are a bit alert and wary of strangers.
They do not require much exercise—PDSA recommends 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity for them. Maltese are highly adaptable and can adjust to a variety of lifestyles. It makes them well-suited for individuals who are not sure how much activity to plan for their pup on camping.
4. French Bulldog
Breed Profile
Height: 11 to 13 inches
Weight: Under 28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
French bulldog is another small dog breed having moderate energy levels. Their adaptable nature and ability to adjust to small spaces make them ideal for RV camping. They are intelligent dogs who can be trained very easily.
These little fellows are the social butterflies who love meeting new people at RV parks. Their fun personalities and low maintenance needs make them great for camping trips, including the ones with other camping buddies.
They have a quiet demeanor and minimal grooming requirements. They make a lot of new friends on the way, but are always happy to come back home. However, you have to take special care of their health, especially during hot weather, as it is a brachycephalic breed and prone to breathing difficulties.
5. Jack Russell Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 15 inches
Weight: 13 to 17 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 16 years
Jack Russell Terriers are the energetic dudes weighing around 9 to 15 pounds. Their love for jumping and running around makes them great companions at an RV park. They are affectionate, highly intelligent, and playful dogs who will not let you get bored.
Their short-coated variant makes them a great option for RV travelers since they do not shed much. Their robust personalities, high energy levels, and love for hiking and rides make them pawfect for a nomadic lifestyle.
Jack Russells should receive 1.5 to 2 hours of exercise every day. Exercise can include brisk walking, jogging, and play sessions in a fenced area.
They learn quickly, but their high prey drive and independent nature mean they do not always follow your instructions. Positive reinforcement-based training works the best for them.
6. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Despite their large size, Labrador Retrievers make ideal candidates for life at an RV park. They can easily adjust to the changing environments of travel due to their adaptability and friendly nature. Labs get along quite well with people and never miss a chance to make new friends.
Labradors are high-energy dogs, well-suited for an active lifestyle. They are also very intelligent and easy to train. Labs have a joyful nature, and they are always ready for adventure. Their natural love for water makes them a wonderful companion for camping on the lakeside.
Labs are affectionate towards their owners and do great with children. According to PetMD, they need lots of exercise and attention. Around one hour of physical activity is enough for them. Labs enjoy activities like obedience training, agility, tracking, swimming, and hiking. Their coats require minimal grooming.
7. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 13 inches
Weight: 13 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
If you are looking for a relaxed dog breed for your RV adventure, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel would be a great choice. These small dogs do not get overwhelmed by the stress of travelling. You just need to make sure their exercise needs are being met.
They are known for having an affectionate nature and the ability to form strong bonds with their owners. While this cuddly buddy might not be suitable for climbing mountains with you, they certainly enjoy the long drives.
These calm and adaptable dogs love exploring new places. A versatile choice for all kinds of travelers, campers, and adventure seekers, Cavaliers are easy to train. Their luxurious coats require regular grooming, but they don’t shed a lot.
Conclusion
Many dog breeds are known for their love of adventure. Their size and adaptable nature make them well-suited for your home on wheels. If you are an RV travel enthusiast looking for a canine companion, one of the breeds mentioned in this article will be the right fit for you. Just make sure to give them proper exercise and make them feel comfortable!
