Looking for a travel buddy? 15 dog breeds perfect for adventure

If you enjoy exploring the world, you may wonder what the best dog breeds for travel are.

After all, if you’re going to be on the road a lot, you probably want to bring your dog along rather than park him at a kennel or leave him home with a pet sitter.

Having traveled on various occasions, we can list the dog breeds that would best suit your needs. Some factors to consider include body size, playfulness, and trip distance.

Dogs suited for travel are generally characterized by their gentle disposition. Unlike some breeds, they don’t need a lot of exercise and are unlikely to annoy the person in the next seat.

Although small dogs make great travel companions, a few large dog breeds travel well, although they are better for car trips. Don’t leave your best baby wipes behind. They can be helpful for both your kid and your pet.

Be sure to bring along all of your dog’s health documents and extra food in case you need to stay longer than you originally planned.

Best small dogs for travel 

Brussels Griffon

Moreover, this small friend does not take up too much space and knows when to be gentle.

Norwich Terrier

This golden-like fluffy little fellow isn’t going to sit still on your lap.

Considering the best dog breed for long travels, it is a great companion, but make sure you have someone keeping the little pup busy.

Maltese

It is particularly low-cost and knows how to be gentle. This breed is fearless and adorable, and its low-shedding coat is a plus on long car rides.

Chihuahua

“Made in perfection” is the best way to describe this small kid.

Just like the Norwich terrier, the chihuahua is the perfect size to fit under the seat of an airliner, knows how to be calm, and what’s more, doesn’t require food every minute. Minimal space and maintenance to the ends of the world.

French Bulldog

Since most people are prone to judging a book by its cover, the general mentality about the French bulldog is that it is mean and grumpy.

On the contrary, those who have owned this dog breed have quite a different testimony.

Not only is it playful, extremely kind, and loving, and seeks your attention, but it also knows how to restrain itself. It can be remarkably disciplined even in the office setting.

Cocker Spaniel

The compact size of this breed makes it exceptionally portable.

Its fluffy nature can be likened to the Pomeranian’s, and you can’t have enough of stroking it.

The Cocker Spaniel is also large enough for sports of whatever kind, and the spaniel is known to be frisky if not frolicsome.

Dachshund

It would be disgraceful and disrespectful to the dog community if we failed to recommend this eerie-looking mongrel.

Its gargantuan heart is peculiarly prone to adventure.

Other small breeds that make great travel companions include the Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier or Bichon Frise.

Best large dogs for travel 

Great Dane

You probably did not expect to find this weirdo here. This large dog breed comes in different colors and is exceptionally playful.

The Great Dane’s loving temperament enables it to withstand long car rides, as long as there’s lots of fun. Due to its gigantic build, make sure the car provides it with comfort.

Golden Retriever

If you’re asking, “Which dog breed is right for me in the class of large dog breeds, This would be it. This family dog fulfills the saying, “as loyal as a dog.

The golden retriever is especially energetic and will follow you wherever you want. Its size, however, makes it ideal for car rides.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are ideal for family trips.

Their love for people and playful demeanor make them ideal for family trips. They thrive on exercise, so be prepared for some fun activities along the way.

Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dogs have an easygoing personality.

Due to their easygoing personalities, dogs are particularly good for longer car trips.

Just make sure they have enough room to relax comfortably.

Boxer

They love to have fun and are known to be very loyal to their families. Their medium-to-large size allows them to fit comfortably in many vehicles.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds make loyal companions for road trips.

They adapt well to various environments and are loyal companions on road trips. Training is essential to ensure they remain calm in new situations.

Saint Bernard  

Saint Bernards are gentle giants that enjoy leisurely road trips.

Known for their friendly and gentle temperament, Saint Bernards are great for families traveling together.

Although they require some exercise, their calm disposition makes them suitable for leisurely road trips.

Alaskan Malamute

These dogs are strong, friendly, and love the outdoors.

Prepare your pup for travel

Whether you are embarking on a short car ride or a long plane trip, here are some tips to help acclimate your furry friend:

Get your dog used to the vehicle

Short drives: Start by taking your dog on short car rides to help them get used to the experience. Gradually increase the duration of these rides.

Positive association: Bring your dog’s favorite toys or treats to create positive associations with the car. After each successful ride, reward them with praise or a small treat.

Adjust feeding and hydration

Avoid heavy meals before travel: Feed your dog a light meal a few hours before the journey to prevent motion sickness.

Hydration: Make sure your dog stays hydrated, especially on longer trips. Have water available and a portable bowl for pit stops.

Choose the right travel gear

Safety first: To ensure safety, travel with a pet in a secured seatbelt or crate. Check the airline’s pet policies for air travel and choose an airline-approved crate.

Comfort items: Bring your dog’s favorite blanket or bed to make them feel more secure in a new environment.

Frequent breaks

Plan stops to let your dog stretch its legs, relieve itself, and explore. This will help reduce anxiety and restlessness during the trip.

Practice desensitization

Get familiar with crates: If traveling by plane, introduce your dog to the crate well in advance. Allow them to explore and spend time in it to reduce anxiety.

New environments: Take your dog to different places to get them accustomed to various sights and sounds, which can make travel less stressful.

ID and health checks

Identification: Ensure your dog has a collar with an ID tag and your contact information. Microchipping is also a good idea for permanent identification.

Vet visit: Schedule a vet check-up before long trips to ensure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, and ask for any necessary travel documents.

Calm environment

Stay calm: Dogs can pick up on their owner’s stress. Stay calm and relaxed, and provide reassurance if they seem anxious.

Music or calming aids: Some dogs respond well to calming music or natural anti-anxiety products. Consider these to help soothe your dog during travel.

Keep your dog safe

Keeping your dog safe and comfortable on your trip is paramount.

Like humans, dogs can experience stress during travel due to changes in their environment, unfamiliar sounds, and varied temperatures.

Therefore, taking the proper precautions can help minimize anxiety and keep your furry friend safe.

Crate or travel carrier

A secure and comfortable carrier is crucial, especially by air or on long road trips or air travel, especially if your large dog has to fly in the cargo hold.

Look for carriers that:

Provide adequate ventilation: Airflow is essential for keeping your dog cool and comfortable.

Right size: Your dog should have enough space to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably. Carriers that are too small can cause anxiety and discomfort.

Well-padded: A soft, cushioned base can make the journey more comfortable. Look for removable and washable pads for easy cleaning.

Secure closures: Ensuring your pet’s safety means choosing carriers with reliable locks and latches to prevent escapes.

Harnesses

Harnesses are a safer alternative to collars when traveling, particularly in vehicles.

They can help prevent injury in case of sudden stops or accidents.

Consider these factors when selecting a harness:

Crash-tested models: Choose harnesses specifically designed for car travel that have been crash-tested for safety.

Adjustability: Look for harnesses that can be adjusted for a snug yet comfortable fit, accommodating changes in your dog’s size or fur.

Ease of use: Select an easy harness to put on and take off, facilitating quick adjustments during travel.

Travel gear

In addition to carriers and harnesses, various travel gear can enhance your dog’s experience on the road:

Travel water bottles: Staying hydrated is essential, especially on long trips. Collapsible bowls and specially designed water bottles make offering your dog a drink easy.

Comfortable blankets: Bringing a familiar blanket can provide comfort and security. It can also keep your dog warm on cooler journeys.

Barriers: When traveling by car, using barriers can help keep your dog in a safe area and prevent distracting you while driving.

Pet seat covers: Protecting your vehicle’s interior while giving your dog a comfortable seat can enhance the overall traveling experience.

Choose dog-friendly travel destinations

Hotels and lodging

Chain hotels: Many national hotels, such as Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Best Western, offer pet-friendly policies. These often include designated pet-friendly rooms and amenities like dog beds and treats.

Always check in advance, as pet policies can vary by location.

Boutique hotels: Look for boutique hotels that promote a pet-friendly atmosphere. Many of these establishments offer special perks for dogs, such as dog walking services, pet spa options, and enclosed outdoor areas.

Vacation rentals: Websites like Airbnb or Vrbo feature numerous listings that specifically welcome pets. You can find unique accommodations such as cabins, beach houses, or even urban apartments that cater to dogs.

Just make sure to read the house rules regarding pets.

Parks and outdoor areas

Dog parks: Cities are increasingly featuring dog parks, which provide a safe and enjoyable space for dogs to run off-leash.

Research the local parks in your destination to find well-maintained, fenced areas where your pup can play freely.

National and state parks: Many national and state parks welcome dogs on leashes, allowing you to explore beautiful trails together.

Be sure to check the specific rules for pet access, as some areas may have restrictions. Places like Shenandoah National Park and Acadia National Park are known for pet-friendly trails.

Beaches: Some beaches have designated dog-friendly areas where your pet can splash in the waves and enjoy the sand.

Examples include Carmel Beach in California and Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts.

Just be sure to follow any leash laws and clean up after your pup.

Pet-friendly restaurants and cafés

Many restaurants and cafés offer pet-friendly outdoor seating.

Some even have special dog menus or provide dog treats to satisfy your furry friend while you enjoy your meal.

Check local reviews or online resources like BringFido to find dining spots that welcome dogs.

Events and festivals

Look for local events or festivals that are pet-friendly, often including dog parades, pet-specific fairs, and outdoor concerts.

These events can be fun for socializing your dog and enjoying the local culture together.

Final thought on the best dogs for travel

There you have it — the best dog breed, in our opinion, for short and long travels. You can check out any online dog breed identifier to make your final choice. Otherwise, the ones given above won’t fail you – friendly, loyal, and playful.

Elizabeth Barletta is particularly attracted to dogs. From a tender age, she has owned different breeds and decided to write about adorable creatures at Top-Mom.com. Over the years, she has advised pet owners about various issues, from preserving their pets’ health to training them.