The Best Dog Breeds to Travel With, Ranked
Traveling with your dog can be a wonderfully rewarding experience, creating lasting memories and strengthening the bond you share. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a longer vacation, bringing your canine companion along adds an extra layer of joy. However, finding the Best Dog Breeds To Travel With can make a significant difference in the ease and enjoyment of your journey. While individual personalities vary, certain breeds possess general characteristics that make them more adaptable and comfortable with the nuances of travel.
Preparing for a trip with your pet involves more than just choosing a destination; it also means considering how well your dog handles new environments, confinement during travel, and interactions with strangers or other animals. Providing familiar comforts like one of the best dog travel crates can certainly help, as can having plenty of distractions like the best long lasting dog chews or engaging dog toys. Understanding which breeds tend to thrive in such situations can be incredibly helpful for potential pet owners or those planning future trips. It’s also wise to research destination-specific requirements; for example, understanding can i travel with my dog to switzerland or the rules when traveling to dominican republic with dog is crucial.
A study conducted by Puppies.co.uk, an online dog marketplace in the UK, sought to identify the best breeds for travel based on a specific evaluation criteria. Experts assessed numerous dog breeds using seven key factors: weight, temperament, socialization, trainability, energy levels, adaptability, and quietness, scoring each factor on a scale from one to ten. The findings provide valuable insights into which breeds are statistically more likely to be relaxed and cooperative travel partners.
Top Dog Breeds Recommended for Travel
Based on the Puppies.co.uk study, here are the breeds that scored highest, indicating a general suitability for travel:
1. Havanese
According to the research results, the Havanese stands out as the top breed for travel. Their small size and light weight, typically under 10-11 pounds, make them highly portable. Beyond their physical attributes, Havanese dogs are known for their cheerful and affectionate disposition. They demonstrate an impressive ability to adapt readily to new surroundings and generally interact well with both unfamiliar people and other dogs, making them excellent companions for various travel scenarios.
Havanese dog happily traveling in a car
2. Yorkshire Terrier
Another compact breed well-suited for travel is the Yorkshire Terrier. Their small stature and adaptability contribute to their ease of transport. Yorkshire Terriers often possess a favorable temperament that helps them navigate the unfamiliar environments and new faces they might encounter on a trip. However, it’s worth noting their relatively high energy levels. If you prefer exceptionally quiet and low-activity vacations, a Yorkshire Terrier might require more effort to keep entertained compared to some other breeds. If you plan on stopping frequently for walks and activities, understanding how to travel with a large dog principles can also offer useful context, even for smaller breeds, regarding safety and comfort on the road.
Small Yorkshire Terrier dog looking out a car window during a trip
3. Toy Poodle
Toy Poodles also rank highly, primarily due to their small size and light build. They are generally happy and eager-to-please dogs, which contributes to their trainability – a significant advantage when traveling. Known for being very sociable and adaptable, Toy Poodles tend to handle the changes and experiences of travel with relative ease. Like Yorkshire Terriers, they possess considerable energy and would likely enjoy more active travel plans that involve plenty of opportunities for exercise and play.
Toy Poodle dog sitting comfortably in a car, ideal for travel
4. Italian Greyhound
While the Italian Greyhound’s temperament might not score quite as high specifically for travel as the top three, they excel in trainability and socialization. Their strong adaptability also makes them well-suited for new experiences. Italian Greyhounds are small and relatively lightweight, making them easy to transport, though they are slightly taller than some other miniature breeds. While they do need regular exercise, their energy levels are not among the highest, meaning they can be content on both active and more relaxed types of vacations.
Italian Greyhound dog relaxing on a sandy beach during a vacation
5. Affenpinscher
These charmingly small dogs share many characteristics with other breeds on this list that make them good travel companions. They score well in both socialization and adaptability, indicating they are likely to be comfortable in new settings and around different people. Affenpinschers are also trainable, which simplifies navigating public spaces and different travel modes with them. They enjoy playful activities but do not typically have extremely high energy demands, making them suitable for owners who prefer a more laid-back travel style without constant high-intensity exercise.
Affenpinscher dog standing on a mountain overlooking a view, perfect travel companion
6. Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu often possesses an ideal personality for travel, adapting easily to different places and situations. Their small size and portability are obvious advantages. Shih Tzus generally get along well with both people and other dogs, which is beneficial if your travel plans involve meeting up with others or visiting public places. They are also happy to spend quality time relaxing with their owners, making them versatile companions for either active or relaxed vacations.
Shih Tzu dog exploring a beach, showcasing adaptability for travel
7. Chinese Crested
Though perhaps less common than some other breeds, the Chinese Crested also ranks among the best for travel. This small breed is noted for its high trainability and adaptability, traits that significantly ease the process of traveling or vacationing with a dog. They are also typically easy to socialize. Chinese Crested dogs do not require extensive exercise; a short walk and some playtime are usually sufficient. Many are also hairless, which can help them cope better in warmer climates, though sunscreen is essential for their skin.
Hairless Chinese Crested dog in a forest, a trainable breed for travel
Expert Veterinary Advice on Dog Travel
While breed characteristics provide a helpful guideline, it’s crucial to remember that individual dogs within any breed can vary significantly in their aptitude for travel. Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, a veterinary expert, emphasizes that breed traits are “no guarantee as to whether your pet will be a good traveler.” Factors like a history of travel sickness or previous negative experiences can make a dog more stressed or anxious during journeys, regardless of breed.
Dr. MacMillan advises that dogs who most enjoy travel are typically those who have been introduced to it gradually and positively. This process can start simply by letting your dog spend time in the car with the doors open, associating it with positive reinforcement like praise and treats. Progressing to short, enjoyable trips (like to a favorite park) can build positive associations before attempting longer vacations. To help your dog feel calmer when traveling, whether they are experienced or new to it, bring along familiar items like a favorite toy or piece of bedding. Ensure regular stops for bathroom breaks on long journeys, and consult your vet about anti-nausea medication if necessary. Seeking professional advice is particularly important if your dog shows signs of severe anxiety or motion sickness during travel.
Ultimately, selecting one of the statistically Best Dog Breeds To Travel With can provide a good foundation, but successful and enjoyable travel with any dog hinges on careful preparation, positive conditioning, and understanding your individual pet’s needs and comfort level.
