26 Best Travel Dogs – What Breed Should I Get? Take the Quiz!

Are you wondering what are the best dog breeds for travel?

This pet travel quiz will help you find the best breed that matches your travel style and will tell you which breed you should get.

Choosing the right dog breed for your travel lifestyle is crucial, not just for your ease but for your pet’s comfort and safety too.

From my own experience, taking my two dogs to Europe really highlighted how much breed size and personality can affect their travel experience, especially when flying. I’ve been a dog owner since I was a kid, and my dogs have been my travel companions across four continents. Trust me, the breed matters a lot.

If you’re on the fence about which breed might suit your wanderlust life best, our quiz is a great starting point. It’s designed to match you with breeds that align with your travel habits, whether you’re jet-setting internationally or exploring the great outdoors closer to home.

It’s about choosing a pet that naturally fits into our world. So, if you haven’t taken the quiz yet, I encourage you to do so now. It’s a practical step towards ensuring your future adventures are enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Best Overall Dog Breeds for Travel Enthusiasts

When it comes to traveling, the size, temperament, and adaptability of your dog can make a huge difference. The best breeds for travel enthusiasts are those that are small enough to meet airline and hotel restrictions, have a good temperament, enjoy being around people, and can easily adapt from relaxing at home to embarking on an adventure.

Here are the top 5 breeds that tick all these boxes:

• Poodles (Miniature/Toy) – Their intelligence and size make them perfect for travelers. Miniature and Toy Poodles are adaptable, easy to train, and their hypoallergenic coats are a bonus for staying in various accommodations.
• Yorkshire Terriers – Yorkies are not only compact and travel-friendly, but they also have personalities that love adventure. They’re known for being brave, energetic, and great companions for on-the-go lifestyles.
• Dachshunds – Despite their small size, Miniature Dachshunds have a big spirit and adapt well to different settings, making them excellent travel buddies. Their curious nature and love for exploration fit perfectly with a traveling lifestyle.
• Papillons – Known for their butterfly-like ears, Papillons are small, intelligent, and have a friendly disposition. They’re easy to take along on trips and are always ready for a new adventure.
• Border Terriers – These dogs are hardy, affectionate, and enjoy being active, making them ideal for travelers who love outdoor adventures. Their size and temperament allow them to adapt easily to new environments.

These 5 breeds are automatically included in the other categories.

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Global Jet Setter: Best Dog Breeds for Plane Travel

When considering flying with dogs, the possibility of having them in the cabin is a major factor for many pet owners. Given the restrictions on size for in-cabin travel—pets typically need to be less than 8 kilograms (about 17 pounds) and the carrier must fit within dimensions of approximately 18x11x11 inches—it’s clear why size becomes a crucial decision maker for the best breeds for flying.

While some larger breeds may have the temperament for air travel, their size excludes them from this list due to airline restrictions.

• Maltese – Maltese dogs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions for in-cabin travel. Their small size and adaptability to new environments make them perfect for flying.
• Coton de Tulear – This breed is not only small enough to fit comfortably in an airline-approved carrier but also has a calm demeanor that’s ideal for plane travel. Cotons are known for being cheerful and sociable, easing the stress of flying.
• Miniature Pinschers – Despite their small size, Miniature Pinschers have a bold and confident personality. They are energetic yet can settle down quietly in their carriers during a flight, making them great travel companions.
• Pomeranians – Pomeranians are compact, friendly, and adaptable, which makes them suited for traveling in the cabin. Their small size and ability to remain calm in a carrier contribute to a smooth flying experience.
• Chihuahuas – Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, making them an obvious choice for in-cabin travel. They are loyal and enjoy being close to their owners, which helps reduce stress during flights.

Personal Vehicle: Top Dog Breeds That Like Car Rides

Traveling by personal vehicle is perhaps the most common way pet owners explore with their dogs, whether it’s for a quick weekend getaway or an extended family vacation.

While many breeds enjoy car rides, considerations like size and the dog’s comfort in a vehicle setting are important. Breeds that fit comfortably in a car, alongside family and luggage, are ideal.

Additionally, accommodation restrictions often place weight limits on pets, commonly set at 30, 50, or 75 pounds, making giant breeds less suitable for this travel style despite their temperament.

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – These dogs are known for their adaptable and affectionate nature, making them excellent companions for car travel. Their size allows them to fit comfortably in vehicles and comply with most accommodation restrictions.
• Cocker Spaniel – Cocker Spaniels are cheerful and love adventures, making them great for road trips. They’re small enough to travel comfortably but energetic enough to enjoy outdoor activities once you arrive.
• Corgis – With their compact size and sociable nature, Corgis are well-suited for family car trips. They’re small enough to fit easily in a car and are generally well-behaved during rides.
• Mini Aussie – Miniature Australian Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and love being part of the action, making them perfect for active travelers. Their smaller size makes them more adaptable to various travel accommodations.
• Miniature Schnauzers – These dogs are adaptable, friendly, and small enough to fit comfortably in a car. They enjoy being with their family and can handle both short and long journeys well.
• Boston Terriers – Boston Terriers are compact, easygoing, and enjoy being with their owners, which makes them great travel companions for car rides. They’re also small enough to fit into most travel accommodations easily.
• Doodle – Doodle breeds (like Labradoodles and Goldendoodles) vary in size but are generally known for their friendly disposition and adaptability, making them good for travel. Since some have hair instead of fur, it reduces the shedding left behind in the car or hotel.
• Pugs – Pugs are small, sociable, and have a laid-back personality that makes them excellent companions for car travel. They’re content to sit by their owner’s side during long drives.
• French Bulldogs – With their small size and calm temperament, French Bulldogs are well-suited for car travel. They’re comfortable in small spaces and can easily adapt to the rhythm of a road trip.
• Golden Retrievers – Golden Retrievers are friendly, obedient, and love being with their family, making them great for road trips. While they’re on the larger side, they’re often well-behaved travelers and can fit into vehicles and accommodations that allow for larger breeds.

Nature Lover: Best Dogs for Van Life and Camping

Embracing van life or RV travel with your dog offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors together. This mode of travel is particularly suited to larger breeds, as the main limitation on size is the space you’re willing to share. Dogs that thrive in nature and enjoy being active make ideal companions for this adventurous lifestyle. Here are some breeds that are well-suited to life on the road and in the wild:

• Labrador Retrievers – Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly nature and love of the outdoors, making them perfect for van life and camping. They’re adaptable, enjoy physical activity, and are always ready for an adventure, whether it’s hiking, swimming, or just exploring new terrains.
• Vizslas – Vizslas are highly energetic and thrive on being active, making them ideal companions for those who love to spend time in nature. Their affectionate nature and desire to be close to their owners make them great travel buddies for long-term trips in an RV or van.
• German Pointers (Shorthaired and Wirehaired) – German Pointers are versatile, energetic, and thrive in the great outdoors. Their keen sense of smell and love for exploration make them perfect for adventurous travels. Whether it’s hiking through forests or running along beaches, these dogs are up for the challenge, making them excellent partners for van life and camping.
• Standard Poodles – Standard Poodles are not only highly intelligent but also very adaptable, making them suitable for life on the road. They’re active dogs that enjoy being part of all family activities, including hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Their hypoallergenic coats are an added bonus for confined spaces like vans and RVs.
• Irish Setters – Irish Setters are known for their boundless energy and friendly disposition, making them excellent companions for outdoor adventures. They thrive on being active and are well-suited to the ever-changing scenery and activities that come with camping and van life.

Urban Adventurers: Ideal Dog Breeds for Public Transportation

Navigating city life with a dog means considering how well your pet can adapt to the hustle and bustle of urban environments, especially when it comes to public transportation.

The rules for dogs on buses, trains, and subways and ferries can indeed vary widely, but generally, smaller dogs that can fit in a carrier bag have an easier time accompanying their owners.

Beyond just size, a dog’s temperament and training are crucial for ensuring they remain calm and comfortable amidst crowds and the unique sounds of city transit.

Here are some breeds that are well-suited for urban adventurers who frequently use public transportation:

• Poodles (Miniature/Toy) – Miniature and Toy Poodles are not only the right size for carrying in a bag but also highly intelligent and trainable, making them ideal for navigating public transportation. Their calm demeanor helps them to remain composed in crowded or noisy environments.
• Rat Terriers – Rat Terriers are small, alert, and have a friendly temperament, making them well-suited for city living. They’re adaptable and can handle the varied stimuli of urban environments, from noisy trains to crowded buses.
• French Bulldogs – With their compact size and laid-back nature, French Bulldogs are great companions for urban dwellers. They’re generally calm in the face of urban chaos and can comfortably travel in a carrier bag on public transportation.
• Smaller Doodles – Smaller Doodles, such as Mini Labradoodles or Mini Goldendoodles, combine the intelligence and friendly nature of their larger counterparts with a more manageable size for city living. They’re known for their good temperament and ability to adapt to different situations, including travel on public transit.
• Pugs – Pugs are known for their sociable and calm nature, making them excellent companions for public transportation. Their small size allows them to fit comfortably in a carrier bag, and they’re generally unfazed by the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Cruise: Perfect Dog Breeds for Sailing the Seas

Thinking about taking your dog on a cruise? It’s a tough call. Almost no cruise lines allow dogs, except for a few cases like Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and some overnight ferries in Europe. And even then, there aren’t specific breeds that get the green light—it’s more about whether your dog is a trained service or psychiatric support animal.

So, if cruising is how you love to travel, the best bet is to have a dog that’s okay being away from you for a bit, one that doesn’t struggle with separation anxiety and can chill with a pet sitter.

A good move might be to check out Trusted House Sitters, where you can find someone to look after your furry friend while you’re out exploring the seas.

Rescue Dogs

If travel is a priority for you, and you want to rescue a dog, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
-Consider adopting a full grown dog that way you will know what size they will be
-Dogs in shelters may not show their full personality when you meet them, but prioritize selecting a dog that has a strong potential of getting along well with people and animals
-Select a dog that has limited signs of separation anxiety
Training and bonding is essential for a successful travel relationship, but it helps to start with a good foundation.

The biggest priority is to be honest with the employees at the rescue center about your travel lifestyle. They tend to know the dogs pretty well, so they might be able to provide some guidance if a specific pet will fit your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Best Dog Breeds for Travel

Finding the perfect travel companion in a dog comes down to more than just breed. The key is building a strong bond, investing in training, and practicing desensitization to ensure your dog can stay calm in various situations. While selecting a breed known for these traits can give you a head start, the most important factor is your commitment to making your dog a great travel buddy. Choose a dog that not only fits your travel lifestyle but also enriches your life in every way.