15 Best Dog Breeds for Travel in 2024 (With Pictures)
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For some people, the idea of owning a dog while being an avid traveler can seem overwhelming. However, for others, traveling with a dog is an exciting experience. There are certain dog breeds out there that are considered to be awesome traveling companions. These dogs like traveling and are happy to go to many places with their owners, including hotel rooms, cars, trains, campsites, and even planes. Check out this list of the best dog breeds for traveling.
The 15 Best Dog Breeds for Travel
1. Chihuahua
| Average Size: | 6–10 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Difficult |
| Temperament: | Playful, affectionate, loyal |
Chihuahuas are small enough to fit in a kennel under an airplane seat, they are adventurous enough to spend time on hiking trails, and they are social enough to get along with everyone they meet during their travels. This breed can be a barker, though, so it’s important to keep your Chihuahua close by when you’re traveling with them.
2. Maltese
| Average Size: | 5–10 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Calm, sociable, adventurous |
These little dogs are tolerant of loud noises and crowded places. They tend to stay calm during long trips in the car, and they don’t need much, which makes them easy to care for while on the road. Maltese dogs also happen to get plenty of attention due to their cute looks and great personalities, so yours can help you make new travel buddies!
3. Toy Poodle
| Average Size: | 6–10 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Moderate to difficult |
| Temperament: | Adventurous, lively, social |
Toy Poodles are fun to be around, and they never seem to pass up the opportunity to seek out an adventure. These dogs love camping, they do great when expected to sit in a car for long periods, and their loyalty keeps them near their owner’s side when exploring new and unknown places.
4. Jack Russell Terrier
| Average Size: | 13–18 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Energetic, sociable, loyal |
This is a dog breed that can really keep up when it comes to outdoor travel and adventure. Jack Russell Terriers are like kids: They think that every new thing that they experience is interesting and exciting. Choose this short-haired pup to minimize grooming requirements whether you’re at home or out traveling the world.
5. Great Dane
| Average Size: | 100–175 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Friendly, sociable, eager to please |
Great Danes might be too big to travel with their owners on an airplane, but they sure won’t pass up an opportunity to go camping, on a long road trip, or on an RV adventure. Great Danes are great with kids and other animals, and they thrive in social settings. Furthermore, this breed will help protect you if you find yourself in a precarious situation while away from home.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
| Average Size: | 35-60 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Moderate to difficult |
| Temperament: | Outgoing, playful, intelligent |
Portuguese Water Dogs have thick coats, so they do well in water situations. They are the perfect pooch to take along on a yachting adventure! These are adventurous dogs that are willing and able to travel with one companion or an entire family, as long as they get to explore new things.
7. Dalmatian
| Average Size: | 30-70 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Playful, energetic, sensitive |
Dalmatians are athletic dogs that were bred to travel by foot. Therefore, they tend to love nothing more than exciting travels outside the home. This breed is durable and can handle most climate situations, so they can travel just about anywhere in the world by plane, boat, train, or automobile.
8. Clumber Spaniel
| Average Size: | 55–85 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Hardworking, enthusiastic |
The Clumber Spaniel is sturdy, strong, and ready for any adventure. They are moderately easy to care for if they get enough exercise each day, and they can adapt well to new experiences and social situations. This is not a breed that likes to stay home while their family is away and having fun.
9. Golden Retriever
| Average Size: | 65–80 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, affectionate, loyal |
Golden Retrievers are fun, adventurous, and extremely intelligent. They do well with obedience training, so owners can ensure that their pooches will stick by their side no matter how far they travel. These dogs are tolerant in most social and climate situations, and they won’t hesitate to put in the work when it comes to hunting trips.
10. Brittany Spaniel
| Average Size: | 30–40 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Energetic, fun-loving, loyal |
This dog breed has a gentle disposition but plenty of energy, making them a great travel companion. They can go just about anywhere and adapt to just about any situation, all while behaving as their owner commands and expects them to. Whether you’re headed on a staycation in town or vacation in a different country, the Brittany Spaniel is the perfect companion.
11. American Hairless Terrier
| Average Size: | 5–21 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Energetic, playful, clever |
This interesting dog breed is extremely adaptable, making them a great choice as a traveling buddy. Their intelligence helps keep them out of trouble while exploring new places, and they don’t mind spending time alone, so they can hang out in an RV or hotel room for a few hours while you explore human-only places.
12. Border Terrier
| Average Size: | 11–16 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, loving, fearless |
This is a British dog breed that loves getting outside to explore. They are calm and submissive in social situations, so they can travel on public transportation (including planes) with ease. They don’t like being left alone much, though, so travel should include plenty of time together and minimal time apart.
13. Australian Terrier
| Average Size: | 12–16 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Sociable, friendly, independent |
These little dogs love to travel and are considered an excellent breed to fly with due to their compact size, laidback attitude, and obedient nature. They are curious by nature yet are cautious when meeting new people and experiencing new places, so they don’t typically cause trouble in social situations.
14. Bichon Frise
| Average Size: | 12–18 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Moderate to difficult |
| Temperament: | Gentle, sociable, obedient |
Their unmistakable white coat makes the Bichon Frise a popular pet among households of all shapes and sizes. Some people have discovered just how joyful it is to travel with this breed, especially when their destination is somewhere outdoors. These easy-going dogs take things a minute at a time and are always up for an adventure.
15. Dachshund
| Average Size: | 15–30 pounds |
| Grooming Difficulty: | Easy to moderate |
| Temperament: | Playful, smart, sociable |
Dachshunds are small enough to travel under a seat when necessary, and their big personalities make them suitable for almost any type of adventure. These dogs are sociable, smart, and easy-going, so they can navigate both busy New York streets and backwoods camping spots with confidence.
Conclusion
With so many travel-friendly dogs to choose from, you shouldn’t have a problem finding the perfect travel companion for your lifestyle. It’s a good idea to spend time with different breeds to get to know their personalities and how well they will mesh with your lifestyle. You can visit local shelters and breeder facilities to meet with a few of these breeds in person.
Featured Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock
