Best dog breeds for travel based on seven key factors
If you’re planning on travelling with a dog, you might be interested in which are the best dog breeds for travel. Taking a trip with your dog can be lots of fun, and a great way to bond with your pup and create new experiences together.
However, some breeds are better suited to travel than others. While any dog can enjoy traveling, regardless of breed, there are some breeds that, in general, prefer travel and cope with it better than others – though we can help our pups by bringing along one of the best dog travel crates, and some of the best long lasting dog chews and the best dog toys!
Puppies.co.uk, an online dog marketplace in the UK, carried out a study to determine the best dogs for travel, and it makes for some insightful reading. Experts evaluated a number of dog breeds based on seven key factors: weight, temperament, socialization, trainability, energy levels, adaptability, and quietness, and rated on a scale of one to 10 in each one. So, which dogs are the best for travel? If you’re wondering how to travel with a dog, and want to know which breeds are best, take a look!
Best dog breeds for travel
1. Havanese
According to the research, Havanese dogs are best for travel. They’re small, light dogs – rarely weighing over 10–11lbs – which makes traveling with them easier, and they tend to have quite a cheerful, affectionate nature.
Meanwhile, they find it easy to adapt to new environments and often get on well with other people and dogs in public. In fact, they’re one of the dog breeds that are perfect for families, so they could be well-suited to a family vacation!
2. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is another small, compact dog that’s good for travel. They’re adaptable, and tend to have a good temperament that lends them well to the new environments and people they might encounter on a trip.
However, their energy levels are quite high, so they might not be the best breed to travel with if you prefer quiet, less intense vacations that don’t involve much activity. Here’s how to go on a road trip with a dog, which might come in useful if you’re planning on stopping off in different places to stretch your legs and get some exercise!
3. Toy poodle
Toy Poodles are, again, small and light, and are happy dogs that aren’t usually too difficult to train – they’re eager to please us! They’re very sociable, adaptable dogs, too, so they’re likely to take traveling in their stride.
Like Yorkshire Terriers, they do have a lot of energy, so they might enjoy a more active vacation. But they’re not only great travel companions – here are 32 other reasons to love poodles.
4. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound might not have a temperament that’s quite as suited to travel as the dogs above, but they’re easy to train and socialize, and they tend to be really adaptable dogs, too. While they’re small, they do need some exercise, but their energy levels aren’t among the highest, so they could be happy with both more active and more relaxed vacations.
They’re quite light, and so relatively easy to transport, but they are a little taller than some other small dog breeds!
5. Affenpinscher
These cute, small dogs have a lot in common with the other best dog breeds for travel, with great socialization and adaptability. They enjoy being travel companions, and they’re trainable, which should certainly make your life easier when you’re out and about with them!
They like playing and having fun – in fact, they’re one of our breeds that love to play – but they aren’t among the breeds with the highest energy levels, so you won’t need to tire yourself too much if you’re hoping for a relaxing vacation!
6. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus often have just the right personality and temperament for travel. They can easily adapt to new situations and new places, and are of course quite light and portable too!
Shih Tzus tend to get on well with people and other dogs, ideal if you’re traveling with friends or relatives, but love spending quality time with their parent too – whether you’re hoping for an active vacation or one that’s more relaxed.
7. Chinese Crested
Another small breed, the Chinese Crested isn’t among the most well-known dogs, but it turns out that they’re one of the best to travel with! They’re very trainable and adaptable, which can make your life so much easier when you’re on the move or on vacation, and they’re easy to socialize.
They don’t have loads of energy, so a short walk and some fun play should be just right. And, with many of them being hairless, they often cope well in warmer temperatures – just don’t forget sunscreen!
What our vet thinks
And remember, while some breeds make better travel companions, or enjoy traveling, more than others, it really does vary from dog to dog. “While it is true that different breeds have certain personality traits,” says Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, “These are no guarantee as to whether your pet will be a good traveler. Dogs that suffer from travel sickness are more likely to feel stressed and anxious on a journey. Also, if your dog has had a negative experience previously, this could mean they are less happy to travel again in the future.”
She explains that the dogs who enjoy traveling the most are usually those who are introduced to travel gradually and positively. You might begin by letting your dog sit in the car with the doors open, with plenty of praise and rewards, before progressing to short journeys to places they like, to build positive associations. Once they’re comfortable with this, you may decide to give a vacation a try!
And, you can help your dog feel calm when traveling – whether they’re a seasoned traveler or less used to it, by letting them bring a favorite toy or piece of bedding along. Make sure you stop on long journeys for toilet breaks, and use anti-nausea medication if necessary. You might want to speak to your vet if your dog vomits while traveling, or otherwise finds travel difficult.
Can dogs travel on trains? Perhaps if your pup isn’t a fan of the car, our guide might help you.
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