If You Love to Travel, These Dog Breeds Make the Perfect Sidekick
If you’re the traveling type, finding a furry friend to join you on your journeys may be a top priority when deciding on a breed. While you may be inclined to simply pick the smallest pooch, there are several factors—both obvious and not—worth noting before you make a decision. Gina DiNardo, vice president of the American Kennel Club, lends her expertise on which dog breeds make the best companions for trekking the world.
Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or hitting the road for a quick weekend getaway, see below for the pups who will never leave your side.
Like the name implies, the Portuguese Water Dog will make an amazing companion if you enjoy taking trips to lakes, rivers, and all other bodies of water. Classified as a breed of working dog, the PWG is smart, eager to please, and sheds only minimally.
Extremely smart, tiny in size, and almost entirely shed-free, the toy poodle will take up minimal space and make almost no mess, and can keep quiet during long car rides.
For those of us who like to stay active on our travels, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a loyal, athletic, foolproof pick. Their short hair is easy to maintain and their playful disposition makes them great around people and dogs. They're extremely obedient and need frequent exercise.
Dalmatians—classified as “coach dogs”—were bred to accompany horse-drawn carriages (and now, firefighters) making them an ideal breed to take on a long journey. They make great watch dogs and are extremely athletic, perfect for runners, hikers, and bikers.
Compact, energetic, and extremely playful, Jack Russel Terriers are perfect for those looking for a breed that will keep up through all your travels. Opt for the short-haired Jack Russel to insure minimal shedding.
A little dog is a huge plus when it comes to conveniently hopping on a flight. The compact Pomeranian is fantastic for airplanes, thanks to its travel-size stature, says DiNardo. Your Pom can fit comfortably next to your feet on the plane.
Labs are the quintessential family dog: They're outgoing, eager to please and play well with others. These attention-loving pups wouldn't do well sitting in the cargo hold of an airplane, but they are perfect for car rides—and you can count on them being friendly with other travelers at rest stops.
Security, check-in, and boarding may stress you out, but the whole process will be a breeze for this breed. Laid-back Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, friendly, and easily trained, and won't be easily overwhelmed by the chaos of travel, according to DiNardo.
The Maltese is a charming, classic lapdog that is ideal for air travel. These pooches are small and very gentle, so you won't have to worry about them getting sassy with the person sitting next to you (even if you want to).
The Great Dane may be an unexpected travel companion, due to its giant build. However, this dog's gentle and loving temperament is perfect for long car rides (in a car they can fit in comfortably, of course).
Have a long flight ahead of you? The Chihuahua is the perfect breed to take. Their little bodies don't require much exercise, making them an ideal pet if you travel overseas often, says DiNardo.
Yorkshire terriers are also fantastic for long-haul air travel. Like Chihuahuas, they are tiny and don't require much exercise.
These fluffy pooches are known for their gentle disposition. Bichon frises are cheerful and easy-going, so they're optimistic pals for any kind of travel.
Another great family dog, the golden retriever is a wonderful breed for family road trips. Playful and energetic, they need plenty of exercise—but as long as they're with you, they won't mind a longer trip.
Boston terriers are known for being very adaptable, which every traveler knows is a necessary trait for galavanting the world. This breed will do well in new environments, says DiNardo.
A lesser-known breed, the Clumber spaniel is a cuddly travel companion for car rides. This dog's long fur and mellow temperament makes it a perfect cuddle buddy for kids (or you) during long road trips.
The Brussels griffon is cheerful and energetic, making it another lovely flying companion. They're unlikely to be easily irritated by the hustle and bustle of traveling.
The French bulldog's face may look like it's sporting a bit of a frown, but the breed is actually quite friendly and playful. These dogs are known for being simple to train, meaning you can easily prepare them for travel.
The Shih Tzu is another great breed for airplane travel, says DiNardo. They're small yet outgoing—and their soft coat makes them perfect for snuggling.
Much like the Shih Tzu, the Havanese is mild-mannered and fluffy. If you're scared of flying, cuddling these little pooches can help you along the way. (Let's be honest: petting a fluffy mane makes turbulence slightly less stressful.)
If You Love to Travel, These Dog Breeds Make the Perfect Sidekick
If you’re the traveling type, finding a furry friend to join you on your journeys may be a top priority when deciding on a breed. While you may be inclined to simply pick the smallest pooch, there are several factors—both obvious and not—worth noting before you make a decision. Gina DiNardo, vice president of the American Kennel Club, lends her expertise on which dog breeds make the best companions for trekking the world.
Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or hitting the road for a quick weekend getaway, see below for the pups who will never leave your side.
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