Dog Breeds that Travel Well

For the vacation-enthusiasts who love to travel, having a dog can have an enormous influence on where, when and how often you can travel. For example, a dog that is very large (i.e. Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane, St. Bernard) will not be able to be comfortably transported on an airplane or fit comfortably in a vehicle for a road trip. Small dogs (i.e. Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu, Maltese, Tibetan Terrier) are generally easier to travel with for various reasons. Not only are smaller animals less costly to transport on flights, but they require smaller carriers, less food and generally less space. It is important to check with the hotel that you are staying at if they accept dogs. Many do, but there may be size restrictions.

Dogs that do not adjust well to new environments cannot accompany their owners on a vacation, so they often have to stay in a kennel or at a friend’s place. This obviously limits the duration and frequency of your travel habits. Therefore, many people who love to travel try to incorporate their pet into their vacation as well. Certain breed characteristics make for better travel companions, such as ability to adjust to new surroundings and sociability.

Traveling from place to place introduces many new environments to a dog. For some, this can be overwhelming and extremely stressful. It is a good idea to choose a breed that is emotionally stable. Stable animals react calmly to potentially exciting situations and new environments. Examples of these breeds include:

1. Basset Hound
2. Bloodhound
3. Border Terrier
4. Clumber Spaniel
5. English Bulldog
6. English Setter
7. Flat-coated Retriever
8. Great Dan
9. Great Pyrenees
10. Mastiff
11. Newfoundland

When traveling, a dog often encounters a lot of people. At times, places can get very crowded and you would need a dog that is sociable and can tolerate large groups of people. A poorly socialized dog will be fearful or aggressive towards strange people and would likely be very upset and stressed while traveling. Breeds that are considered very sociable include:

1. American Fox Terrier
2. Beagle
3. Bichon Frise
4. Border Terrier
5. Clumber Spaniel
6. English Cocker Spaniel
7. English Fox Terrier
8. Golden Retriever
9. Irish Setter
10. Japanese Spaniel
11. Newfoundland

As a traveling dog owner, it is important to have an obedient pet while your mind is busy with all the other things that have to do with traveling. Certain breeds have a tendency to be more obedient than others. Learning rate, intelligence, and dominance also play a role in determining overall obedience. Breeds that are considered very obedient are:

1. Collie
2. Doberman Pinscher
3. Standard/Miniature Poodle
4. Bichon Frise
5. Shetland Sheepdog
6. Chihuahua
7. Papillon
8. Japanese Spaniel

Reference:
Tortora, D.F. The Right Dog for You. Simon & Schuster Inc., New York, NY, USA. 1980.

By Amy Cheung- Pets.ca writer