9 Best Dogs for Road Trips

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Grigorina S
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Grigorina S

Writer

I’ve grown up surrounded by animals – dogs, cats, cows, goats, sheep, and horses and that has shaped me into what I am today – a crazy cat lady who always has a place for one more cat (or a dog). I’ve got two female cats – Kitty and Roni, and two tomcats – Blacky and Shaggy, but I also feed my neighbors’ cats when they come for a visit. I just can’t say no to them.

Fact checked by Nicole Etolen

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Are you looking for the best dogs for road trips? Check out the 9 best travel companion dogs that will never complain when you hit the road.

DogVills is your trusted resource for all things related to responsible dog ownership. With a clear mission to enrich the lives of both dogs and their owners, we combine passion and expertise to provide valuable insights, tips, and advice for a happier, healthier bond with your furry friend.

Table of Contents

Are you looking for the best dogs for road trips?

Traveling with your dog can turn into a nightmare if your pooch hates vans, RVs, or being away from home.

So, let’s see 9 best travel companion dogs that will never complain when you hit the road.

9 Best Dogs for Road Trips

Do dogs like to travel? It depends. For some, road trips, camping, or car rides are the most exciting thing.

For others, getting them into the vehicle to go to the vet is a mission impossible.

As a whole, dogs who like to travel are curious, adventurous, and adaptable.

These breeds love to explore new surroundings and aren’t shy or afraid of new experiences.

So, let’s see 9 adorable pooches that you can take with you on a road trip.

#1 Boston Terrier

Boston Terrier

Once upon a time, Boston Terriers used to be pit-fighters, but this cute dog has lost their ferocity long ago.

Instead, Boston Terriers have become one of the best companion dogs thanks to their cheerfulness, affectionate nature, and lively disposition.

Due to their size and gentle temperament, Boston Terriers make excellent indoor dogs and one of the best dog travel companions.

They are curious to explore the world, and their goofiness will amuse you during the trip.

However, these black and white dogs don’t tolerate cold or hot weather very well due to the structure of their faces.

#2 Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are one of the best dogs to take on a road trip.

It won’t be a big surprise if I tell you that Golden Retrievers are one of the best dogs to take everywhere or that they make good van dogs.

They’re mellow, playful, and affectionate.

Moreover, Golden Retrievers bond tightly with their owners and will follow you to the end of the world. You just need to say the word.

In addition to this, Golden Retrievers are active and energetic dogs. They need plenty of exercise to prevent them from destroying your house.

As such, hiking or a road trip are excellent ways to keep this beautiful dog busy.

Golden Retrievers also make good van and RV dogs because they’re easy to train and won’t disturb your fellow campers.

#3 Poodle

Poodle

Poodles are one of the most intelligent dogs in the world, and they come in sizes to suit everybody’s taste.

As a whole, Poodles are affectionate, friendly, and dignified.

Besides being excellent family companions, Poodles make great travel dogs and one of the best dogs for road trips.

They’re playful without being naughty, love to meet new people/animals, and have good manners.

Moreover, Poodles are easy to train and eager to please, which is a good thing because they’re also mischievous and curious.

Another excellent thing about Toy Poodles is that they’re one of the dogs that can travel in the cabin with you. So, you can keep them close during the flight.

#4 Dalmatian

Dalmatian

If you’re looking for the best dog breeds for RV travel, you should consider a Dalmatians. These majestic spotted dogs are very intelligent, adventurous, and bold.

Dalmatians used to run behind carriages to scare highwaymen before they become famous thanks to Disney’s 101 Dalmatians.

So, they can be a good watchdog for your RV since they don’t warm up quickly to strangers.

They also have a goofy side that makes things interesting when you’re on the road.

Moreover, Dalmatians are one of the cleanest dog breeds because their coat repels dirt, and they don’t shed a lot. So, they won’t make much mess in your RV or car.

However, these dogs have quite the energy supply. Don’t expect them to stay still for hours while you’re driving.

As such, they’re more suitable for people with an active RVing lifestyle.

#5 Chihuahua

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas might be tiny, but they have the personality and attitude of a large dog.

They’re highly adaptable, curious, full of energy, and fit in a backpack.

What more do you want when you’re looking for the best dog breed to take everywhere?

Another excellent reason why Chihuahuas make great travel buddies is that they don’t require a lot of grooming and exercise.

All Chihuahuas need is to be close to you and keep you company.

As such, you won’t have to worry about your dog getting bored and acting out while you’re driving.

However, they also have a naughty side that makes any trip with them interesting.

#6 Great Dane

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You’d be hard to find a more impressive and imposing dog than the Great Dane.

When you look at this massive pooch, you start to wonder if they really are a suitable dog breed for RVing or road trips.

Despite their size, Great Danes are one of the gentlest and mellowest dogs.

They don’t make a fuss when they have to spend a couple of hours in the car.

So, they will wait patiently for you to reach your destination and nap on the coziest place in the RV or van.

#7 Maltese

Have you got fear of planes or get anxious when you’re stuck in a car for long hours?

Then nothing can calm your nerves better than snuggling with your travel companion dog. For such situations, you can’t go wrong with a Maltese.

Nearly all Maltese dogs are affectionate, sensitive, playful, and get on well with everybody.

These fluffy white dogs do an excellent job as therapy dogs and petting their glamour coat is bound to relax even the most anxious people.

#8 Bichon Frise

Another popular tiny dog that makes for a great traveling buddy is Bichon Frise.

While some breeds are created to be hunters or herders, the Bichon Frise is a cute companion dog.

These cuties are the happiest when they’re around their owners and will gladly follow you on a road trip.

As a whole, Bichon Frise has moderate exercise needs and won’t drive you crazy with attention demands while on the road.

They’re content to sleep next to you until you’re ready to have fun.

The only downside of traveling with Bichon Frise would be to take care of that magnificent fluff.

#9 Labrador Retriever

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Last but not least, Labrador Retrievers make one of the best dog breeds for RV travel.

They’re calm, sensitive, and goofy. They love children and won’t mind cuddling with your kids to keep them company on the long road.

Moreover, Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and energetic and love to spend time with their owners.

They also learn tricks very quickly and can cheer up everybody on a gloomy day.

Going on a road trip with your dog for the first time is an incredible experience.

However, make sure that you’re well-prepared and that your dog is in good health.

Never leave your dog in an RV and ensure that your pet is protected from the elements.

What do you think about these 9 best dogs for road trips? Have you ever traveled with your dog? Share your experience with us in the comments.

Author

  • I’ve grown up surrounded by animals – dogs, cats, cows, goats, sheep, and horses and that has shaped me into what I am today – a crazy cat lady who always has a place for one more cat (or a dog). I’ve got two female cats – Kitty and Roni, and two tomcats – Blacky and Shaggy, but I also feed my neighbors’ cats when they come for a visit. I just can’t say no to them.

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Author

Picture of Grigorina S

Grigorina S

Writer

I’ve grown up surrounded by animals – dogs, cats, cows, goats, sheep, and horses and that has shaped me into what I am today – a crazy cat lady who always has a place for one more cat (or a dog). I’ve got two female cats – Kitty and Roni, and two tomcats – Blacky and Shaggy, but I also feed my neighbors’ cats when they come for a visit. I just can’t say no to them.
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