These 3 Dog Breeds Are the Best Traveling Companions

•

Published Jul 15, 2021

After a year of lockdown filled with binge-watching TV shows, working from home and air fryer-cooked meals, you’re finally ready to travel and see new places. You know who else has just about had it with the mundane routine? Your sweet pup who’s been with you through all of quarantine. The daily stroll around the block and occasional jaunt to the dog park are great, but just like you, they want to explore. But before you pack up your dog and hit the road, there are several things to consider.

While we love all of our furry friends, some of them may not be suitable for travel. If you’re thinking about flying, for example, large dog breeds such as Alaskan Malamutes and Dobermans may not be able to tag along. “Many airlines have a 20-pound limit so if you have a dog that is bigger, you will need to purchase a seat,” explains Katja Lang, DVM, Medical Director at Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group. “It’s helpful to have a dog who is comfortable being transported in a carrying case, as some airlines will require your pet to stay in the carrier during the flight.”

And of course, some doggos are a bit more sensitive than others, so before you haul them on a plane, make sure they’re in the right emotional state. “Consider using an anti-anxiety supplement or medication for your pet if you think the experience will be stressful,” advises Dr. Lang. (CBD for dogs, perhaps?)

But, for wanderlusts who are looking to adopt a new exploring companion, here are the three dog breeds that are the easiest to travel with.

1. The 3 Dog Breeds That Are Easy To Travel With

Maltese

On average, these ultra-adorable pups come in at around seven pounds, so they make easy flight companions. Not only can they seamlessly fit in a carrier under a plane seat, they tend to be friendly and docile. While these lap dogs might nudge you for a gentle pat here and there, they’re not likely to disturb the other passengers. And even though they're on the small side, these teeny dogs are agile athletes, so expect them to keep up as you run along the beach or trot along happily beside you on a moderate hiking trail.

suefeldberg/Getty Images

2. Portuguese Water Dog

If your ideal destination is a beach town or woodsy getaway with lakes and rivers nearby, Portuguese Water Dogs are the easiest travel companions because—you guessed it—they love the water. But while they’re suckers for a good splash in the ocean and a nice romp in the sand, you don’t have to worry about messing up the shiny white marble at your AirBnB. Portuguese Water Dogs are known to be obedient, so you can easily instruct them to stay outside while they get cleaned up. (Note: With an average weight of 55 pounds, these pups are more suitable for car rides than airplanes.)

easy dog breeds for travel labrador retriever

Justin Paget/Getty Images

3. Labrador Retriever

Just because these lovable pups grow into large adult dogs doesn’t mean they want to stay home. Averaging anywhere between 60 to 70 pounds, Labs are tailor-made for long road trips and outdoor adventures. They’ll happily join you on a hike, explore campgrounds and if you’re itching for a beach trip, these stellar athletes are also adept swimmers.

Stephanie Sengwe

Resident Hufflepuff, Beyonce historian, self-proclaimed tea sommelier

Steph is a native of Zimbabwe who is both enamored and genuinely baffled by the concept of silent letters. From 2020 to 2022, she served as Associate Editor at PureWow covering SEO content. That includes anything from finding the best lightweight foundations and compiling an expansive list of the best dog costumes to giving you a thorough breakdown on how to clean your sponge.

read full bio