Some dogs were born for adventure, others would rather stay curled up at home.
Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway, your dog’s comfort level can make all the difference.
Breeds that travel well tend to be calm, adaptable, and easygoing, happy to snooze in the car or explore new sights by your side.
Others, however, find unfamiliar settings stressful and long journeys exhausting.
Knowing which kind of traveller your dog is helps ensure every trip feels like a joyride, not a struggle.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources.
Always consult a qualified veterinarian or certified trainer before taking your pet on long journeys.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
Dog Breeds That Love Travelling
Some dogs thrive on movement and new experiences.
They’re calm in unfamiliar settings, handle noise and crowds with grace, and enjoy every moment of being included.
These breeds usually have balanced temperaments, steady energy levels, and a natural curiosity that makes them wonderful companions for life on the go.
Whether by car, plane, or boat, they’re happiest when adventure is part of the plan.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labs are born adventurers who absolutely love car rides and new experiences.
Their easygoing personality makes them adapt quickly to hotels, campsites, and different environments without much fuss.
These dogs have energy to spare, which means they enjoy exploring new trails and beaches wherever you go.
They rarely get anxious during travel and usually sleep peacefully in vehicles.
Their friendly demeanour also makes them welcome guests at dog-friendly accommodations.
Labs typically handle schedule changes well, making them ideal for spontaneous trips and extended vacations alike.
2. Golden Retriever
With a heart full of joy, Golden Retrievers see every trip as an exciting opportunity.
Their calm temperament helps them stay relaxed during long drives or flights, rarely causing disruptions.
These dogs bond deeply with their families and prefer staying close rather than being left behind.
They adjust smoothly to temporary living spaces and maintain good behaviour in unfamiliar settings.
Goldens also tend to be polite around strangers and other pets, which matters when staying at campgrounds or pet-friendly hotels.
Their patient nature makes even lengthy journeys feel manageable for everyone involved.
3. Australian Shepherd
Aussies crave activity and mental stimulation, making them perfect partners for active travellers.
They love hiking new trails, exploring different parks, and joining outdoor adventures wherever you roam.
Their intelligence means they quickly learn travel routines and adapt to changing environments.
These dogs rarely get bored as long as they receive adequate exercise and engagement during stops.
Australian Shepherds also form strong bonds with their owners and feel most content when included in family activities.
Their athletic build and stamina make them suitable for various travel styles, from camping to road tripping across provinces.
4. Poodle
Poodles come in three sizes, and all of them travel remarkably well thanks to their smart, adaptable nature.
These dogs learn travel etiquette quickly and often remain quiet during transportation.
Their minimal shedding makes them ideal for hotel stays and rental accommodations where cleanliness matters.
Poodles also handle temperature changes better than many breeds, adjusting to different climates with ease.
Standard, miniature, and toy varieties each bring their own advantages depending on your travel style.
Their trainability ensures they follow commands even in distracting new environments, keeping stress levels low for everyone on the journey.
5. Border Collie
Border Collies possess boundless energy and an eagerness to explore that makes travel exciting.
They thrive when given jobs to do, even if that means carrying a small backpack on hikes or learning new tricks at rest stops.
These highly intelligent dogs adapt quickly to new routines and environments.
They remain focused on their owners, which helps prevent wandering or anxiety in unfamiliar places.
Their athletic ability suits active travel plans, from mountain hikes to beach runs.
Border Collies do best with owners who plan activity-filled trips rather than leisurely, sedentary vacations.
6. Vizsla
Often called Velcro dogs, Vizslas form incredibly close bonds with their families and prefer travelling together over being left behind.
Their affectionate nature means they stay calm as long as their favourite humans are nearby.
These athletic dogs love outdoor adventures and adapt well to various climates and terrains.
They remain enthusiastic explorers whether visiting beaches, forests, or mountains.
Vizslas also have moderate grooming needs, making them low-maintenance travel companions.
Their friendly disposition toward people and other animals helps create positive experiences at campgrounds and pet-friendly destinations across Canada.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Small but mighty, Jack Russells pack tremendous personality into a compact, travel-friendly size.
Their portable build makes them easy to transport in cars, planes, or trains without taking up much space.
These terriers possess adventurous spirits and curiosity that match larger breeds.
They enjoy exploring new places and rarely show fear in unfamiliar environments.
Jack Russells also adjust quickly to different accommodations and schedules.
Their energy levels mean they appreciate frequent stops for exercise, which can actually benefit human travellers too by encouraging regular breaks and movement during long journeys.
8. Dachshund
Dachshunds may seem like homebodies, but many actually enjoy travelling when properly prepared.
Their small size makes them easy to accommodate in various vehicles and lodging options.
These dogs form strong attachments to their owners and often feel more comfortable on trips than being left with sitters.
They adapt well to carriers and car seats designed for smaller breeds.
Dachshunds typically remain calm during travel as long as they feel secure and have familiar items like blankets or toys.
Their moderate exercise needs make them suitable for travellers who prefer leisurely exploration over intense physical activities.
9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavaliers were bred as companion dogs, and they excel at staying close to their owners wherever life takes them.
Their tender-hearted demeanour helps them remain relaxed in cars, hotels, and new environments.
These dogs rarely bark excessively or cause disturbances, making them welcome at most pet-friendly accommodations.
They adapt smoothly to schedule changes and different sleeping arrangements without stress.
Cavaliers also get along well with strangers and other animals, which matters when travelling through busy areas.
Their moderate size and calm nature create a peaceful travel experience for everyone involved.
Dog Breeds That Struggle With Travel
Other dogs prefer the familiar comfort of home.
Long trips, changing environments, and unpredictable sounds can leave them uneasy or overstimulated.
For these breeds, the best journey might be no journey at all.
They thrive in consistent routines and quiet surroundings where they feel safe and secure.
Understanding their limits helps prevent stress and keeps their wellbeing front and centre.
1. English Bulldog
Bulldogs struggle significantly with travel due to their breathing difficulties caused by flat faces.
Long car rides or flights can become dangerous as they easily overheat and experience respiratory distress.
Their stocky build and low energy levels make them prefer lounging at home over exploring new places.
Temperature regulation issues mean they need constant monitoring in vehicles, even with air conditioning.
Airlines often restrict brachycephalic breeds due to safety concerns during flights.
Bulldogs also tire quickly during walks in unfamiliar locations, limiting sightseeing opportunities and making travel more stressful than enjoyable for both dog and owner.
2. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are notorious homebodies who find travel exhausting and stressful.
Their long bodies and short legs make jumping in and out of vehicles difficult, requiring constant assistance.
These dogs tire easily and prefer familiar routines over adventure.
Their stubborn streak can make them resistant to travel-related activities like walking in new areas or adjusting to different schedules.
Bassets also drool considerably, which can create messy situations during long trips.
Their laid-back nature, while charming at home, translates to reluctance and anxiety when faced with the disruptions that travel inevitably brings to their comfortable routines.
3. Chow Chow
Chow Chows possess independent, aloof personalities that make them uncomfortable with travel disruptions.
They strongly prefer familiar territories and routines, becoming stressed when forced into new environments.
Their thick double coats cause overheating problems during warm-weather travel, requiring frequent cooling breaks.
These dogs also tend to be territorial and may react poorly to hotel rooms or rental properties.
Chow Chows typically show limited enthusiasm for exploring new places and may resist walking in unfamiliar areas.
Their reserved nature around strangers can create challenges at campgrounds or pet-friendly establishments where social interaction is unavoidable.
4. Pekingese
Pekingese dogs face serious breathing challenges during travel due to their flat facial structure.
Even short car rides can cause respiratory distress, especially in warm weather or stressful situations.
These dogs were bred as palace companions and maintain royal expectations for comfort and routine.
They dislike disruptions to their schedules and often become anxious when removed from familiar surroundings.
Their long coats require regular grooming, which becomes complicated during travel.
Pekingese also tire quickly and show little interest in exploring new locations, preferring instead to rest in comfortable, familiar spaces at home.
5. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus often experience motion sickness during car rides, making travel unpleasant for everyone involved.
Their flat faces can also contribute to breathing difficulties in stressful travel situations.
These dogs require significant grooming maintenance that becomes challenging away from home.
Their coats mat easily, and finding grooming services while travelling adds complications.
Shih Tzus typically form strong attachments to their home environment and resist changes to their routines.
They may refuse to eat properly, have bathroom accidents, or display anxiety behaviours when staying in unfamiliar places, making trips more stressful than relaxing.
6. Greyhound
Despite their racing background, Greyhounds often dislike travel and prefer predictable home routines.
Their sensitive personalities make them prone to anxiety when faced with new environments and unpredictable situations.
These dogs have thin skin and minimal body fat, making them uncomfortable in various temperatures during travel.
They require special bedding and climate control that can be difficult to maintain on the road.
Greyhounds also startle easily at unfamiliar sounds and sights, which are unavoidable during trips.
Their lean bodies fit awkwardly in standard vehicles, and they may struggle to find comfortable positions during extended journeys.
