13 Top Dog Breeds for Travel Lovers

Shutterstock

If your happy place involves highways, hiking trails, or new cities to explore, you’ll want a dog who’s just as ready to roam. While most dogs enjoy a stroll, some breeds are built for life on the move—adaptable, friendly, and thrilled to join every adventure. These pups travel light (unless you pack too many treats), love meeting new faces, and rarely complain about the scenery. Whether it’s road trips, weekend getaways, or coast-to-coast travel, these breeds are the perfect co-pilots—no extra plane ticket required.

Labrador Retriever

Shutterstock

Labrador Retrievers are the ultimate go-with-the-flow travel buddies. They’re sociable, adaptable, and enthusiastic about just about anything—especially if it involves car rides or snacks. Labs are known for their calm nature, which makes them ideal for everything from long road trips to hanging out at dog-friendly cafes in unfamiliar cities. They also do well in water, on trails, or wherever adventure calls. Just be prepared for a little extra packing space—they tend to bring their toys and their entire personality.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Shutterstock

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was practically built for life on the go, in style. Small, affectionate, and incredibly adaptable, these pups are happy anywhere as long as they’re near their person. They travel well in carriers, adjust easily to new environments, and are content to chill in a hotel room or explore cobblestone streets with equal charm. Their polite temperament also makes them well-suited for crowded spaces like airports or public transit. Bonus: they photograph beautifully in travel selfies.

Australian Shepherd

Shutterstock

If your version of travel involves mountains, trails, and nonstop movement, the Australian Shepherd is your energetic companion. These herding dogs are brilliant, athletic, and always up for a challenge—whether it’s navigating switchbacks or outsmarting the hotel mini fridge. Aussies need both physical and mental stimulation, making them ideal for active adventurers. They may try to herd tourists, but hey, someone’s gotta keep the tour group in line.

Chihuahua

Shutterstock

Don’t underestimate the travel-readiness of the tiny but mighty Chihuahua. Their pocket size means they’re airline-friendly and easy to tote around in bags, strollers, or custom doggy backpacks. Chihuahuas bond deeply with their humans and love being part of the action, especially when it involves sunbathing or stylish patios. They’re surprisingly bold and confident, making them little dogs with big travel energy. Just keep them warm, and they’re ready to ride shotgun wherever you’re headed.

Golden Retriever

Shutterstock

Golden Retrievers are adaptable, friendly, and radiate joy, making them perfect for travel companions who greet every leg of the trip like it’s the best day ever. These dogs thrive on being part of the family and handle new environments with calm curiosity. Whether hiking forest trails, swimming in lakes, or just lounging at a pet-friendly Airbnb, Goldens bring positivity, patience, and a lot of fluff. They’ll happily share the road trip snacks but expect belly rubs in return.

Poodle (Standard or Miniature)

Shutterstock

Poodles, whether standard or miniature, are intelligent, graceful, and incredibly travel-savvy. Their hypoallergenic coats help them blend seamlessly into hotels and cabins without triggering allergies or leaving tumbleweeds of fur. They’re quick to adapt to routines, easy to train, and love new experiences—especially ones involving pampering or applause. Poodles also tend to draw compliments wherever they go, so prepare to be the most elegant duo in any terminal or trailhead.

Border Collie

Shutterstock

For travelers who move fast and cover serious ground, Border Collies are unmatched. They’re clever, focused, and thrive in ever-changing environments that challenge their bodies and minds. Whether exploring vast national parks or joining you on long hiking expeditions, a Border Collie will keep up without missing a beat. Just make sure to give them jobs along the way—because if you don’t, they’ll invent one. Like organizing your luggage or herding strangers into straight lines.

French Bulldog

Shutterstock

If your travel style leans more “urban wanderer” than “wild backpacker,” the French Bulldog is your compact, cool, and chill little sidekick. These pups are low-energy, don’t require a ton of space, and are unfazed by city noise or café life. They’re small enough to fly in-cabin and charming enough to earn head pats wherever they go. Just keep their short snouts in mind—they do best in cooler environments with plenty of water and shade.

Dachshund

Shutterstock

Dachshunds’ long bodies may not scream “adventurer,” but these pups are intrepid little explorers with a huge sense of curiosity. Whether hiking short trails or investigating every corner of a new place, they bring determination and personality to every adventure. They’re small enough for easy travel but sturdy enough to keep pace on foot. Plus, seeing a Dachshund in a backpack is guaranteed to make everyone around you smile.

Portuguese Water Dog

Shutterstock

Built for travel involving waves, rivers, and wet adventures, the Portuguese Water Dog is an athletic, water-loving breed that thrives on activity. These dogs are known for their intelligence, stamina, and friendly demeanor. They’re ideal for boat life, lakeside cabins, or coastal getaways and are as happy swimming as they are hiking. Their waterproof coat and natural enthusiasm for exploration make them excellent companions for travelers who live by the phrase “just add water.”

Papillon

Shutterstock

Papillon may look delicate, but it’s actually one of the most agile and adaptable toy breeds out there. These little dynamos are confident, quick, and always ready for something new. They fit comfortably in carriers, love meeting people, and excel at obedience, making travel logistics a breeze. Papillons are alert and curious, and their wing-like ears mean they’ll attract attention in airports and parks alike. They’re tiny travel influencers just waiting to happen.

Shih Tzu

Shutterstock

Shih Tzus are happy travelers who are more than content to be pampered along the way. These lap-loving fluffballs don’t need a ton of exercise, but they do enjoy seeing new sights, as long as there’s a comfy place to sit afterward. With their calm personalities and compact size, they’re great for flying, driving, and hotel stays. A Shih Tzu will happily trot beside you on a city stroll, then curl up like royalty at your Airbnb. They don’t pack light, though—grooming supplies are non-negotiable.

Cocker Spaniel

Shutterstock

Cocker Spaniels are sweet, adaptable, and thrive in active, affectionate environments—perfect for travel lovers who want a buddy for hikes and cuddle sessions. Their medium size makes them manageable on the go, and their sunny disposition wins hearts wherever they land. Whether you’re camping under the stars or brunching on a pet-friendly patio, a Cocker Spaniel will be right at home. Just prepare to stop often for compliments—those ears attract attention.

The Only Baggage You’ll Love to Carry Around

Shutterstock

These dogs aren’t just good travel buddies—they’re born adventurers with paws built for wandering and noses ready for the next stop. Whether you’re road-tripping or catching flights, these pups bring joy, energy, and an uncanny ability to hog the window seat. With a wagging tail and a love for new sights (and smells), they turn every trip into a tail-wagging event. Who needs a GPS when your copilot thinks every detour is the highlight and every rest stop might lead to snacks?