For travel enthusiasts who find joy in both the journey and the destination, having a canine companion that shares this enthusiasm can make every road trip unforgettable. Imagine cruising down scenic routes with the windows rolled down and your furry friend happily soaking in the sights and smells. Not all dogs are car ride aficionados, but there exist certain breeds renowned for their adventurous spirit and love for travel. In this article, we explore nine dog breeds that thrive on car rides, making them the perfect travel companions for those who can’t resist the call of the open road.
Is your pup the type to stick their head out the window like a furry Leonardo DiCaprio shouting, “I’m the king of the world!”? If so, you’ve got yourself a natural road-tripper. While some dogs dread the car (cue the stress-induced drool), others live for the adventure of long car rides and exploring new environments.
Not all dogs were born for the open road, but the ones that made unforgettable travel companions. They’re the type to bring joy to every journey, wagging their way into your heart as they snooze in the backseat or stare wistfully out the window.
As a responsible person traveling with your furry friend, ensuring their safety and comfort during car journeys is essential. From seat belt harnesses to frequent stops, a little planning goes a long way.
This guide explores the ultimate canine co-pilots and how to keep them calm, happy, and ready for adventure!
9 Dog Breeds That Love Car Rides
1. Japanese Chin
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Size |
Small, weighing 7-11 pounds, perfect for laps. |
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Temperament |
Gentle, calm, and a touch regal—loves attention and cuddles. |
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Care During Car Rides |
Prefers soft surfaces; bring a blanket for comfort. |
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Training Tip |
Reward with treats for calm behavior during drives. |
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Best For |
Owners who enjoy quiet companionship during long car journeys. |
Ready for royalty on wheels? The Japanese Chin is the ultimate lap-riding canine companion, always down for a chill drive. Their little bodies fit perfectly in smaller cars, and their elegant demeanor ensures they’ll win hearts at every pit stop.
But don’t let their calm fool you—these pooches love adventure! Short hair makes grooming a breeze, even after long road trips explains PetMD. A blanket and pet carrier keep them stress-free and comfortable during travel.
While they’re easy-going, frequent stops are essential for a quick stretch and sniff. Bonus points if you pack their favorite snacks—they’ve earned it!
Plan carefully because this pint-sized passenger thrives on a well-prepped car journey. They’ll be the ultimate travel buddy without a single complaint.
2. French Bulldog
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Size |
Compact, sturdy build, around 16-28 pounds. |
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Temperament |
Laid-back, playful, and loves new smells. |
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Care During Car Rides |
Needs ventilation; avoid overheating. |
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Training Tip |
Teach them to sit calmly with a seat belt harness. |
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Best For |
Fun-loving families or solo adventurers who want a chill travel buddy. |
First-class passenger vibes? French Bulldogs are always ready to hop in the car like they own the place. Compact but full of personality, they love road trips, especially when it involves new environments to explore.
However, planning is key—this breed overheats quickly, so crank up the AC or keep the windows cracked (not wide open). A seat belt harness ensures their safety during longer journeys.
Pack some chew toys to keep them entertained; boredom isn’t their thing. Frequent stops are a must for these curious snout explorers—sniffing new smells is their favorite activity.
With their easy-going nature and compact size, Frenchies are truly top dog breeds for hitting the road in style.
3. Newfoundland
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Size |
Large and in charge, weighing up to 150 pounds. |
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Temperament |
Gentle, calm, and loves water. |
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Care During Car Rides |
Needs extra space and proper ventilation. |
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Training Tip |
Teach them to hop into SUVs or bigger vehicles safely. |
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Best For |
Families with kids or owners with spacious vehicles. |
Bring the limo! Newfoundlands are gentle giants who turn every long car ride into a luxury cruise. They’ll happily sprawl out in the back, so make sure there’s more space for their comfort.
AKC adds that known for their water-loving tendencies, they adore heading to lakes or beaches during road trips. Just make sure their thick coat stays cool in warm weather—ventilation is essential.
These working dogs are easily trained to sit calmly, making them great travel companions for families with kids. Snacks and frequent stops keep them happy and ready for the next leg of the journey.
If you’re after a calm, loyal buddy for long car journeys, Newfoundlands are top-tier furry friends.
4. Basset Hound
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Size |
Medium-sized, around 40-65 pounds. |
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Temperament |
Relaxed, affectionate, and a total snoozer. |
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Care During Car Rides |
Loves cozy spaces; bring a cushion. |
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Training Tip |
Consistency is key—practice short trips before long ones. |
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Best For |
Owners who prefer calm, stress-free road trips. |
The ultimate napper? Basset Hounds are born to snooze through even the longest journeys. They’ll happily curl up in the backseat, making them one of the best dog breeds for calm, relaxed road trips.
Their short hair makes cleanup easy, even after muddy adventures. Just remember to plan frequent stops—they love stretching their little legs and sniffing around new environments.
Because they’re so laid-back, they’re ideal for air travel or car journeys. Make sure they’re secure with a pet carrier or seat belt harness to avoid unexpected snoozing spills.
Purina claims that with a calm temperament and a love for cozy spaces, Basset Hounds are travel companions that’ll keep you worry-free on the road.
5. Labrador Retriever
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Size |
Medium to large, 55-80 pounds. |
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Temperament |
Energetic, intelligent, and eager to please. |
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Care During Car Rides |
Loves space for movement—SUVs are their dream ride. |
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Training Tip |
Use treats to reward calm sitting during trips. |
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Best For |
Active families or individuals who love outdoor adventures. |
Adventure? Say no more! Labrador Retrievers are the poster pups for long road trips. Whether it’s a quick errand or a weekend getaway, they’ll jump into the car with unmatched excitement.
As working dogs, Labs love exploring new environments, especially those with water. Pack a seat belt harness for safety and bring their favorite toys—they’ll need distractions between pit stops.
Frequent stops are non-negotiable since they’re full of energy and need much exercise to stay happy. Bring snacks to fuel their endless enthusiasm.
For families or individuals who love adventures, Labs are the ultimate canine companions for road-tripping the world.
6. Clumber Spaniel
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Size |
Large and sturdy, around 55-85 pounds. |
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Temperament |
Calm, affectionate, and slightly lazy. |
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Care During Car Rides |
Needs a comfy, cushioned area to lounge. |
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Training Tip |
Short practice trips build confidence. |
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Best For |
Laid-back owners or families who enjoy slow-paced adventures. |
Laid-back royalty on four paws? Clumber Spaniels ride like they’re in a luxury car commercial, calm and content to snooze through long journeys. These gentle giants need more space in the backseat to stretch out, so plan accordingly.
Hillspet reports that although they don’t need much exercise, frequent stops help them stretch their legs and sniff the scenery. A cushioned pet carrier or padded mat keeps them extra comfortable during car journeys.
Easily trained and mellow, they’re the ideal furry friend for stress-free road trips. Just toss in some tasty snacks, and you’ll have one happy travel companion.
If you want a calm, cuddly dog who’s all about long car rides, the Clumber Spaniel will steal your heart.
7. English Bulldog
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Size |
Medium, stocky build, around 40-50 pounds. |
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Temperament |
Stoic, loyal, and a little goofy. |
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Care During Car Rides |
Needs proper ventilation to stay cool. |
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Training Tip |
Reinforce calm sitting with treats. |
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Best For |
Owners who love relaxed, low-energy travel companions. |
Stoic and snuggly? English Bulldogs sit in the car like they’re contemplating the meaning of life, making them one of the best dog breeds for calm car rides.
Petplan indicates that short-nosed and adorable, they’re prone to overheating, so keep the car well-ventilated or blast the AC. A seat belt harness keeps them secure, though they’ll probably sit calmly anyway.
They adore short trips but can handle longer journeys with frequent stops to stretch and sniff around. Pack their favorite chew toy to keep them entertained between naps.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance road trip buddy, the English Bulldog is your go-to gentle and loyal companion.
8. Maltese
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Size |
Tiny, around 7 pounds of pure fluff. |
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Temperament |
Playful, affectionate, and a little sassy. |
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Care During Car Rides |
Loves soft spaces; keep a travel pillow handy. |
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Training Tip |
Positive reinforcement works wonders for car manners. |
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Best For |
Owners who love chic, pint-sized travel companions. |
Luxury on legs? The Maltese is the furry friend every glam road trip needs, effortlessly blending cuteness with sass. They love cozying up on a soft blanket or travel pillow during car journeys.
PDSA notes that despite their tiny size, Maltese are full of energy and excitement for new environments. Frequent stops are a must, allowing them to sniff out fresh adventures (and show off their silky coat).
Easily trained, they’ll sit quietly for long car rides if snacks are involved. Bonus points for being Instagram-ready at every scenic pit stop!
Perfect for road trips with style, these little companions are adaptable, calm, and endlessly adorable.
9. Chihuahua
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Size |
Pocket-sized, around 2-6 pounds. |
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Temperament |
Feisty, energetic, and bold. |
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Care During Car Rides |
Loves cozy carriers or being held safely. |
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Training Tip |
Start with short drives to reduce anxiety. |
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Best For |
Owners who want a spirited, portable travel buddy. |
The pocket rocket of car rides? Chihuahuas may be small, but they’re big on personality and always ready for adventure. Their compact size makes them perfect for air travel or long journeys in any car.
They thrive in cozy pet carriers or while being safely secured with a seat belt harness. Short drives at first help ease any nervous energy before longer road trips.
These energetic little bodies love frequent stops to explore and burn off excitement. Don’t forget to pack their favorite snacks—they’re tiny, but they love a treat!
For fearless, fun-loving travel companions, Chihuahuas are top dog breeds for keeping car journeys lively and exciting.
Conclusion
Not all dogs are built for the open road, but the ones we’ve highlighted are true car ride champions. From the snuggly Maltese to the chill Newfoundland, these breeds prove there’s a perfect travel buddy for every type of journey. Whether you’re cruising to the beach with your Labrador or taking a snoozy road trip with a Basset Hound, these companions add a little joy to every mile.
Of course, we can’t forget honorable mentions like the ever-adventurous Golden Retriever, the energetic Portuguese Water Dog, and the intelligent Toy Poodle—all excellent travel companions for active families. Even the bold Yorkshire Terrier, adaptable German Shorthaired Pointer, and the cute Boston Terrier could bring excitement to your car journeys. New research suggests some dogs may even enjoy flying if trained properly—just don’t forget to consult your vet first!
Road trips can be stressful, especially for children and first-time dog owners. Luckily, the breeds mentioned here are easy-going and adaptable to new environments. Remember, every furry friend deserves frequent stops, their favorite snacks, and a little extra care to ensure smooth adventures.
So, which of these perfect passengers is ready to ride shotgun with you? Grab the leash, load up the snacks, and let the joy of long car rides with your canine companion begin!
In conclusion, selecting a dog breed that thrives on car rides can greatly enhance the travel experiences of dog-loving adventurers. Breeds known for their love of travel, such as Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and Bulldogs, offer companionship and joy during road trips. These breeds are often adaptive, sociable, and eager to explore new environments, making them ideal travel partners. Their enthusiasm for car rides not only enriches the journey for their owners but also ensures that these dogs enjoy the adventure as much as their human counterparts, creating memorable experiences for both.