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The 15 Easiest Dogs to Travel With

The 15 Easiest Dogs to Travel With
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Dogs of all shapes and sizes can make the perfect traveling companions for people with a passion for travel, whether by land, sea or air.

Globetrotting dog owners should not be restricted to choosing only the smallest breed—even when traveling by airplane—according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Its Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein tells Newsweek: “Different airlines have their own specific pet policies, but, if your pet carrier (with your pet inside) can fit under the seat in front of you, your dog can ride in the cabin on flights that allow it.

“This would be a dog weighing up to about 20 pounds. Always check with your airline to confirm specific requirements.

“Dogs that exceed the 20 lb. requirement for in-cabin travel, must fly as cargo.

“It’s important to remember that federal regulations prohibit shipping live animals as excess baggage or cargo if an animal will be exposed to temperatures that are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours during departure, arrival, or while making connections, so the time of year and even time of day you travel can affect whether or not your larger dog can accompany you.

“A crate or dog seat belt are great ways to keep your dog safe in the car. Any dog can be a good car travel companion – it all depends on your specific pet.

“Having your dog travel on an empty stomach can help avoid carsickness, but always make sure he or she has plenty of fresh water.”

Newsweek rounds up some of the very best travel-friendly dog breeds.

1. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has the perfect proportions for coping with the trials of traveling in small spaces
kosziv/Getty Images

Known for their wonderful white coat and their doll-like dark eyes, the diminutive Bichon Frise has the perfect proportions for coping with the trials of traveling in small spaces.

These dogs often have a genial and easy-going nature, meaning they are friends for those looking to hit the open road.

2. Chihuahua

Chihuahua
Toy dog breeds liek the Chihuahua can typically fit in a carrier under an airplane seat
Colca/Getty Images

These pint-sized purebred dogs originating from Mexico are recognized for their larger-than-life personalities.

“Dog breeds that would typically fit in a carrier under the [airplane] seat are Toy breeds,” Dr. Klein says.

3. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest dog breeds of the terrier type, making them one of the world’s most portable pets
Liliya Filakhtova/Getty Images

The Yorkie is one of the smallest dog breeds of the terrier type, making them one of the world’s most portable pets.

Yorkshire Terriers are also considered a particularly sociable dog breed, meaning they are often more than eager to accompany their owners on their travels.

4. Australian Terrier

Australian Terrier
Australian Terriers are considered delightful companions for frequent flyers—and not only for their compact size
welcomia/Getty Images

These purebred dogs are considered delightful companions for frequent flyers—and not only for their compact size.

This terrier’s obedient nature strong personality means they are happy to be left alone for longer than average periods, while their low-maintenance coat is a bonus while traveling.

5. American Hairless Terrier

American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier is a hairless purebred small companion dog that is both adaptable and intelligent, making these pooches the perfect traveling companion
lenanet/Getty Images

The AHT is a hairless purebred small companion dog that is both adaptable and intelligent, making these pooches the perfect traveling companion.

With the right amount of training, these adorable dogs are happy to be left unsupervised for up to hours at a time, while their lack of fur should not trigger allegories of nearby passengers.

6. Border Terrier

Border Terrier
The Border Terrier is a British breed of small dog suited to traveling
jarafoti/Getty Images

The Border Terrier is a British breed of small dog that is perfectly content with confined living for relatively short periods.

However, these most affectionate purebreds should not be left alone for very long periods, as boredom can result in destructive behavior.

7. Maltese

Maltese
The Maltese toy dog breed is small enough to accompany its owners on airplanes
Utenzilije/Getty Images

Usually weighing no more than 8 pounds, the Maltese toy dog breed is small enough to accompany its owners on airplanes.

These sweet-natured dogs are also sufficiently tolerant and calm enough to pose few problems on a long trip, while their low-shedding coat counts as an additional bonus.

8. Portuguese Water Dog

Bo Barack Obama Portuguese water dog
The Portuguese Water Dog will soon learn to love traveling by land, sea and air
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

These cute, curly-coated dogs are notable for how easy they are to train and their eagerness to please, meaning these dogs will soon learn to love traveling.

In addition, the Portuguese Water Dog is a non-shedding breed, meaning prospective pet-owning travelers will not have to worry about their pet’s hair covering their hire car.

9. Labrador Retriever

Lab
Medium-sized Labrador Retriever are active dogs more than happy to jump in the car and go on an adventure with their owner
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images/Getty

Medium-sized Labs are active dogs more than happy to jump in the car and go on an adventure with their owner.

Gentle, intelligent and easy to train, the loyal Labrador Retriever will, however, be required to travel via crate for journeys in an airplane.

10. Brittany

Brittany
Energetic and versatile Brittany dogs enjoy an active life and will jump at the chance to watch the world fly by in a car journey
KatPaws/Getty Images

These energetic and versatile gun dogs enjoy an active life and will jump at the chance to watch the world fly by in a car journey.

However, due to their extraordinary energy levels, this dog breed is unsuited to very long and confined journeys, especially if they are left unattended.

11. Dalmatian

Dalmatian
Because Dalmatians were bred to travel beside horse-drawn coaches, these athletic and intelligent dogs are durable and can confidently handle long journeys
LucyCartwright/Getty Images

The medium-sized Dalmatian dog breed is best known for its distinctive white coat marked with black colored spots.

Because Dalmatians were bred to travel beside horse-drawn coaches, these athletic and intelligent dogs are durable and can confidently handle long journeys.

12. German Shorthaired Pointer

#3. German shorthaired pointer
The versatile German Shorthaired Pointer sporting dog breed is the perfect companion for owners often on the move
Pixabay

The versatile German Shorthaired Pointer sporting dog breed is the perfect companion for owners often on the go.

These athletic and loyal dogs also have short hair, meaning they are easy to maintain while on the move.

13. Great Dane

Great Dane
The Great Dane’s gentle and loving temperament makes them perfect passengers for long road trips—provided they can first fit in the car
Getty/lizyoung

This ancient dog breed, affectionately known as “gentle giants” may seem a surprising choice for those who like to travel.

However, the Great Dane’s gentle and loving temperament makes them perfect passengers for long road trips—provided they can first fit in the car.

14. Golden Retriever

A Golden Retriever dog
The Golden Retriever is a wonderful dog for family road trips
Getty Images

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the U.S., due to the dog’s friendly, tolerant and obedient attitude.

The medium-sized canine is a wonderful dog for family road trips, as long as there are plenty of pit stops for the Golden Retriever to stretch its legs.

15. Clumber Spaniel

Clumber Spaniel
The Clumber Spaniel’s shaggy mane and mellow temperament makes these dogs a wonderfully cuddly travel companion for families with young children during long road trips
Nikolay Belyakov/Getty Images

With their notably substantial build, these medium-sized dogs may not seem an automatic choice for a traveling companion.

However, the Clumber Spaniel’s shaggy mane and mellow temperament makes these dogs a wonderfully cuddly travel companion for families with young children during long road trips.