11 BEST DOG BREEDS FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO TRAVEL INTERNATIONALLY
If you're the globetrotting type, finding a good companion to share your travels with is a pretty big deal, especially if your fellow sightseer is a furry one! Long trips on planes, trains and automobiles pose unique challenges to dogs and their owners, including disruptions to daily routines and exposure to unfamiliar surroundings.
Parade Pets asked a couple of dog experts for help determining the breeds that were practically made to explore the world with their families.
Below, Nicole Ellis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Pet Lifestyle Expert with Rover, and Dr. Jamie Richardson, Head of Veterinary Medicine at Small Door Vet, share their opinions on the best dog breeds for international trips.
Related: 25 Places You Didn’t Know You Could Bring Your Dog To (Including the Apple Store)
What Makes a Dog Travel-Friendly?
"When choosing a travel-savvy dog, it's all about adaptability," says Ellis. The jetsetting breeds she's picked "tend to be compact, easygoing and comfortable in novel environments—whether flying in-cabin, exploring new cities or relaxing in a pet-friendly hotel."
How can you help a dog become a good traveler? Dr. Richardson adds that "socialization and acclimatization to a variety of different environments over time, and ideally from a young age, is key to having a dog that enjoys travel, rather than is anxious by it."
1. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
"These affectionate, adaptable little dogs are excellent flyers and hotel guests," says Ellis. "Their small size makes them in-cabin travel pros, and their friendly nature wins over airline staff and strangers alike." She also mentions that adorable Cavs are active enough to join you on your outings in the city.
Dr. Richardson agrees, citing that the dogs are "small, adaptable and great with new people and environments."
Ellis mentions one important caveat, however: "Choose a Cavalier with a well-bred (or rescued), moderate muzzle. While not classified as a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed like the Pug or French Bulldog, some Cavaliers do have shortened snouts, which can increase their risk of respiratory issues—especially at altitude, while flying or in warm environments."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Loving, social, patient
- Height: 12–13 inches
- Weight: 13–18 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
2. Toy Poodle
These tiny pups can get around! "Highly intelligent and easy to train, Toy Poodles are lightweight travel companions who don’t shed much—ideal for hotels or Airbnbs," states Ellis. "They're emotionally resilient and generally do well in new surroundings."
Dr. Richardson says these brainy dogs are "smart, hypoallergenic and adaptable," making them great choices for all kinds of travel and hotel stays.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Confident, adaptable, smart
- Height: Up to 10 inches
- Weight: 4–6 pounds
- Lifespan: 10–18 years
3. Pomeranian
A peppy little dog, the Pomeranian is "lightweight for air travel and typically does well in pet carriers," says Dr. Richardson. They're portable, flexible and bouncy enough to withstand the stresses of traveling, and they always enjoy being at their owners' sides, no matter where they happen to be.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Friendly, lively, loyal
- Height: 6–7 inches
- Weight: 3–7 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–16 years
4. Havanese
Havanese are smart, cuddly dogs that are eager to please. "This Cuban native was literally bred to be a companion dog in warm, bustling cities," Ellis states. "They handle changes in environment well and often thrive in urban travel scenarios, especially with their social and cheerful personality."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Gentle, cheerful, outgoing
- Height: 8.5–11.5 inches
- Weight: 7–13 pounds
- Lifespan: 14–16 years
5. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkie is known for being spunky and petite. As Dr. Richardson says, they're "small enough for cabin travel and often confident." Friendly and loving with big-dog attitudes in tiny bodies, Yorkies will be more than happy to show you they can handle a long flight—and then be even happier to join you out on the town.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Bright, spunky, affectionate
- Height: 7–8 inches
- Weight: About 7 pounds
- Lifespan: 11–15 years
6. Italian Greyhound
"Light, packable, adorable and extremely bonded to their humans, Italian Greyhounds love being close," Ellis says. While some members of this slender breed can be high-energy, "they're often happiest in a travel sling or curled up on your hotel bed. Their quiet nature is an added bonus for long flights."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Alert, playful, devoted
- Height: 13–15 inches
- Weight: 7–14 pounds
- Lifespan: 14–15 years
7. Miniature Schnauzer
These bearded little gents and ladies are companionable to the max. Miniature Schnauzers are "intelligent, easily trainable and confident in new settings," Dr. Richardson states. Their sprightliness and joie de vivre make them keen to tag along, despite some occasional stubbornness.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Charming, intelligent, spirited
- Height: 12–14 inches
- Weight: 11–20 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
8. Brussels Griffon
"These comical little dogs are big on personality but small enough for easy travel," says Ellis. "Their scruffy charm wins over fellow travelers, and they often enjoy being out and about—making them perfect for sightseeing and cafes." If you're planning on visiting Belgium, the capital, Brussels, is where the dog originated.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Curious, funny, amiable
- Height: 7–10 inches
- Weight: 8–10 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
9. Papillon
French dogs with glorious ears (the breed name appropriately means "butterfly"), Papillons are "a compact and confident breed that thrives on attention and adventure," states Dr. Richardson. Very trainable and willing to please, not to mention energetic enough to keep up, Papillons love to trot along with their owners on trips.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Happy, adaptable, attentive
- Height: 8–11 inches
- Weight: 5–10 pounds
- Lifespan: 14–16 years
10. Coton de Tulear
"Known as the 'Royal Dog of Madagascar,' the Coton de Tulear is a hidden gem for frequent travelers," Ellis says. "Light enough for in-cabin flying, Cotons are affectionate, calm and surprisingly adaptable for a breed with a luxurious coat."
While not as popular as many other breeds, the Coton deserves a mention for its friendly, easygoing nature. "They’re typically quiet and easy to manage in public spaces—making them ideal for planes, trains or charming old hotels."
Breed Stats
- Personality: Calm, merry, amusing
- Height: 9–11 inches
- Weight: 8–15 pounds
- Lifespan: 15–19 years
11. Maltese
An ancient Mediterranean dog breed, the Maltese is "quiet, adaptable and low-shedding," says Dr. Richardson. Famous for their long coats (but more commonly seen with a puppy cut), Maltese are stylish, portable and good-natured, perfect for life on the go. While we've placed the breed last, they're certainly not least on this list of travel-friendly dogs.
Breed Stats
- Personality: Sweet, lighthearted, bold
- Height: 7–9 inches
- Weight: Under 7 pounds
- Lifespan: 12–15 years
Up Next:
Related: 3 Dog Breeds That Are Considered 'Ancient'
References
- "Cavalier King Charles Spaniel." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
- "Poodle (Toy)." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
- "Pomeranian." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
- "Havanese." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
- "Yorkshire Terrier." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
- "Italian Greyhound." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
- "Miniature Schnauzer." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
- "Brussels Griffon." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
- "Papillon." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
- "Coton de Tulear." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
- "Maltese." (n.d.). American Kennel Club.
