8 Dog Breeds That Love Road Trips (And 5 That Prefer Staying Close To Home)

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Mathew Abraham

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Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Golden Retriever sitting in a car trunk
Freepik/Freepik

Whether you’re heading out on a long road trip to a beautiful destination or a short weekend getaway, having a dog that enjoys car rides can truly enhance the journey. Some breeds thrive on adventure and love exploring new places, while others prefer the comfort and security of their cozy home. Knowing which dog breeds are best suited for road trips can help ensure both you and your dog have a fun and comfortable experience. Let’s dive into the 8 breeds that love the road and the 5 that prefer staying in.

1. Labrador Retriever: The Adventurous Companion

Labrador Retriever enjoying the view from the back of a pickup truck.
Mark Stebnicki/Pexels

Labrador Retrievers are the quintessential adventure-loving dog. They are friendly, energetic, and have a relaxed nature that makes them excellent companions for long road trips. Labs love spending time with their families and are always up for an adventure. Their stamina and cheerful attitude make them great travel companions, and their calm demeanor ensures they are comfortable during long rides. Additionally, Labradors are well-mannered in the car, often content to simply enjoy the ride. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains or relaxing at a beach, they’ll make every trip more enjoyable and fun for you.

2. Beagle: The Curious Traveler

Beagle with a red scarf, looking out of a car.
Barnabas Davoti/Pexels

Beagles are small dogs with a keen sense of smell, making them perfect companions for road trips. Their curious nature means they’re always eager to explore new places. Beagles are also outgoing and friendly, which helps them adapt to unfamiliar environments. They thrive in family settings, getting along well with children and other pets, making them ideal for family trips. Their small size is another advantage, as they can fit comfortably in the car. Beagles’ infectious enthusiasm and love for adventure ensure that every trip, whether long or short, will be full of excitement and joy.

3. Border Collie: The Energetic Explorer

Border Collie resting inside a car.
Kampus Production/Pexels

Border Collies are energetic and intelligent dogs that love to stay active. Their high energy levels mean they need regular exercise, which makes them fantastic companions for road trips that involve stops at different outdoor locations. Border Collies are adaptable and excited to explore new environments, whether it’s hiking, running, or discovering new places. Their intelligence makes it easy to train them for trips, ensuring they are well-behaved in unfamiliar settings. If you’re looking for a dog that thrives on outdoor activities, Border Collies will be eager to join you for every adventure during your travels.

4. Golden Retriever: The Perfect Family Traveler

Golden Retriever sticking its head out of a car window.
Helena Lopes/Pexels

Golden Retrievers are well-known for their friendly and tolerant nature, making them the perfect family travel companions. Their easy-going temperament and calm demeanor ensure they enjoy road trips without stress. Golden Retrievers are always happy to be with their family and thrive on interaction, making them ideal for family vacations. They enjoy being involved in every part of the journey, from road stops to outdoor activities. Their patient and social nature means they’ll interact well with both people and other pets. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a longer trip, a Golden Retriever is always a pleasant companion.

5. Jack Russell Terrier: The Spunky Road Tripper

Jack Russell Terrier peeking out of a van window.
Özgür Sürmeli/Pexels

Jack Russell Terriers are small but full of energy, making them the perfect companions for road trips. These dogs love adventure and are always excited to jump in the car when a trip is on the horizon. Their playful and spunky nature ensures they will enjoy every stop along the way, whether it’s a hike or just a quick stretch. Jack Russells are very trainable, making them well-behaved and easy to manage during long rides. Their enthusiasm for life and their love for exploration means a road trip with a Jack Russell will always be a fun-filled adventure.

6. Australian Shepherd: The Adventure Seeker

Australian Shepherd puppy lying on a car seat.
StreetVoice7808/Reddit

Australian Shepherds are lively and intelligent dogs that thrive on both physical and mental challenges, making them great travel companions. They’re perfect for active families who want to take their dog along on outdoor adventures, such as hiking or exploring new trails. Australian Shepherds are incredibly quick and adaptable, making them well-suited for travel that includes various terrains and activities. Their sociable nature ensures they’re a joy to have along on a journey, and they’ll be thrilled by any opportunity to run, play, or enjoy some downtime after a long trip. They bring excitement to every adventure.

7. Boxer: The Fun-Loving Traveler

Boxer sitting in a car, looking out the window.
DDOT122/Reddit

Boxers are known for their playful and energetic personalities, making them perfect travel companions for families. They enjoy being part of the action, always ready for anything—from long car rides to spontaneous park stops. Boxers are friendly and outgoing, meaning they’ll love meeting new people and animals during your road trip. Their enthusiasm and positive energy keep the whole family entertained, whether on the road or at a rest stop. Furthermore, Boxers are great with children, which makes them excellent travel companions for family vacations. Their fun-loving nature ensures the ride is full of laughs and memorable moments.

8. Dachshund: The Compact Adventurer

Dachshund looking up at a person in a car.
Alfo Medeiros/Pexels

Dachshunds may be small in size, but they have big personalities and an adventurous spirit. These little dogs are always ready to join in on road trips, no matter the distance. Their compact size makes them easy to transport in any vehicle, whether it’s a long road trip or a quick weekend getaway. Dachshunds love to explore new places, meeting new people and pets along the way. Their curious and playful personalities ensure they’ll enjoy every stop, from scenic hikes to dog-friendly beaches. Despite their short legs, Dachshunds are always up for the adventure, making the trip unforgettable.

9. Chihuahua: The Homebody

Chihuahua lying on a soft rug, looking curious.
Wkn/Pexels

Chihuahuas are super cute, but they usually like to stay home instead of going on long road trips. Their tiny size and gentle nature help them feel more at ease in familiar places. Chihuahuas can get stressed during long car rides, and they may find temperature changes uncomfortable while traveling. They create close connections with their owners and can feel uneasy when separated from their home. Chihuahuas typically prefer short walks or playtime at home instead of long car rides. When you take them on a trip, keep it brief and ensure they feel comfortable throughout the experience.

10. Bulldog: The Laid-Back Homebody

Bulldog lying on the floor, looking tired.
Creative Workshop/Pexels

Bulldogs are calm, easy-going dogs that love relaxation over adventure. Due to their short snouts, Bulldogs can have breathing issues during long car rides, which makes travel less enjoyable for them. They prefer the comfort of their home, where they can relax without the stress of unfamiliar places or long journeys. Bulldogs don’t require much exercise and are content with short walks, making them better suited for short trips rather than extended vacations. They are happiest when they can spend time lounging around their home with their owners, enjoying the peace and comfort that comes with familiar surroundings.

11. Shih Tzu: The Cozy Companion

shih tzu resting on a sofa, looking at the camera.
Sarah Chai/Pexels

Shih Tzus are small, affectionate dogs that enjoy cozy, relaxed environments. While they love spending time with their owners, long road trips can make them feel anxious and uncomfortable. Their long coats and small size can make it difficult for them to tolerate heat in the car, and they often prefer the comfort of home to the unpredictability of travel. Shih Tzus are ideal for owners who prefer quiet, peaceful activities at home, where they can snuggle up and relax. Although they enjoy short outings, they’re happiest when they can curl up in their favorite spot and enjoy some downtime.

12. Basset Hound: The Relaxed Traveler

Basset Hound resting on the ground, looking up.
Jawestad/Pixabay

Basset Hounds are gentle and easy-going dogs, but their laid-back nature means they don’t particularly enjoy long car rides. Basset Hounds are more comfortable with short trips, as their low energy levels and unique body structure can make long drives uncomfortable. While they enjoy leisurely walks, they don’t have the stamina for extended road trips. Additionally, Basset Hounds are prone to back issues, which can be aggravated by long periods of sitting in the car. These dogs are content to relax at home or enjoy quick outings with their owners, making them less suited for extensive travel.

13. Pug: The Couch Potato

Pug lying on a beige armchair.
Freestocks.org/Pexels

Pugs are lovable, low-energy dogs that prefer lounging over long road trips. Their flat faces, known as brachycephalic, can cause breathing issues, particularly in warm or stuffy environments, which makes long car rides uncomfortable for them. Pugs are content to snuggle on the couch, enjoy a quick walk, or nap with their family, but they’re not fond of long-distance travel. They have a calm, laid-back personality that makes them great companions at home, but they’re generally not as thrilled by car rides or extended travel. For Pugs, the best adventure is usually a short walk or cozy time spent indoors.

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