The following information is provided by Graphiq and PetBreeds.
by Ashley Eneriz
Have canine, will travel. Your furry friends are your greatest companions, so it only makes sense that you want explore the world with them. Whether you hope to take your canine on a backpacking trip through Europe or to the beaches of Miami, some dogs travel better than others.
To measure a breed’s suitability for travel, PetBreeds created an index that favored small size, obedience and sociability. We then ranked the top 25 breeds from worst to best based on their score out of 100. Prepare your pup for the next great adventure!
Note: All ties were broken using the 2015 Popularity Ranking assigned by the American Kennel Club.
#25. Scottish Terrier
Travel Suitability Score: 45.1 If you can survive training the stubborn Scottish terrier, you will be rewarded with an intelligent and loyal pup that enjoys hunting and agility training.
#24. Welsh Terrier
Travel Suitability Score: 46.8
The Welsh terrier might be high maintenance in their grooming needs, but they can easily adapt to different living areas and weather.
#23. Miniature Poodle
Travel Suitability Score: 49.5 Like their larger predecessors, miniature poodles are easy to train and affectionate, but travel better due to their small size.
#22. Japanese Spitz
Travel Suitability Score: 49.5
Japanese Spitz make great travel companions because they are so playful and friendly towards strangers.
#21. Mi-Ki
Travel Suitability Score: 49.5 Mi-Ki dogs are easy to train and require very little grooming, making them low-maintenance travel dogs.
#20. Toy Poodle
Travel Suitability Score: 49.5
Owners of toy poodles should take their pooch with them on travel, since toy poodles are prone to develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. In public, toy poodles are friendly towards other pets and strangers.
#19. Affenpinscher
Travel Suitability Score: 49.5 As a naturally curious breed, allow extra time in your travel plans to allow the affenpinscher to explore and exercise before being crated for the trip.
#18. Norwich Terrier
Travel Suitability Score: 49.5
Affectionate and social, Norwich terriers are considered frequent barkers. Expect this breed to be friendly to others but also quick to bark from excitement or fear.
#17. Silky Terrier
Travel Suitability Score: 49.5 This beautiful breed is easy to train and does not require as much exercise as other breeds.
#16. Maltese
Travel Suitability Score: 50.6
Maltese are intelligent and playful canines. This breed prefers traveling to colder regions and does not handle high levels of heat well.
#15. Chihuahua
Travel Suitability Score: 50.6 Chihuahuas can easily fit into small dog carriers, but they can be shy around strangers, pets and children.
#14. Biewer
Travel Suitability Score: 55
Many toy breeds are skittish around children and strangers, but Biewers are one toy breed that do well around both.
#13. Shih Tzu
Travel Suitability Score: 55 The Shih Tzu’s name means “lion dog,” which suits them perfectly due to their confident stance and long, flowing mane.
#12. Miniature Schnauzer
Travel Suitability Score: 55
This small purebred has an intelligent, alert and playful personality.
#11. Chinese Crested
Travel Suitability Score: 56.1 Be prepared to get a lot of questions when traveling with a Chinese crested. This breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powder puff. Even the hairless varieties have long, silky hair on their heads and tails.
#10. Smooth Fox Terrier
Travel Suitability Score: 57.8
Playful and loyal, you can expect the smooth fox terrier to stick by your side. This breed almost always behaves well, but will be even happier during travel when they have ample time to play and exercise.
#9. Wire Fox Terrier
Travel Suitability Score: 57.8 The wire fox terrier has a wiry coat and an active personality. A long game of fetch is a must to tire out this small purebred before boarding.
#8. Bichon Frise
Travel Suitability Score: 57.8
A bichon frise is considered a hypoallergenic breed, making it easier for individuals with allergies to be around them. It also has a life expectancy between 12 and 15 years, meaning you will have a great travel companion for many years to come.
#7. West Highland White Terrier
Travel Suitability Score: 57.8 Westies are ready to travel to sun or snow thanks to their high levels of adaptability. This breed is also very active, so be sure to include trips to the dog park in your travel itinerary.
#6. Havanese
Travel Suitability Score: 57.8
This small purebred is known for its affectionate and cheerful personality. However, they do require a lot of patience when it comes to training.
#5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Travel Suitability Score: 57.8 Make sure to visit the groomer beforehand to limit how much your Cavalier King Charles spaniel sheds on the plane. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are easy to train and great around children.
#4. Pomeranian
Travel Suitability Score: 60.5
Easy to train and highly adaptable to almost all living conditions, Pomeranians love to please their owner. Don’t be surprised if your Pomeranian gets more attention than you do on vacation.
#3. Yorkshire Terrier
Travel Suitability Score: 66 Yorkshire terriers are commonly used as companion dogs and are very affectionate toward their owners. They are perfect travel companions and they will keep you calm when you feel anxious about your trip.
#2. Japanese Chin
Travel Suitability Score: 72.6
Japanese Chins are very friendly towards strangers and other animals. Their gentle and friendly demeanor will make them the popular pooch at the airport.
#1. Papillon
Travel Suitability Score: 82.5
Nicknamed the “butterfly dog” for its beautiful, fluttery ears, the papillon is easy to train and does not need much daily activity. Be aware that while the papillon can handle the heat well, it has a harder time in the cold. Pack an extra doggy sweater if you plan on traveling in chillier climates.
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