11 Best Dogs For Travel

The best dogs for travel aren’t always the ones you expect. When I first met Puglo, he was anxious and unsure of the world, and I couldn’t imagine him hopping on planes or exploring new countries with me.

Taking your travel ready pup abroad? My guide to Spain with a dog is a good next read.

New to traveling with a pup? Browse all my dog travel guides to plan your trip.

But he opened up so quickly once he felt safe, and watching him transform into a curious, confident little explorer has been one of the most rewarding parts of my nomadic life.

Whatever breed you travel with, destination matters too. See my Puerto Vallarta dog guide for one of the most dog friendly cities I know.

Our first trip together felt huge. I remember worrying about how he’d handle airports and unfamiliar places, only to watch him curl up calmly beside me like he’d been doing it forever.

Since then, we’ve traveled across continents, wandered through new cities, taken long hikes, and settled into Airbnb apartments in places I never imagined sharing with a dog. He thrives in new environments now, and it’s changed the way I see the world too.

Not every dog is naturally suited for a life on the move, though. Some adapt instantly, while others need more structure, more reassurance, or simply a different pace.

So whether you’re dreaming of becoming a digital nomad with a dog or simply want a companion who fits your travel routine, this guide will help you understand which types of dogs are best for travel.

Because if an anxious little doorstep pug can become a seasoned world traveler, the right dog can absolutely become your adventure partner too.

What Makes a Dog Good for Travel?

After years of traveling full time with Puglo, I’ve learned that a “travel-friendly” dog isn’t just a cute idea. It comes down to a mix of temperament, size, health, and how easily your dog can adapt to the constant movement that comes with a nomadic lifestyle. These are the key traits that make life on the road smoother for both of you.

Adaptability

Travel throws new environments at you constantly. Airports, hotels, changing weather, noisy streets. A travel dog needs to be able to handle these shifts without spiraling into stress. They’re curious instead of fearful, and they’re comfortable settling into a new routine quickly. This was one of the biggest things I noticed with Puglo once we started traveling often. Even though he started anxious, he learned to adjust, and now we’ve traveled across four continents from Mexico to Thailand.

Size

This is the biggest practical factor, gaving a small dog makes your life infinitely easier on the road.

• Many airlines allow small dogs in cabin, which eliminates the stress of cargo travel entirely.
• Even hotels labeled “pet friendly” often have weight limits, sometimes capped at 15kg. Small dogs breeze right through those restrictions.
• Ubers and taxis are much more likely to allow a little dog, as are testaurants, malls, beach clubs, and cafés.
• In general, you simply get away with more with a small dog, especially in Asia. It removes so many barriers and makes traveling with a dog easier.

Temperament

Calm, social, and moderately confident dogs do best on the road. They don’t get overwhelmed in crowds, they can relax in a carrier or under a café table, and they’re comfortable meeting new people. An easily trainable dog is even better because travel routines change constantly.

Health & Maintenance

Low-maintenance grooming, good respiratory health, and solid physical resilience matter. Dogs who struggle with heat, cold, or long stretches of downtime between walks will have a harder time.

Energy Level

Your travel style matters too. If you’re always hiking like I am, a dog with moderate activity needs will fit best. If you’re city hopping and working from cafés, a calmer companion may be the better match.

The Best Dogs for Traveling

1. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are one of the easiest dogs in the world to travel with, simply because they’re tiny. When I say tiny, I mean they fit under almost every airline’s strictest cabin limits, including the notoriously tough weight restrictions in parts of Asia. If your goal is to take your dog everywhere without constantly worrying about rules, a Chihuahua gives you that freedom.

Their small size also means you’ll rarely run into issues at hotels, cafés, malls, or rideshares. Most places barely blink when they see a three- to six-pound dog tucked comfortably in a carrier. Chihuahuas also tend to bond closely with their person, which makes them great companions for solo travelers. They’re alert, portable, and incredibly adaptable when they feel safe with you.

Of course, they can be a little sassy, but when it comes to practicality and worldwide mobility, it’s hard to beat a Chihuahua for full-time travel.

2. Dachshund

Dachshunds are another great option for travelers because they’re small, portable, and full of personality. Their compact size means they meet most airline in-cabin requirements, and they’re generally welcomed in hotels, cafés, and rideshares without much resistance. I’ve met so many people on the road with dachshunds, and they always joke that their dog gets more attention than they do.

What makes dachshunds especially good for travel is how adaptable they are once they trust their person. They love being part of the action, whether that’s exploring a new neighborhood, hanging out at a dog-friendly beach club, or settling into a new Airbnb. They tend to have big-dog confidence in a small-dog body, which actually helps a lot in new environments.

The only caveat is their long spine. You’ll want to be mindful of lifting them properly, avoiding too many stairs, and not letting them jump off high surfaces. If you take care of their back, a dachshund can be an incredible, loyal adventure buddy who fits easily into a full-time travel lifestyle.

3. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are practically built for travel. They’re tiny, fluffy, and ridiculously easy to take just about anywhere. Their size alone makes life simpler, they fit comfortably in airline-approved carriers, meet almost every international cabin weight limit, and rarely run into restrictions at hotels or restaurants. People often underestimate how much easier travel becomes with a dog under ten pounds, and Pomeranians fall right into that sweet spot.

What surprises a lot of travelers is how adaptable Poms can be. They’re confident, curious, and usually very happy to explore new environments as long as they feel connected to their person. That combination of independence and attachment works beautifully on the road. I’ve met Poms who have lived in vans, bounced between continents, and handled long-haul travel better than some humans.

They do have a thick double coat, so grooming is something to stay on top of, especially in humid destinations like Mexico or Southeast Asia. Regular brushing keeps them comfortable and helps manage shedding in your Airbnb. But aside from that, Pomeranians are portable, social, and surprisingly brave, making them a great choice for travelers who want a tiny dog with a big personality.

4. Pugs

Of course I can’t write this article without including pugs! I travel full time with my pug, Puglo, and it feels like he was made to be my travel companion. He falls asleep as soon as we get on a plane, wakes up ready to explore whatever city we land in, and has this calm, go-with-the-flow energy that makes travel feel easier instead of harder.

He’s insanely adaptable, friendly with everyone, and small enough to fit in a carrier, though not small enough for the strict cabin limits in parts of Asia.

Because pugs are a snub-faced breed, they cannot fly in cargo for safety reasons. The good news is that you can fly with them in cabin as long as they meet the airline’s size and carrier requirements. This is why size matters a lot with pugs. Some stay on the smaller side, but others can get quite large, so if traveling is your long-term goal, it’s worth being mindful of weight and overall build.

There’s also the concern around breathing issues in hot climates. It’s true that some pugs struggle more than others, but every dog is different. We live between Mexico and Thailand and Puglo does just fine. He’s a very healthy pug, and with common-sense precautions like avoiding midday heat and keeping him hydrated, he thrives in warm destinations.

If you want a travel buddy who’s affectionate, hilarious, surprisingly athletic on the right trail, and happiest by your side no matter where you are, a pug can be an incredible choice. Just be sure to prioritize health and size from the start, and a pug can absolutely live the nomad life with you.

5. Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles are one of the most underrated travel dogs, but they’re one of the best fits for a nomadic lifestyle. Their small size means they meet almost every airline’s in-cabin requirements, and because they’re lightweight and compact, carrying them through airports or settling them under a café table is effortless. I’ve met quite a few travelers with Toy Poodles, and they always rave about how easy they are to bring anywhere.

What really sets Toy Poodles apart is their intelligence and trainability. They’re one of the smartest breeds in the world, which makes adapting to new environments so much smoother. Whether you’re hopping between countries, switching hotels every week, or navigating busy cities, they learn routines quickly and stay calm when things change. That level of flexibility is huge when you’re living life on the move.

They also don’t shed, which is a bonus for people staying in Airbnbs or furnished rentals. No fur tumbleweeds rolling across someone else’s apartment. With regular grooming and brushing, they stay clean and comfortable, even in humid or tropical climates.

Toy Poodles have enough energy to enjoy adventures but aren’t overwhelming to manage in small spaces. They’re social, affectionate, and love being with their person, which makes them wonderful companions for solo travelers or digital nomads who spend long hours in cafés.

6. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are not the easiest dogs to travel with if you’re moving frequently by plane. Their size alone makes in-cabin travel difficult unless you have the funds for airlines that allow large dogs in cabin, which mainly cover routes in the U.S. and to Europe. That said, I do follow an Instagram couple who manage to travel with their golden as an ESA worldwide, so it’s not entirely impossible.

But even with the size challenges, Goldens shine as travel companions in so many other ways. Their temperament is unmatched. They’re gentle, patient, friendly with everyone, and incredibly adaptable once they trust their environment. If your travel style involves road trips, van life, long-term stays, or slow travel, a Golden Retriever can be one of the best adventure dogs out there.

They’re happiest when they’re part of whatever you’re doing, hiking, swimming, beach days, exploring nature, meeting new people. Their energy level meshes well with active travelers, and they tend to settle beautifully in new spaces once they’ve had proper exercise.

Goldens also have a steady, confident presence that makes transitions easier for both the dog and the human. There’s a reason they’re one of the most popular breeds around the world: they’re simply good at being with people, no matter the backdrop.

If you’re not planning to hop between continents every few months and you want a big, affectionate adventure buddy with a heart of gold, a Golden Retriever can be a dream travel dog. You just need to choose a travel style that works with their size.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are another fantastic choice for travelers because they’re tiny, portable, and easy to bring just about anywhere. A well-kept Yorkie usually weighs between four and seven pounds, which means they meet nearly every in-cabin airline requirement around the world. If you’re someone who wants to avoid cargo travel entirely and move freely between countries, a small dog like a Yorkie makes life noticeably easier.

Their size also helps in day-to-day travel life. Yorkies slip into pet-friendly hotels with ease, rarely get questioned in rideshares, and fit comfortably under restaurant tables or beside your laptop at cafés. They have a confident little personality too, which actually works well in new environments. Despite their tiny frame, Yorkies often act like they’re much bigger than they are, giving them the courage to navigate busy streets and new situations.

Another perk is their coat, Yorkies don’t shed, which is ideal when you’re living in Airbnbs, long-term rentals, or shared spaces. You’ll need to maintain regular grooming, but it’s worth it when you’re not dealing with fur everywhere you go.

Yorkies do have a bit of a diva streak, but that’s part of the charm. For travelers who want a compact, adaptable, and surprisingly bold little companion, Yorkshire Terriers fit the lifestyle beautifully.

8. Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are an amazing middle-ground option for travelers who want a small dog without going tiny. They’re compact enough to meet many in-cabin airline requirements, but sturdy enough to keep up with active travel days. I

What makes them especially travel friendly is their temperament. Mini Schnauzers are confident, smart, and quick to adjust to new routines. They tend to take airports, new hotels, and busy streets in stride, especially once they’ve bonded with their person. That combination of loyalty and curiosity makes them great companions for digital nomads who bounce between destinations.

They’re also low shedding, which is a huge perk in Airbnbs or long-term rentals. Their wiry coat does require grooming, but the lack of loose fur makes them easy to live with on the move.

Mini Schnauzers have enough energy for hikes, beach days, or long city walks, but they’re also happy to chill under a café table while you work. With the right training and socialization, they become incredibly adaptable dogs, brave enough for adventures, calm enough for slow mornings in a new city.

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are one of the sweetest, most adaptable small breeds, which makes them incredible travel companions. Their size alone is a huge advantage. Most Cavaliers weigh between 13 and 18 pounds, meaning many of them can still fit into airline in-cabin limits, especially on more flexible carriers. Even when they’re on the bigger side, they’re still welcome in most pet-friendly hotels, cafés, rideshares, and restaurants.

But their temperament is what truly makes them shine as travel dogs. Cavaliers are calm, gentle, and incredibly people oriented. They thrive on being close to their person, which makes transitions to new environments feel safe for them. Whether you’re checking into a new Airbnb every few weeks or exploring new cities on foot, Cavaliers tend to settle quickly and take everything in with an easy-going attitude.

They’re also friendly with strangers and other dogs, which helps when you’re in social or crowded travel environments. If you’re the type who likes meeting people on the road, a Cavalier is basically a conversation starter in dog form.

Health is the main thing to keep in mind. Cavaliers can be prone to certain heart issues, so responsible breeding and regular vet checks are important, especially if you plan on flying often or traveling internationally.

If you want a soft, affectionate, gentle travel buddy who’s as content exploring new places as they are cuddling beside you while you work from a café, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beautiful fit for a nomadic lifestyle.

10. Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus are one of the easiest and most enjoyable small breeds to travel with. Their size alone makes them incredibly convenient: most weigh under 15 pounds, which means they fit within many airline in-cabin limits and are rarely questioned at hotels, cafés, or rideshares. If you want a dog who can hop around the world with minimal logistical hurdles, a Shih Tzu is a solid choice.

What sets Shih Tzus apart is their calm, adaptable temperament. They were literally bred to be companion dogs, so being with their person, whether that’s in a new Airbnb, at an airport lounge, or wandering a new city, is their favorite thing. They typically handle new environments with ease, and because they’re not high-energy, they don’t need intense exercise to stay content. That makes them especially good for travelers who split their time between exploring and working from cafés or co-working spaces.

Shih Tzus also have a friendly, gentle personality that helps them navigate crowded places and social situations. They’re usually great with kids, strangers, and other dogs, which makes them ideal for community-focused travelers or people bouncing between friends’ homes.

Their coat does require regular grooming, but the tradeoff is that they don’t shed, which is a blessing when you’re living in furnished rentals. A quick daily brush and scheduled grooming keep them comfortable, even in hot destinations.

If you want a compact, affectionate, low-maintenance travel dog who adapts easily to new routines and loves nothing more than being by your side, a Shih Tzu is an excellent fit for life on the move.

11. Mixed Breed (Mutt)

Mutts deserve a spot on this list just as much as any purebred, maybe even more. Many mixed-breed dogs are small, adaptable, and incredibly resilient, which makes them fantastic travel companions. In fact, a lot of the travelers I meet on the road have adopted local dogs or rescues, and those dogs often turn out to be some of the easiest, happiest travelers.

Because mutts can vary in size, temperament, and energy level, the key is simply finding one that matches your lifestyle. Many shelters have plenty of small dogs under 15 pounds, the size range that makes in-cabin flights, hotels, Ubers, and restaurant patios so much easier. Adopting a small mixed-breed dog often gives you all the benefits of the “travel-friendly” breeds without supporting unethical breeding practices.

Mutts also tend to have fewer genetic health issues than some purebred dogs, which can make a huge difference when you’re traveling across climates and countries. A healthy, hardy dog adapts more easily to temperature changes, new environments, and long stretches of travel.

And there’s something beautiful about giving a rescue dog a chance to see the world with you. Knowing their journey started in a difficult place and now includes airports, new cities, beach days, and hikes, it’s special. That’s a big part of what makes traveling with Puglo so meaningful to me.

If you want a loyal, loving, often low-maintenance travel buddy and you’re open to adopting, a mutt can be the perfect match for life on the road. Adopt, don’t shop, your future adventure partner might be waiting at a shelter right now.

If this post helped, you can buy Puglo a treat!

If this guide made traveling with your dog a little easier, supporting Puglo helps keep these resources coming for dog parents around the world.

🐾 Buy Puglo a treat

Thanks for supporting dog-friendly travel.

Best Dog Breeds for Plane Travel

A lot of you land on this post searching for the best dog breeds for plane travel specifically, so let me address air travel head on. For flying, small breeds win. Most airlines require in-cabin dogs to fit in a carrier under the seat, which in practice means a dog around 20 pounds or less including the carrier. From my list above, the Chihuahua, Toy Poodle, Yorkie, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are the easiest fliers. Full details are in my guide to airlines that allow dogs in cabin.

Two important caveats for air travel. First, flat-faced breeds like my Puglo (pugs, Frenchies, bulldogs) face breathing risks when flying and many airlines restrict them, so read my guides on airlines that allow snub-nosed dogs and flying with a pug before booking. Second, bigger dogs are not out of luck: here are airlines that allow large dogs in cabin.

If you are flying internationally, the CDC dog importation FAQ covers US re-entry rules, and the USDA APHIS pet travel site lists requirements by destination. My 9 tips for flying with your dog in cabin covers the day-of-flight routine I use with Puglo.

How to Choose the Right Breed for Your Travel Lifestyle

Choosing the right dog for a travel-heavy life isn’t just about picking a breed you’ve always loved. It’s about finding a companion whose needs and personality fit the way you move through the world, and sometimes, that dog chooses you. When I adopted Puglo, I wasn’t searching for a “travel dog.” He just showed up in my life, and our connection made everything else fall into place. That bond is what ultimately makes travel possible.

Consider your main mode of travel

If you fly often, especially internationally, size becomes the most important factor. A dog small enough to fly in cabin opens up destinations that would otherwise be impossible. It means fewer restrictions, less stress, and more spontaneity. But if your travels are mostly road trips, van life, or long-term stays, a larger breed can work beautifully.

Match energy levels

Think about how you spend your days on the road. If you’re hiking, exploring cities, or spending hours outdoors, choose a dog with the stamina to join you. If you split your days between cafés, coworking spaces, and mellow wandering, a more relaxed breed will be a better fit.

Temperament is key

Travel-friendly dogs don’t need to be fearless, but they should be adaptable. Look for dogs who recover quickly in new environments, enjoy meeting people, and can settle in unfamiliar spaces. Confident, people-oriented dogs usually thrive on the road. Highly anxious dogs might struggle unless they have a strong bond with you, which does make a huge difference.

Consider where you want to go

Your dream destinations should play a major role in choosing the right travel dog. If you want to travel internationally and expect to fly often, choosing a smaller dog will make everything smoother.

Climate is another key factor. If you love warm destinations like Mexico, Thailand, or tropical islands, look for a breed that can handle heat safely. Some snub-faced dogs or heavy-coated breeds may need extra precautions in hot weather. On the flip side, if you’re drawn to colder countries, mountains, or snowy regions, choose a dog that thrives in cooler temperatures and won’t need constant bundling up.

It’s also important to remember that some countries have strict regulations or outright bans on specific breeds, especially those classified as “fighting dogs” or “dangerous breeds.” These lists vary widely by country and can include breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and others. Bringing a restricted breed into certain places can be complicated or not allowed at all.

Health and maintenance

Travel is much smoother when your dog has minimal grooming needs and solid overall health. Breeds with chronic breathing issues, heavy grooming requirements, or joint sensitivities may need more planning and care.

At the end of the day, choosing a travel dog is a mix of logic and intuition. Find a dog whose lifestyle needs align with yours, or let the right dog find you, and you’ll have a partner who turns every journey into something even more meaningful.

Final thoughts: The Best Dog for Travel

Traveling with a dog isn’t always the easiest path, but it’s one of the most rewarding. When you choose a dog whose needs truly match your lifestyle, or when the right dog unexpectedly chooses you, the world opens up in a completely different way. I’ve seen it firsthand with Puglo.

What started as adopting an anxious little rescue turned into years of exploring new countries together, navigating airports like a team, and building a life that fits both of us.

There’s no perfect breed for every traveler, but there is a perfect dog for you. Whether it’s a tiny Chihuahua who slips effortlessly into airline carriers, a confident Mini Schnauzer ready for every adventure, a gentle Golden Retriever built for road trips, or a small mixed breed waiting in a shelter for their chance at a better life, what matters most is the connection you share and the lifestyle you create together.

Travel changes you, but traveling with a dog changes you in the best possible way. And when you find the right dog, every journey becomes richer, softer, and a whole lot more fun.

Traveling with a dog? Check out these guides!

• Bringing a dog to Panama
• Taking a dog to Europe
• Dog friendly cities in Mexico
• Traveling to Mexico with a dog
• How to bring your dog to Colombia
• How to take your dog to Thailand