We all have characteristics that dictate how we may behave in certain situations, and pets are no different.
When it comes to traveling with your family or friends, you probably know who is more prone to get grumpy without sleep or after being in the car too long. Traveling takes us out of our routine and — even though we do it for enjoyment — it can be a bit stressful. The same is true for the furry members of your family. And when it comes to dogs, their breed can reveal a lot about how they’ll behave when traveling. This can be helpful in predicting whether or not your pet will travel well, although just like humans, every dog is unique.
Following are some breeds and the categories they fall into when it comes to their personalities and how it will impact their travel behavior:
Laid-Back Barneys
The English Bulldog is one of the most laid-back breeds you’ll find. On the road, this translates to happy travelers. These dogs are particularly well suited for longer trips because they’re content to be in the car for long stretches of time. Your English bulldog’s laid-back demeanor means he’ll also likely do well when you reach your destination and will be content to lounge around the hotel room or campground so long as he gets some exercise at least twice a day.
Sociable Spot
The Beagle – Although he never looked much like a Beagle to us, Snoopy is perhaps the most well-traveled of his breed ever since the emergence of the World Tour Snoopy. His travels, documented on Pinterest, Facebook and other places, have taken him to Shea Stadium, Mt. Rushmore, Old Faithful, The Eiffel Tower, Shanghai, and even the grave of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz at Pleasant Hills Cemetery in California.
But will your real-life beagle travel so well?
Chances are, he will. Besides being even-tempered, your beagle is sociable and intelligent. He’ll enjoy going new places and meeting new people. This breed is notoriously vocal, however, so you’ll want to limit the amount of time you leave them unattended in your RV or hotel room, and make sure their environment is comfortable while you’re away.
Cocker spaniels and their cousins the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are also among the friendliest and most sociable breeds, making them well-suited for travel. They’re also a bit quieter than beagles, so you’re less likely to have to deal with them barking or howling and keeping your hotel neighbors awake.
Steady Eddies
When it comes to even temperament, both Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers take the cake. Not only does this trait make them great family pets, but it means they’ll travel well, too. They’re both trusting and kind, yet confident in themselves. This means they won’t be too easily rattled by new surroundings and environmental factors like noise.
Obedient Oscars
Some breeds are naturally more obedient than others, which can make them excellent travel companions. A dog that will respond to your commands is a great co-pilot for many reasons, including their own safety if they will be off-leash or around other pets on your trip.
Collies are recognized as the classic American farm dog, thanks to their obedient nature and willingness to respond immediately to their masters. They are also highly intelligent.
Speaking of intelligence, this is perhaps the most dominant trait of Poodles. Originally bred for hunting, they are also obedient and will behave well when traveling.
Feisty Fidos
From the biggest to the littlest, there are a number of breeds that are feistier than others. While this doesn’t mean you should count them out for travel, you should keep their more high-strung temperaments in mind as you plan your overnight stops and final destinations. German Shepherds, Rottweilers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Boston Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Dachshunds, and Chihuahuas can all fall into this category. These breeds also tend to bark more than some others. Remember, each pet is unique, so don’t just assume your furry friend can’t travel based on breed alone. The main thing to consider when traveling with any breed is whether or not you will be able to keep them calm in new circumstances, allow them plenty of exercise and fresh air, and ensure the temperature and environment is safe during any time you’ll be away from them.
Most dogs will be content to be wherever their owner is so long as their needs are being met and they feel safe and secure.
