Adopting a dog is a beautiful journey with many joys along the way – not least that first holiday away with your pet pooch. But seasoned travellers and holiday-lovers alike will have a little more to consider when picking the best dog breed for them.
Whether you’ll be flying, sailing, or taking your dog on the train, it pays to do a little research on what is and isn’t allowed on public transport. Some airlines don’t allow particular breeds of dog on their flights due to safety reasons. Other travel operators offer free trips for medium-sized or smaller dogs.
It’s also true that some breeds of dog are thought to be much more comfortable with the globe-trotting lifestyle than others. This is largely down to temperament, obedience, grooming, and whether they enjoy social situations with people (or other animals!)
At P&O Ferries, we help thousands of dog owners travel to Europe and the UK with their dog every year. We have dog friendly cabins and even puppy play areas in many of our fleets and ports, to make dog friendly travel a possibility.
So, if you’re a soon-to-be puppy owner, or you simply want to know which dogs travel well – keep reading and discover the best dog breeds for travel.
Dalmatian
When travelling with dogs, cleanliness might be a little hard to control – whether that’s mountains of fluffy dog hair piling up in your car, or a lingering ‘dog smell’ in your hotel room. But you won’t have to worry about that with dalmatians. These dogs don’t produce much body odour, due to the fact they have less oil in their coats than most dogs. Dalmatians also tend to have very short and fine hair, meaning they won’t shed much at all.
Originating from Croatia, these spotty dogs are known to help humans out in time of need, working as hunters, guards, or even fire-fighting assistants! They’re extremely loyal, with high energy levels, making them great travel companions for hiking, road-trips, and camping.
This breed of dog perhaps isn’t the best travel companion if you’re planning on taking long haul flights, though. Dalmatians are medium-sized, which means they may be separated from you and have to travel in the luggage hold.
Ferry travel shouldn’t be a problem for a dalmatian though. Simply book a dog friendly cabin or a kennel or set up a cosy crate with blankets in your car for any shorter journeys, like our 90-minute Dover – Calais sailing.
Dachshund
Slight of build and adventurous in nature, dachshunds tend to enjoy exploring and sniffing out new places. These sprightly little dogs are very family friendly and will fit easily in a small crate in your car, should you opt for a road-trip with your pet pooch. Dachshunds also shed minimally, meaning your car seats can stay mostly free of dog hair!
Their long, thin bodies can cause them to get tired easier than other breeds though, so if you’re planning to hike long distances on an active holiday, be sure to give them enough time to rest in between destinations.
That first journey away might cause your dachshund some concern, so de-sensitize them to your car by kitting out their crate with a favourite blanket and some toys. Should you need to take public transport on your travels, there’s a chance your dachshund will be able to travel with you for free.
Many local buses operating in Europe, including in popular cities like Amsterdam and Paris, will allow small dogs such as a dachshund to ride the bus for free. Most of the time this is permitted if your dog can fit on your lap, in your bag, or in a small dog carrier. Check the specific dog friendly travel rules per country via the city’s tourism page.
Boston Terrier
The Boston terrier is another smaller-sized dog that’ll travel well in the car or public transport. These adorable, inquisitive pooches don’t require much grooming and are easily trained. They also love to sleep, typically snoozing for around 12-14 hours a day – perfect for long car journeys!
Your Boston terrier probably won’t drool too much – but they are prone to a deep snore, due to their cute snub-noses! One of the most popular breeds of dog, Boston terriers are great for families because they’re playful, protective, and generally obedient – though it’s important to socialize them early.
Let them sniff and play with other dogs and people while on walks with your pooch. This’ll get them used to the unfamiliar smells, sights, and sounds they’ll experience while exploring the world by your side!
Labrador Retriever
Love countryside treks and exploring all Mother Nature has to offer? Labrador retrievers are a great breed of dog for hiking and will probably enjoy it just as much as you! They’re energetic enough for long walks, while being highly-intelligent, which will help prevent them from getting lost while off the leash.
This breed of dog also makes for a great family dog and tend to be friendly, good with kids, and easily entertained.
Labrador Retrievers are relatively big dogs, so be sure to buy a crate large enough for them to lie down comfortably on car journeys. They moult a bit more than most – so bring a dog comb and a bag for the loose hair after you’ve given your good boy a brush!
If you’re travelling overseas, consider an alternative to air-travel with your furry companion. They will likely have to travel in the hold, which can be stressful for them. Luckily, with P&O Ferries, you can travel to Europe with large dogs for just a small charge. In fact, our journey from Scotland to Ireland will allow you to travel with up to 4 dogs for free!
Want to find out more about travelling with dogs on-board our ferries? Check out P&O Ferries routes to Europe today and get your pet-friendly holiday on the go.
