Maisy and Rico, Rachel (owner of Nose to Trail’s) dogs enjoying the beach in Creswell, Northumberland.
As the summer holiday approaches, Jeremy Clarke a veterinarian and animal lover, has kindly written this guest blog for Nose to Trail on which dog breeds are best to take on holiday.
Whether you already have a dog or are looking to grow your family, you may be wondering if they would enjoy going on holiday with you. Whilst it can be argued that you cannot be too stereotypical when it comes to dogs, there are certain breeds that just seem to fare better with going away from home than others.
Smaller dogs tend to draw less attention and be generally more quiet than larger dogs, so they are often more easily accepted in bars, cafes and restaurants. However, bigger dogs with a high stamina will enjoy an adventure or hiking holiday more than a lap dog who is less active by nature.
Rico and Maisy waiting patiently for treats in the pub in Northumberland.
When you are looking to add a dog to your family, you may want to consider the benefits of taking them on holiday with you; if this is something you think you may want to do. From fantastic family bonding experiences to acting as an icebreaker for meeting new people, having your pooch beside you as you travel is a wonderful thing.
To help you weigh up your options, here are some of the best travel-friendly dog breeds which would love to go on holiday with you.
Chihuahua
These fun-sized pups are very happy to accompany you everywhere you go. Although they may need a lot of socialisation to help them overcome their small size and be confident in busy places, Chihuahua’s can be trained to a high standard. And as they are so compact, they’re generally welcomed in cafes, and can easily pop into a carrier or backpack when travelling through indoor shopping centres.
They won’t take up much space if you’re driving to your destination, and tend to be quiet and are happy to relax under a picnic table whilst you enjoy a pub dinner. They enjoy reasonable length walks and exploring new places, and are easy to pop into the bath for a clean up if they get mucky on your adventure.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Georgie one of Nose to Trail’s Star Students and members is a Cavalier!
These adorable little dogs are surprisingly athletic, despite their size. This makes them the perfect travel companions for those who enjoy hikes and long walks along the beach. They are very intelligent and easy to train, and form very strong bonds with their families. As they are so noble in both appearance and character, they make great pets to take on holiday.
They are adaptable and tend to be quiet and have excellent manners in public when trained appropriately. Fluffy and cute, with a gentle soul, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will have everyone cooing and happy to accommodate you wherever you go.
Labrador
Star Student and Nose to Trail member Syke is a Labrador.
Although labs are on the larger side, their sweet and gentle natures make them excellent dogs to take on holiday. They are eager to please, and will equally enjoy long walks and busy days or relaxing in the sun beside you for hours on end. Whilst they may take up a little more space, they capture the attention and hearts of everyone around them, so you’re unlikely to be turned away from an outdoor seating area with a labrador in tow.
If road trips are your cup of tea, a labrador would suit you well. A study by canine experts even concluded that labradors are the best dogs for car travel. With such a cheery disposition and easy going nature, these happy-go-lucky dogs are also great family pets.
Adopt, don’t shop
Whichever dog breed you’re considering, it’s far more responsible to adopt or rescue than to buy from a breeder. If you and your family enjoy taking holidays frequently, it’s well worth considering a dog that would fit easily in with your lifestyle in breed, build and personality.
What do you think of the suggestions? Do you agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments.