The best dog breeds for every type of traveler

Everyone knows that a dog is man’s best friend. With an increasing number of people bringing dogs into their lives during the pandemic period, humans are feeling the joys of canine parenting across the world.

For avid travelers, however, bringing a dog into your life might seem a little out of reach. Do I take them with me? Do I leave them at home? What if they don’t like the sand, or new people, or large crowds?

Do not be afraid. Dogs can be adaptable, and just like humans, some are incredibly well suited to the traveling life.

Leading airline Icelandair spoke to Gayle, dog trainer and owner of k9coach.org, a dog training and behavior modification company based in Essex, UK, about his recommended dog breeds for every type of traveler.

Whether you are a beach lover, a city vacation enthusiast, or a family travel troop, these are the perfect dog breeds to suit your lifestyle and travel habits.

Best Dog For Beach Lovers: Labrador Retriever

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So you like to spend your well-deserved vacation lying on the golden sand, sipping a cocktail and immersing yourself in a good book. Lucky for you, a Labrador Retriever is just as cool and would be the perfect vacation companion for you.

They love the water and are great companions that whether you’re spending a day lazing or indulging in exercising by the beach, will match your level of activity and energy.

Gayle’s top tip: “Get your lab used to grooming from a young age so brushing the sand off their fur isn’t a big deal!” “

Best dog for outdoor adventurers: German Shorthaired Pointer

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If hiking, rock climbing and exploring the great outdoors are more your vacation style, a German Shorthaired Pointer would be your ideal canine partner. They are full of energy, ready for adventure and designed for exploration.

These dogs are excellent swimmers, perfect if your adventure takes you into the water. Originally bred to work long days in the field or by the lake, GSPs have power, speed, agility and endurance – the perfect adventure companion.

Best advice from Gayle: “Start rappelling training early to avoid missing out on your trip and get your GSP used to a harness.” “

Best dog for urban explorers: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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If you enjoy a city break or want to base your trip in a more urban setting, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a great choice for you.

Their friendly temperament and adaptability means that they are great around a lot of people, and as very social dogs, new faces and friends are not a problem for them.

They aren’t energy balls, but they aren’t lazy dogs either, so they’ll be happy to trot alongside you as you explore urban jungles without needing a large green space to run around.

Top tip from Gayle: “Start socializing your dog with the buzz of the city from a young age so he gets used to the sounds and smells. “

Best Dog For Backpackers: Boston Terrier

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Are you packing your backpack for a longer trip? A Boston Terrier should be at the top of your packing list!

For someone who goes for longer periods of time, often to multiple locations, the Boston Terrier’s friendly nature and relaxed sociability make them the perfect hiking companion.

They have enough energy to explore, but are cool enough to sit in transport for longer periods of time, making them the perfect companion for long trips. They are smart, outgoing dogs with a great personality, so if you are traveling on your own they will be helping you make new friends in no time!

Gayle’s top tip: “Get your Boston puppy acclimated to public transportation right away so they’ll be calm on the trip.”

Best dog for business travelers: Border Terrier

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If you don’t have a lot of separation between your work and your hobbies and your only opportunity to travel is to fly between business meetings, a Border Terrier is the puppy for you.

They have few grooming needs, which is great for busy people, and are smart and independent, so they can be left on their own when you need to get to your next meeting.

Best advice from Gayle: “Socialize your Border Terrier with other animals early on and go to bed in early obedience. Make sure you get them used to cats that appear in urban areas for example. “

Best dog for family vacations: Golden Retriever

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Part of a travel pack? If your family enjoys vacationing together, you need a friendly, patient, and active dog. Enter: Golden Retriever.

They are both social and tolerant, which means they have patience with children and are happy to meet new people and be around strangers. They are active enough to participate in family activities, but are just as happy to relax when the rest of their pack is.

They are also playful and gentle dogs who are not easily stressed in public places.

Top tip from Gayle: “Start recovery training early so the family has a fun way to keep your golden healthy and fit while you’re on the road.” “

What kind of traveler are you? Do you have a favorite dog breed for traveling? So let us know in the comments below!