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For many dog owners, there’s nothing more enjoyable than taking their furry friend along for a car ride. Whether it’s a quick trip around the block or an adventure to a new hiking spot, some dogs absolutely love sticking their heads out of the window and feeling the breeze on their faces. These dogs eagerly jump into the car, ready for the next adventure, and often exhibit calm, happy behavior while traveling. On the other hand, not all dogs are fans of car rides. Some would much rather stay home, avoid the moving vehicle, and escape the stress of the journey. If you’re wondering which dogs are born road warriors and which would prefer a staycation, let’s dive into the breeds that love car rides and those that dread them.
Labrador Retriever
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The Labrador Retriever is famously adventurous and outgoing, making car rides a dream for these energetic dogs. Whether it’s heading to the dog park, the beach, or simply running errands, Labs loves the thrill of new surroundings and the excitement that comes with a road trip. Labs are known for their calm demeanor when traveling, happily sticking their heads out the window or sitting contently in the back seat. Their love for outdoor adventures makes them natural companions for car rides, as they’re always ready for the next great experience.
Golden Retriever
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Golden Retrievers, much like their Labrador cousins, are known for their enthusiastic and adventurous nature. These dogs love being part of any family activity, and car rides are no exception. With their calm temperament and love for exploration, Golden Retrievers enjoy riding in cars, especially if it leads to a fun destination like a park or a hike. They’re friendly, adaptable, and relaxed, making them great travel companions. Whether it’s a long road trip or a short drive around town, Goldens will happily hop into the car, excited for the adventure ahead.
Boxer
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Boxers are lively, playful dogs that love being with their families, and they have a natural curiosity about the world. This makes them excellent car companions, as they love the sights, sounds, and smells of a road trip. Boxers are known for their high energy and excitement, and the prospect of a car ride only amplifies their enthusiasm. They may spend part of the ride with their heads out of the window, taking in the fresh air or simply relaxing in the back seat. Boxers enjoy being part of the action and are always up for a car ride to anywhere fun.
Cocker Spaniel
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Cocker Spaniels are affectionate, friendly dogs that love spending time with their owners, making them great companions for car rides. These dogs are known for their curiosity and enjoyment of new experiences, and they often associate car rides with positive outcomes like going to the park, visiting friends, or running fun errands. Their calm demeanor allows them to adapt well to traveling, and they are happy to sit quietly in the car, especially if they know a new adventure is on the horizon. Cocker Spaniels are the perfect size for car travel, and their easygoing nature makes them great road companions.
Dachshund
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Despite their small size, Dachshunds are adventurous and curious dogs that enjoy exploring new places—and that includes car rides. These little dogs are brave and eager to experience the world, and many Dachshunds love jumping into the car for a ride. Whether it’s a trip to the park or a weekend getaway, Dachshunds enjoy being part of the adventure. Their curiosity and energetic personality make car rides fun, as they love looking out the window and watching the world go by. Despite their short legs, they’re long on enthusiasm for life’s adventures, and car rides are a great way to satisfy their curious nature.
Border Collie
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Border Collies are known for their intelligence and high energy, and car rides are a great way for them to channel their need for activity and mental stimulation. These dogs are always ready for a new adventure, and they love the idea of going somewhere exciting. Border Collies are highly adaptable and can handle long car rides with ease, provided they get plenty of mental and physical exercise along the way. Whether they’re heading to a herding competition, a hiking trail, or simply tagging along for errands, Border Collies love being part of the action, making them great travel companions.
Australian Shepherd
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Australian Shepherds are energetic, intelligent, and highly trainable dogs that love adventure, and car rides fit perfectly into their active lifestyle. Aussies enjoy exploring new places, and they’re always excited to hop into the car for the next outing. Their love for hiking, running, and outdoor activities makes them great companions for car trips to the countryside or other destinations. Australian Shepherds are curious and alert during car rides, often watching their surroundings with interest. They thrive on new experiences, and car rides are a great way for them to stay engaged and enjoy new sights and smells.
Beagle
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Beagles are scent hounds known for their curiosity and love of exploration, making them eager participants in car rides. These dogs are always excited about new adventures and love discovering new places, so they happily jump into the car when it’s time to go. Beagles are adaptable and handle car travel well, especially if it leads to outdoor activities like hiking or visiting new parks. Their love for tracking scents makes car rides particularly enjoyable, as they can catch new smells along the way. Beagles are energetic and friendly, making them fun travel companions.
French Bulldog
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French Bulldogs may not be the most active breed, but they love spending time with their humans—and that includes car rides. These small, muscular dogs are affectionate and loyal, and they enjoy being part of the family, whether it’s for a short trip or a long journey. French Bulldogs are calm and adaptable, making them great companions for car travel. While they might not be as excited about outdoor adventures as some other breeds, they love being with their owners and are content to sit in the car and enjoy the ride, especially if it leads to a fun destination.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, gentle dogs that thrive on companionship, making them excellent car companions. These small dogs love being close to their owners and enjoy participating in family outings. Whether it’s a quick trip to the store or a longer road trip, Cavaliers are calm and relaxed in the car, happy to be part of the journey. Their friendly and adaptable nature makes them great for car travel, and they enjoy the comfort of sitting close to their humans. Cavaliers are easygoing dogs that make any road trip more enjoyable with their sweet presence.
Pug
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Pugs are small, lovable dogs with big personalities, and they enjoy car rides as much as they enjoy spending time with their owners. These affectionate dogs love being part of the action and are happy to tag along for any adventure. Pugs are known for their adaptability, and they handle car travel well, often sitting contently in the back seat or on a cozy blanket. While they may not be built for intense physical activity, Pugs love the novelty of car rides and enjoy being with their humans wherever they go. Their playful nature makes car trips fun for everyone involved.
Rottweiler
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Rottweilers may be large and muscular, but they have a soft spot for spending time with their families, including going on car rides. These loyal dogs are calm and composed during travel, making them great companions for road trips. Rottweilers are protective and love being close to their humans, so they’re always eager to hop into the car and be part of the adventure. Despite their size, they are often relaxed in the car, enjoying the journey and the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones. Rottweilers are great for families who love road trips and want a loyal companion by their side.
Siberian Husky
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Siberian Huskies are known for their adventurous spirit and love of exploring, making them great companions for car rides. Originally bred to pull sleds over long distances, these dogs thrive on movement and new experiences. Their curiosity and high energy levels make them eager to jump in the car and go wherever they’re headed, whether it’s a road trip or just a quick drive to the park. Huskies often enjoy having their heads out the window, taking in the sights and smells. However, ensuring they’re secure is important, as their energetic nature can sometimes make them restless during longer trips.
Dalmatian
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With their love of adventure and high-energy personalities, Dalmatians are natural fans of car rides. Historically used as carriage dogs, they are strongly associated with being on the move and are comfortable in vehicles. Dalmatians enjoy the stimulation of watching the world go by from the car window and love spending time with their humans, no matter the destination. Their boundless energy means they’ll be excited for the journey, whether a quick trip or a longer drive. Dalmatians thrive when they’re involved in activities, and a car ride is a perfect way to keep them engaged and happy.
Miniature Schnauzer
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Miniature Schnauzers are curious, intelligent, and loyal dogs that love spending time with their owners—especially on car rides. Their adventurous and social nature makes them eager to explore new places in the car. Miniature Schnauzers are small enough to be comfortable in most vehicles, and their adaptable personalities mean they’re generally well-behaved during trips. These dogs are great for car rides to urban and rural areas, as they enjoy exploring new environments. Whether a quick drive to the store or a weekend road trip, a Miniature Schnauzer will be happy to come along.
German Shorthaired Pointer
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German Shorthaired Pointers are energetic and love being part of any adventure, which includes car rides. As hunting dogs, they have a strong sense of curiosity and are always eager to explore new places. Their athleticism and enthusiasm make them excited to hop into the car, and they enjoy long drives, especially if a hike or adventure is waiting at the destination. German Shorthaired Pointers thrive in active households, and a car ride is just another fun way for them to engage with the world around them. Their calm demeanor in the car makes them great travel companions.
Vizsla
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Vizslas are affectionate, energetic dogs that love to be close to their humans, including tagging along on car rides. Known for their “Velcro” dog personality, Vizslas enjoy being involved in every part of your day, and they’re eager to join you for a drive. Their sleek, athletic build and calm temperament make them comfortable passengers, whether it’s a short trip or a longer journey. Vizslas are happiest when they’re with their family, so car rides are another way to be part of the fun. Their love of activity and adventure makes them perfect road trip companions.
Shetland Sheepdog
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Shetland Sheepdogs, or Shelties, are intelligent and affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with their families, including on car rides. Shelties are naturally curious and love observing the world as they ride along. Their small to medium size makes them easy to transport, and they generally handle car trips well. Shelties are also calm and well-behaved during car rides as long as they know the routine. These dogs bond closely with their owners, and the chance to go for a ride—especially to a park or outdoor destination—is something they truly enjoy.
Papillon
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Papillons may be small, but they have big personalities and a love for adventure, making them great car companions. Known for their playful and curious nature, Papillons enjoy being part of the action, and car rides offer the perfect opportunity for them to explore new places while staying close to their owners. Their small size makes them easy to transport, and they are usually well-behaved during car trips. Papillons are eager to see the world and take in all the sights, making them enthusiastic passengers, whether short drives or longer road trips.
Great Dane
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Despite their large size, Great Danes are surprisingly calm and easygoing, which makes them excellent car companions. Their laid-back nature means they’re happy to sit or lie in the back seat and enjoy the ride. Great Danes bond closely with their owners and love spending time with them, even if it’s just a car ride to the park or a short drive around town. Their gentle temperament and relaxed attitude make them well-suited for car rides, though it’s important to ensure your vehicle has enough space to accommodate their large frame comfortably.
Standard Poodle
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Standard Poodles are intelligent, adaptable dogs that enjoy car rides, especially if there’s an adventure at the end of the trip. Poodles are known for their curiosity and willingness to explore new environments, and they’re generally calm and well-behaved in the car. Their size and temperament make them easy to travel with, and they’re just as happy going for a short drive as they are embarking on a longer road trip. Standard Poodles enjoy being with their owners and quickly jump into the car, ready for the next fun outing.
Boston Terrier
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Boston Terriers are compact, friendly dogs that love car rides and spending time with humans. Their easygoing nature makes them perfect passengers, and they’re generally happy to sit and enjoy the ride. Boston Terriers are curious and love watching the world go by from the safety of their car. They’re small enough to fit comfortably in most vehicles and are content with short trips and longer drives. Boston Terriers are eager to be with their families, and car rides provide a fun, stress-free way to stay close to their favorite people.
Dogs That Aren’t Fans of Car Rides
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While many dogs love the thrill of a car ride, others would much rather stay home, avoid the motion, and enjoy the comforts of home. These breeds are more likely to experience stress, discomfort, or anxiety during car travel, making them less enthusiastic about hitting the road.
Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas may be small and portable, but that doesn’t mean they love car rides. Many Chihuahuas are anxious and uncomfortable in the car, especially on longer trips. Their small size can make them feel vulnerable in a moving vehicle, and they may become nervous or stressed. While some Chihuahuas can adapt to car travel with training and patience, many would much prefer the safety and stability of staying at home, away from the noise and movement of the road.
Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus are known for their calm, lap-dog personalities, and many of them don’t enjoy the motion and unpredictability of car rides. These dogs prefer the quiet, stable environment of their home and can become stressed or uncomfortable during travel. Shih Tzus are more likely to associate car rides with trips to the vet or other stressful situations, making them hesitant to jump into the car. While some Shih Tzus can adapt to short car trips, many would rather stay curled up on the couch than face the open road.
Basset Hound
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Basset Hounds are laid-back dogs that prefer a slow, leisurely pace to the hustle and bustle of car travel. With their long ears and droopy expressions, Basset Hounds can get motion sickness during car rides, making them less enthusiastic about traveling. They are more content to stay at home, enjoying a slow walk or lounging in the yard, rather than embarking on a road trip. Their calm and easygoing nature makes them great homebodies, and they’re not particularly fond of the excitement and movement of car travel.
Pekingese
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Pekingese dogs are dignified and independent, and many of them aren’t fans of car rides. These small dogs can become anxious or stressed in a moving vehicle, and they’re more likely to enjoy the comfort of their home over the motion of a car. Pekingese are often wary of new environments, and car rides can be overwhelming for them. While they may tolerate short trips, they’re generally not enthusiastic travelers and would rather stay home in familiar surroundings.
English Bulldog
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English Bulldogs are known for their relaxed and lazy personalities, and car rides are not usually their favorite activity. Bulldogs can overheat easily, especially in warm weather, and the motion of the car can make them uncomfortable. Their stocky build and respiratory issues make traveling difficult, and they’re more likely to experience stress or discomfort during car rides. English Bulldogs are content to stay home, enjoying a slow, relaxed lifestyle without the excitement of travel.
Basenji
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Basenjis, while clean and quiet, often dislike car rides. These independent dogs are known for their strong-willed nature and may become anxious or restless during car trips. Basenjis don’t enjoy confinement, and the car’s motion can make them uncomfortable. They prefer being in environments where they can explore freely, so long car rides may not be their favorite activity. While some Basenjis can be trained to tolerate short car trips, they generally prefer staying grounded over hitting the open road.
Bullmastiff
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Bullmastiffs, with their calm and protective demeanor, are generally homebodies and may not enjoy long car rides. Their large size can make them uncomfortable in vehicles, and they may become restless or anxious during longer trips. Bullmastiffs are known for their loyalty and love of being with their families, but they’re also content staying at home. While they may tolerate short car trips, they’re not the most enthusiastic passengers, and their sheer size can make it challenging to find a comfortable space for them in the car.
Afghan Hound
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With their elegant appearance and independent nature, Afghan Hounds are not fans of car rides. These dogs often prefer staying in familiar environments and may become anxious or uncomfortable in vehicles. Afghan Hounds are known for their aloofness and don’t always appreciate being confined to a car for extended periods. While they love to run and explore when given the chance, the confined space of a car is not ideal for their long, slender bodies. As a result, Afghan Hounds are generally not the most eager participants regarding car trips.
The Road Warriors vs. The Couch Crusaders
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Whether you’re cruising with a Labrador who loves the open road or staying home with a Chihuahua who prefers to avoid the car altogether, each dog has its unique preferences. For the road warriors, car rides are a thrilling adventure full of new sights and smells, while the couch crusaders would much rather stay in the comfort of their familiar surroundings. No matter what, the best travel buddy is the one that fits your lifestyle—whether that means hitting the road or staying cozy at home!
Toledo, United States.
