Solo traveling is fun, but if you have a companion along, it will be great. Some of us are not ready to have human company while traveling, and at that point, having a four-legged friend can be outstanding. If you are fond of having a puppy or dog, be sure about whether they are a suitable option for air travel or not. If they are suitable for air travel, you can have them on any trip easily. Let’s explore all the relatable aspects in detail and find out the best dog breeds for air travel!
What Are The Characteristics Of Good Travel Dogs?
When it comes to choosing the best dog breed for air travel, there is no particular restriction imposed as we can train our dogs efficiently. But if we keep some basic characteristics in mind, it will be helpful in choosing the best breed, and lately, the time we invest in training our dogs will be reduced. Let’s discuss some basic characteristics!
1. The Dog Should Be Adaptable.
Adaptability is a primary requirement because if a dog is not adaptable, it will be troublesome for you and others traveling along. In most cases, people forget adaptability and, as a result, face embarrassment around other people. The dog must be sufficient to handle the environmental and routine changes. According to research, the best breeds that are adaptable include Maltese and English bulldogs.
2. The Dog Should Be Sociable
Some people are so scared of dogs that they can’t even be in the vicinity where the dog resides. But when you are traveling, you must be sure that your dog is sociable. It will help them to have a friendly encounter with strangers, and no one will complain about the behavior of your canine. If the sociable factor is not there, your dog will start to bark, which will be troublesome for everyone around. The best-hit breeds in the category of sociable dogs include the cocker spaniel and beagle.
3. The Dog Should Be Obedient
Your dog must be obedient enough that he responds to every command you are giving. During traveling, you have no clue where you will stop or move, so yes, it is important your dog listens to your commands. Furthermore, they will have encounters with some strangers that can be troublesome too, if they are not obedient. If your dog is ready to learn basic obedience, he is best for air travel. The best breeds to fit into the obedient category are the Shetland Sheepdog and the Poodle.
Best Dog Breeds To Travel With
Affenpinscher
The Affenpinscher is among the best breeds for air travel. It is also known as the monkey terrier and has been in existence since the 17th century. It is a delightful household companion, so you will not face any difficulty during travel. But understand that they hate being left alone, so when you are traveling with them, do not leave them anywhere.
Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is an Italian breed of small sighthound. It is famous as the Italian sighthound and is a good pet. They are highly intelligent and very affectionate. Moreover, they can be the best companions throughout the journey. They love human companionship, so you can easily have them. They appear to be quite clingy, so you need to be sure that you are around them and not getting annoyed by their behavior.
Australian Shepherd
The Australian shepherd is an easy-going dog that loves to be around people. He is obedient, sociable, and adaptable, so throughout the journey, you will not have any problems. But be sure about their diet because they are very sensitive and you can not give them anything to eat. In some cases, they are sensitive to certain drugs, so be sure about that as well.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese mountain dog is also among the best breeds for air travel due to its affectionate behavior. They have an obedient and good nature, which lets everyone feel love towards them. Additionally, there are believed to be the least aggressive dogs towards strangers, so surrounded passengers will not complain about anything.
Border Collie
The Border collie is among the working dog breeds. They are the best family pets, but you need to deal with their anger too. It is totally up to you whether you want to consider them for air travel or not, but in general, they are not suitable.
Boxer
The Boxer is an ideal companion for you during your travels. They are sweet and have a playful temperament, so you can easily have them along. The best part is that they are energetic, athletic, and intelligent, so you can easily travel with them. They are quite obedient and follow the master’s commands quite well.
German Shorthaired Pointer
A German shorthaired pointer is not a good option for you to have. They have a high prey drive and an instinct to chase. Moreover, they are prone to jumping, which is not allowed during air travel. Additionally, they cannot handle winter weather, so they are not a suitable choice to travel with.
Vizsla
The Vizsla is a sporting dog and needs the utmost care. They can become destructive and unhappy easily, so one cannot consider them to be obedient and sociable. Traveling with them is not a better option.
Catahoula Cur
Catahoula cur is a guard dog and a loyal companion in general. They are not aggressive towards people and are obedient enough, so you will not face any trouble during their travels. Moreover, you can train them in basic etiquette to adjust.
Beagle
Beagle dogs are a breed of small scent hound and, somewhere, have a similar appearance to larger foxhounds. They are very sociable and can easily adjust. You can have them for their traveling because they become fairly lazy and it will not cause any trouble to anyone around. But if they are scared, they can get aggressive, so pay attention to their surroundings.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever has a happy nature and can adjust easily. They have a patient personality, so they do not cause any problems with strangers either. But they are more prone to genetic problems like hip dysplasia, heart problems, and so on. Dogs with genetic problems are not allowed for air travel, and the rest depends on the guidelines issued by the airline authorities.
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is an excellent companion but not a safe option for air travel. They are born with the potential to be aggressive and to be territorial and aloof to strangers. This can be troublesome for everyone on the flight and can cause you social embarrassment. Additionally, if you leave them for longer periods, they will start to Bach aggressively.
The Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell terrier is a good family dog and is affectionate. With this breed of dog, sex aggression and aggression towards other breeds is quite common. If you can train your dog to be obedient, then only you can consider them for air travel. Otherwise, this is not the best option.
Whippet
The Whippet is among the most gentle and calm dogs, which means you can easily teach them basic manners. They are the best dogs for air travel because they can adapt to their surroundings and obey all your commands. You will enjoy spending time with them because they are very sensitive and will not cause any harm to anyone around.
English Foxhound
English foxhound is a lovable pet that comes up with low maintenance. But they love running and will not like to miss it. If you are going on a journey in which you need to be in the same position for a longer duration, these are not suggested. But for shorter duration flights they can be the best companion.
Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is the perfect example of the best air travel breed available. They are very obedient, and you can train them easily. Moreover, they are incredible runners and hikers, so you can have fun with them. The best part is that they are adaptable, so you will not face any sort of difficulty considering the weather changes.
Chinese Crested Hairless
The Chinese crested hairless breed is rare, and one can develop a great companionship with them. They are playful, and you will love to have fun with them. The best part is that they want nothing more than to make love, so you can easily travel with them. Also, they do not cause any harm to anyone, but as compared to other dog breeds, the maintenance is quite higher.
French Bulldog
French bulldogs are not allowed to fly with airlines due to their sensitive nature. They start to cry for attention. Some airlines are allowed to travel with French bulldogs but without cargo. It only depends on the guidelines issued by the airlines.
Glen Of Imaal Terrier
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is among the most playful and kind dog breeds available. They are strong and muscular and can be trained for anything. If you are looking forward to air travel, you can simply have it. But, be conscious about their diet because they are very sensitive. Also, they do not bark much.
Shih Tzu
The Shish Tzu is an Asian toy dog breed that originated in Tibet. It is a good pet, and they are really very wonderful. First of all, they are very silent, and you can easily train them. Also, for air travel, they are the best because you can go wherever you want. But make sure they are quite high-maintenance dogs.
Skye Terrier
The Sky terrier is a rare breed, and there is no doubt they are very beautiful, but you need to be sure because, during traveling, chances are they get unconscious. But apart from that, there will be no problems, as they are very affectionate.
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are also among the smallest breeds of dogs but are not a suitable option for air travel due to their propensity to act aggressively for the same reason. They may come up with some behavioral changes unnecessarily that can be unaccepted.
Yorkshire Terrier
In Yorkshire, there is no option due to their aggressive behavior towards strangers or dogs. Air travel can be troublesome because no one likes such a nuisance. Also, airline regulations do not apply to dogs with aggressive behavior.
Toy Poodle
The toy poodle is among the most affectionate dogs you can have. They are safe to travel with and are colorful, so people will love to have them around. Moreover, you can easily train them with some basic instructions that will be helpful for them to adjust to people.
Maltese
When it comes to adoptable dogs, the Maltese is at the top of the list. You can simply train them and take them on air travel. But don’t forget the excessive barking and the separation anxiety traits because if this happens, they may behave unknowingly.
Brussels Griffon
Brussels griffon can be, or not be, an option for you to travel along with. They are all 7 to 11 inches tall and weigh around eight to twelve pounds. The airline allows dogs weighing 20 pounds or less. The rest depends on the airline’s instructions. They are obedient and will not cause any problems for anyone around them.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese chin is a perfect option for air travel. They are almost 8 to 11 inches long and weigh between 7 and 11 pounds. Moreover, they are very affectionate and do not cause any problems for anyone around them. You can also train them with certain habits, which can be helpful later.
Pomeranian
Pomeranians are not among the suggested dogs for air travel due to their aggressive behavior. They start behaving annoyingly around people and especially animals that appear to be like them.
Pekingese
The Pekingese are among the loyal and affectionate dog breeds, adaptable and obedient, so you can have them for air travel. But they are quite sensitive, so be aware of their behavior throughout the flight as well.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a popular choice among kids and among the gentle dogs available. They are very obedient and adaptable, so you will not have any sort of difficulty training them for certain things.
Dachshund
The Dachshund makes a good family pet, and there is no doubt you can easily road travel with them as well. But the bar call is also not a suggestive option for air travel.
Portuguese Water Dog
If you are looking for our best companion, then a Portuguese water dog will be among them. They are very affectionate and do not cause any problems for each other. They only bark when they are scared or a thread is approaching them. You can easily train them as they are obedient and will listen to everything you are saying.
Norwich Terrier
The Norwich terrier is a toy-sized dog with a cool temperament. You can easily travel with them as they are calm and composed and very affectionate. Also, they can adjust to changes in the surroundings, so there will be no problems throughout.
Brittany
Brittany is among the most active dog breeds and is known as the best bird hunter. They are not the best choice for air travel because they can get aggressive easily and can cause trouble for other passengers. Also, they are dominant and require all your attention. But if you train them properly, they can be the best companions.
Toy Fox Terrier
Thankfully, flights are also available with them. They will be great companions and will not cause any problems. But make sure to have a well-ventilated pet carrier available because they do not like to be surrounded by uneasiness.
Russell Terrier
Russell terrier is among the most popular dog breeds available. They make good family pets, and you can easily travel with them. Additionally, they are not aggressive, so you can easily have them around and let them get introduced to other co-passengers.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is among the most affectionate and easy-going breeds available. They are adaptable, and you can easily travel with them by air. They are very small, quiet, and calm, which means they will not cause any problems for anyone in their surroundings. Also, these dogs can comfortably sit under an airplane seat for several hours.
Preparing For Travel With Dogs
Before a flight, we need to prepare ourselves for it, and likewise, when you are traveling with a dog, prepare him as well. The basic checks to keep in mind are as follows:-
Before Travel Day
1. Vet-Check
Approach the veterinary doctor and get the examination done considering travel. He will provide you with a travel health certificate that is helpful in traveling. Always get two copies and attach one with the boarding documents and another one with the dog carrier. In addition, inquire with the veterinary doctor about what to do in the event of an emergency. Because you never know when the dog will get out of his or her comfort zone and begin behaving in an obnoxious manner.
2. Make Bookings Offline Or Over The Phone
Online booking is not a suitable option when you are traveling with your dog. Instead, go for an offline booking or over the phone. Have a conversation with sales representatives and let them know that you are traveling with the dog because there is a particular accompanying fee you need to pay. It totally depends on the breed of the dog you have, along with its size.
3. Get An Idea Of The Rules And Regulations
When air traveling, the rules and regulations are important for humans and animals alike. Every airline comes up with specific policies, and you need to follow them for peaceful travel. The foremost guideline is that the pet must be older than 12 weeks, and you have all the certificates available considering vaccination and good health. Throughout the journey, don’t forget to provide plenty of food and water for your dog.
4. Get A Dog Carrier
A dog carrier or a carrying case is also important when you are on a flight. It must be large enough that it can turn around the dog comfortably and label it so that if there is any confusion and the authorities can directly contact you and hand over your canine.
5. Prepare The Dog For The Carrier
Dogs are not fond of carriers, so help them to be habitual about it. Before the trip, put your dog in the carrier regularly and notice how they are feeling. Moreover, practice the motion of travel so that there will be no problems later.
Travel Day
1. Final Check
The final check is the primary requirement, and you cannot miss it. Check out your dog’s health certificate along with boarding material and carrier. Mention all the details on the carrier and check them out again.
2. Food And Other Necessities
Food and water are essential throughout the journey, but make sure not to give your canine anything about 5 hours before the flight. The reason is that potty breakouts are very tough at the airport. Additionally, put some food and water inside of the carrier because he will stay in the cargo area, and flight attendants will look at it.
3. Have A Look At Your Dog At Least Once
Throughout the flight, make sure you have a look at your dog at least once or twice. It will make him feel comfortable and give a sigh of relief.
4. Before Takeoff
Try to keep your dog from being sleepy or up until boarding. It will burn energy and cause anxiety, due to which he can be more comfortable during the flight.
5. GPS Tracking Device
An ID tag and GPS tracker are also important, so make sure you have one. It will help you to keep track of your dog throughout the journey, and you will not miss your four-legged friend.
Regulations Related To Flying With Dogs
The basic rules and regulations you need to keep in mind when traveling with your pet are as follows:
- A dog must be at least eight weeks old.
- Get an idea of the weight of the dog the airlines are allowing.
- A dog does not have any sedatives or tranquilizers before flying.
- All the validated health certificates must be available with you.
- You need to choose the flight timings according to the habitat of your dog because extreme weather conditions can be harmful to them.
- Do carry the certificate of rabies immunization.
- You cannot enter the airport with your pet for more than 4 hours. Therefore, arrive timely.
- Do not give them anything to eat for almost 5 hours before the flight.
- The size of the carrier must be big enough so that a dog can stand, lay down easily, and not cause any trouble to others in the surrounding area.
- Make sure the carriers have handles so that there will be no problems with airline people carrying them.
- Do not forget to put food and water into the carrier.
- Put out your details over the career so that, in case of an emergency, flight attendants can approach you immediately.
Conclusion
Dogs can be your best companions and will not betray you for sure. Throughout your travels, they will understand you and also give you a homely feeling. Just be sure you have the best breed for air travel so that there will be no problems throughout. Here we have discussed all the essential details that will help you choose the best breed without any problems. For more details on considering pets, do head towards the information we have shared on our portal.