What Are The Best Dog Breeds for RVing
If you’re a dog lover and consider your pet to be a part of your family, then naturally you’ll want to take it everywhere you go! A journey in your RV to a fun recreational destination is no exception. This begs the question, ‘what dog breeds are best for travelling and RV living?’
The best dogs for RV living are usually small breeds that adapt well to travelling in somewhat confined spaces and/or active breeds that enjoy outdoor recreational activities often associated with an RV lifestyle (such as camping, fishing, hiking, hunting and swimming). While size can be an issue, it’s more a matter of temperament. Therefore, dogs that are obedient and well-trained will make the best road trip travel companions.
Now that you know small and/or active breeds make great RV travelling companions, let’s take a closer look at this in more detail below. We’ll explain which breeds are best and why. We’ll also discuss if you can leave your dog alone in an RV as well how to make your RV pet friendly and safe for your dog.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about dog breeds and RV living, then let’s get started!
Best Small Dog Breeds for RV Living
Small or toy breed dogs are often considered the best choice for road trips and long-distance travel, as they don’t take up much space, need fewer supplies and are generally easier to manage. The 5 best small dog breeds for recreational vehicle living include:
The Chihuahua
This tiny breed is likely the best example of a travel-sized dog. Since they don’t take up much space or eat a lot of food, they make the perfect road trip companion, especially for those travelling across country in an RV.
The Havanese
This small breed is outgoing, adventurous and great for road travel. Their non-shedding coat is perfect for RV living. Travelling the countryside in a motor home is idyllic for these happy, affectionate dogs who adore cuddling and spending time with people.
The Jack Russell Terrier
This breed, although small yet mighty, makes a great travel companion. Their adventurous nature is only matched by their affectionate disposition. Playful and powerful, they enjoy outdoor activities which is common for those living life on the road.
The Maltese
This dog is considered a toy breed and weighs less than 7 pounds on average! Their small size makes them the ideal travel companion for those experiencing the RV lifestyle. As well, they hardly shed which is a bonus when travelling in somewhat confined spaces.
The Pomeranian
This breed is very friendly and able to co-exist nicely with other animals, which is a plus when travelling with more than one pet. Active and playful, they like to be around people. Their smaller size makes them a great RV travel companion.
Best Active Dog Breeds for RV Living
Active dogs make great travel companions, especially if they enjoy outdoor recreational activities often associated with most road trip destinations. The top 5 best active dog breeds for recreational vehicle living include:
The Australian Shepherd
This breed, commonly referred to as an ‘Aussie’, is smart, obedient and agile. Their easy-to-train and rugged-outdoor nature makes them the perfect companion for any recreational activity common to those living the RV lifestyle. Whether it be fishing, hiking or hunting, this dog (with its boundless energy and immense enthusiasm) was born for a life of adventure!
The Border Collie
This breed is considered to be one of the smartest in the world and makes a great companion for anyone on the road seeking adventure. They are highly-active with energy to spare! If you enjoy vigorous outdoor activities such as biking, hiking and running and then this is the dog for you! They are easy to train and like to be on the move, similar to those living the RV lifestyle.
The Dalmatian
This breed is easy to train, which makes travelling with them a cinch! They are friendly, affectionate and energetic. They are also highly tolerant of fluctuating weather conditions, making the ideal companion for both cold and warm weather recreational activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, hunting or swimming, Dalmatians make ideal companions.
The Labrador Retriever
This breed is one that typically comes to mind when you think of adventurous four-legged friends. If you enjoy outdoor water sports such as fishing and hunting, then this is the breed for you as Labradors love to swim. As the name states, they’re great ‘retrievers’ and will fetch everything from fish or fowl, making them the ideal fishing and hunting companion.
The Siberian Husky
This breed is ideal should your RV travels take you up north to cooler climates. Huskies enjoy anything that has to do with snow so winter camping and fishing trips are a must! And, should the unthinkable happen and you temporarily get separated from your pet, this dog can fend for itself in the wild using its highly-evolved survival instinct.
What is the Best Dog to Take on a Road Trip?
The best dog to take on a journey is one that’s obedient and well-trained. Size isn’t so much the issue as temperament. When long road trips are in order (common to those living the RV lifestyle), your pet must be able to relax (in a somewhat confined space) for extended periods of time. If its hyperactive, anxious, restless, has a weak bladder or suffers from motion sickness, it’ll be difficult to travel with.
Can You Leave Your Dog Alone in an RV?
Leaving any pet, let alone a dog, in an RV is not a good idea. Dogs are particularly sensitive to warm temperatures and can overheat in a matter of minutes! Heat stroke (which can lead to brain damage, even death) is common, especially if its left in an RV without an open window or air conditioning. If you need to make a stop, it’s imperative that someone stays in the RV with the dog, just to be safe.
How Do You Travel with a Dog in an RV?
Travelling with a dog in an RV is easy, as long as you pack the right gear and plan ahead. Be sure to have everything your pet needs to feel comfortable and ‘at home’, such as food, water, toys and a blanket or doggy bed. Don’t forget the leash and harness for walks and potty breaks.
As well, be sure to select pet-friendly RV parks, campgrounds, restaurants, etc. as part of your trip itinerary. Doing research online in advance or talking to others who also take their pets on road trips is a good idea.
How Do You Keep an RV Dog Safe?
To keep your dog safe while travelling cross-country, it’s best to place it in a seat belt harness or dog crate when your RV is on the move. Ensure that the crate is secured down to prevent it from sliding about on the road.
Bring a leach along as well since daily exercise is a must for dogs that spend long periods of time (likely laying down or sleeping) in a moving vehicle. This will also allow you to keep your dog close and under control at all times. Make sure your dog has a collar with an ID tag on it, should your get lost or sick.
Conclusion:
To summarize, the best dogs for RV living are often small, toy breeds that adapt well to travelling and being in somewhat confined spaces for longer periods of time. As well, active breeds that enjoy outdoor recreational activities (often commonplace with RV lifestyles) are too well-suited for life on the road.
While size can be an issue, it’s more a matter of temperament than anything else. Therefore, dogs that are healthy, obedient and well-trained will make the best road trip travel companions. In the end, it’s all about spending as much quality time with a four-legged friends as possible.