Best Dog Breeds for Travel-Loving Families in New Zealand
Whether you’re road-tripping around the South Island, flying from Auckland to Queenstown, or just heading down to the local beach, having the right four-legged travel companion can make every trip that much more special. Choosing a dog that loves to travel as much as you do makes adventures easier, more fun, and less stressful for the whole family. Let’s take a look at some of the best dog breeds for travel-loving families in Aotearoa.
What Makes A Good Travel Dog?
Not every dog is suited to life on the go. The best travel-sized companions are adaptable, well-socialised, generally healthy, and comfortable in new environments. Good travel dogs often share these traits:
- Friendly and sociable around strangers and other animals
- Comfortable in vehicles or confined spaces like carriers
- Small to medium size (especially for air travel), though some bigger breeds do surprisingly well
- Low anxiety or easily calmed – great candidates for calming aids and travel anxiety solutions
- Trainable and obedient – responding well to recall and commands
Remember, even great travel dogs need the right gear. Explore our range of dog travel accessories for seats, restraints, bowls, and more.
Top Dog Breeds That Love To Travel
- Labrador Retriever – Labs are easy-going, friendly and adaptable, making them an ideal travel mate for active families.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – Their cuddly size and affectionate nature make them ideal for car or plane trips.
- Spoodle – A popular favourite in New Zealand, Spoodles are clever and sociable, with coats that tend to be low-shedding.
- Miniature Schnauzer – These compact dogs are alert and lively, bold enough for hiking but small enough for tight spaces.
- French Bulldog – Calmer and lower-energy, Frenchies travel well if the climate is right and they’re not overexerted.
Each dog is different, so while the breed gives a good indication, it’s always about your pup’s personality too. A little travel training can help make any journey enjoyable – for pups and people alike.
Gearing Up For Safe And Happy Travel
Once you’ve found your canine co-pilot, make sure you gear up with essentials that make travel safe and convenient. At Petdirect, we offer a full range of travel must-haves, including:
- Travel restraints and harnesses for car trips
- Carriers and travel crates for flying or long drives
- Collapsible bowls and water bottles
- Motion sickness or travel-aid supplements
Don’t forget toys, treats and bedding – familiar comforts that help ease anxiety. And if your pup is nervous, check out our calming supplements and anxiety supports for the road ahead.
Tips For Travelling With Your Dog In New Zealand
Here in NZ, we’re spoiled for dog-friendly spots, from beaches to walking tracks and even pet-welcome stays. Here are a few tips to keep pup-friendly travel smooth:
- Plan frequent breaks for exercise, toilet trips, and water
- Use a collar and ID tag with your current contact details
- Bring along some training treats to reinforce good behaviour
- Stick to your pup’s regular feeding schedule with their everyday dog food
- Check accommodation and activity rules for canine guests before you set off
At Petdirect, we love making pet care easy and joyful for Kiwi families. Whether pup’s jet-setting or joining you lakeside, we’ve got everything you need to keep tails wagging along the way.
We Get Pets – And Travel Buddies
Choosing the right dog for a travel-loving lifestyle takes thought, heart, and a dash of wanderlust. If you're still deciding which pup might fit your family best, check out our top-rated picks or dive deeper into NZ made pet essentials for furry Kiwis. And for ongoing convenience, remember you can join our Pet Perks loyalty programme or set up Autodeliver to make life even easier.
Let’s make every road trip, holiday, or weekend wander a paw-sitive adventure — your next great one starts with the right companion!