Best Dog Breeds for RV Travel
There are over 330 recognised dog breeds in the world so it can be quite a process to choose the breed that is right for you and suitable for RV travel. Luckily I have put together a guide so you know what to look for in a dog breed for RV travel as well as my top 5 breed suggestions and longer lists broken down into small and large dog breeds.
Table of Contents
Overall Top 5 Breeds for RV Travel
1. Labrador Retriever
2. Cocker Spaniel
3. Greyhound
4. Dalmatian
5. Jack Russel Terrier
Our Top Picks: Must Have Dog Products!
What to Look for in a Dog Breed for RVing
Temperament
Temperament is the most important factor when looking for a dog breed, especially if the dog is going to be a good RV companion. I highly recommend dogs that are quiet for RVing. When you are staying at RV parks or camping grounds you are going to have lots of neighbours in close proximity. Considering that RVs and campervans have very thin walls, a barking dog will definitely be heard by neighbouring vans. I don’t think you want angry neighbours knocking on your door.
Secondly, you want to look for a dog breed that is not territorial. Territorial dogs can cause problems at camping grounds where other dogs might be and also be disrupted by constant relocation.
These are some dog characteristics you want to look for:
- Quiet
- Friendly
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Outgoing
- Affectionate
- Playful
There are the seven types of dogs:
- Hounds
- Non-sporting
- Pastoral/herding
- Sporting
- Terriers
- Toy
- Working
Size
There are three main sizes of dogs: small (5kg – 10kg), medium (11kg to 26kg) and large (26kg to 44kg) as well as the extremities: tiny (1kg – 5kg) and giant (45kg+).
Different sized dogs have different exercise, health and dietary requirements. Exercise is the main thing to consider for RV dogs. Toy and small breeds mainly live indoors. Medium, large and giant breeds need lots of exercise. You need to choose a dog breed size according to your RV lifestyle.
Are you mainly sightseeing and driving around a lot? A smaller dog is good for you.
Or are you hiking, swimming and doing adventure activities? You need to get a large dog to keep up with your active lifestyle.
Remember all dogs need exercise everyday, you can’t buy a toy or small dog breed and leave them inside your vehicle all day because they don’t need as much exercise. If you are driving for the day, you should be taking regular stops and let your dog run around at parks or go on long tiring walks no matter the size.
Energy
Different breeds have different energy levels and these levels do not depend on the size of your dog. A tiny dog can have high energy and be running around like crazy while a large dog can be low energy and lazy while another large dog might be high energy.
A high energy dog needs a considerable amount of exercise and mental stimulation while a low energy dog is happy to sleep the day away.
You need to consider two things. Your activity level/lifestyle and your personality.
Do you exercise a lot and have an active lifestyle while RVing?
Can you handle a high energy dog?
Do you find frisky dogs annoying or exhilarating?
Shedding
Some dogs shed others don’t. If a dog sheds or not is not a big concern or a priority for people looking for a dog breed that is compatible for RV travel. However if you are allergic to dog hair this is a factor you need to consider. Everyone also needs to think about whether or not you are ok with dog hair all over the interior of your mobile home. Some dogs shed more than others so breeds are categorised into heavy, some, minimal and no shedding.
Heavy = substantial shedding 24/7, all year round
Some = seasonal shedding, generally in summer
Minimal = a few strands of fur here and there
No = hypoallergenic dog
Cost
The final thing you need to consider is the cost of the breed. Generally purebred dogs are more expensive than mixed breeds because they are more highly sort after and/or harder to breed. Please purchase dogs from certified dog breeders and not pet shops. If you want to do an even better thing for the community, buy or adopt a dog from a shelter. These dogs have been turned in for many reasons and need a new home and because of this are a lot cheaper or even free. I know so many rescue dogs from the dog park and they are lovely :). Also if you want to skip the puppy stage this is the way to go.
Small – Medium Dog Breed Suggestions
1. Cocker Spaniel
Temperament
- intelligent
- friendly
Size
Weight: 12kg – 15kg
Height: 38cm – 41cm
Energy
Medium
Shedding
Some
Overview
Cocker spaniels are gun-dogs that have distinctive long floppy fluffy ears. They can be traced back to the 14th century Spain making them a very old dog breed. Cocker spaniels are family friendly dogs and need a reasonable amount of exercise and are quite partial to swimming. At first they can be shy but with good socialisation they can be an outgoing breed.
This breed is good for you if:
- You go swimming while RVing
- You have a small to medium sized RV
- You have children
Fun fact: The female leading role in the Lady & the Tramp is a Cocker Spaniel.
2. Jack Russell Terrier
Temperament
- lively
- friendly
- affectionate
Size
weight: 5kg – 8kg
height: 36cm
Energy
High
Shedding
Minimal
Overview
The Jack Russell terrier is a small dog with cute tiny triangular floppy ears. Despite their small size this breed is full of energy and needs lots of vigorous exercise like 30 – 45 minutes a day. They like long walks off leash so they can smell new scents however can sometimes be untrustworthy because of their prey drive. As a terrier they really like digging but this won’t be a problem in an RV as you won’t have a backyard.
This breed is good for you if:
- You love to participate in physical exercise
- Like going on hikes
3. Cavoodle
Temperament
- intelligent
- affectionate
- playful
Size
weight: 5kg – 12kg
height: 25cm – 38cm
Energy
High
Shedding
Minimal
Overview
The Cavoodle is a very popular breed in Australia for families. It is a very affectionate and playful breed and because it’s a crossbreed has less genetic problems than purebred dogs. They are a high energy breed and need plenty of attention. They don’t like being alone much and can experience separation anxiety.
This breed is good for you if:
- You can take your dog everywhere
- You love to participate in physical exercise
- You have children
4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Temperament
- affectionate
- undemanding
- easy going
- friendly
- dependent
Size
Weight: 6kg – 9kg,
Height: 30cm – 33cm
Energy
Medium
Shedding
Some
Overview
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were originally a lady’s dog in medieval times to warm laps in carriages and cold castles. Make great travel companions because they are small and easy going. Cavaliers have a dependent personality. They are a house dog and loves to be with people. They should not be left alone for long periods of time.
This breed is good for you if:
- You can take your dog everywhere
- You don’t like to participate in too much physical exercise
5. Dachshund
Temperament
- bold
- independent
- affectionate
- slightly stubborn
- loyal
Size
Weight: 4kg – 14kg
Height: 13cm – 23cm
Energy
Medium
Shedding
Some
Overview
The Dachshund is a loyal dog that is family friendly. It is a distinctive dog with it’s long body and short legs. They have this low, long body because they were originally bred to hunt badgers in Germany over 300 years ago that lived in narrow tunnels. They are said to be a bit of a challenge to train because of their stubborn and independent nature. Dachshunds are medium energy because they need daily exercise but because of their short legs tire out easily. Without daily walks they can become bored which can bring out undesirable behaviours such as barking.
This breed is good for you if:
- You like to go walking (but not too far) while RVing
- You have a small to medium sized RV
- You have children
6. Beagle
Temperament
- friendly
- loving
Size
Weight: 8kg – 15kg
Height: 33cm – 38cm
Energy
Medium
Shedding
Heavy
Overview
Beagles are a small to medium sized dog that were originally developed for hunting. Beagles are happiest when they have company. If they are left alone too long they become bored and destructive, trying to find a way to escape and digging backyards. If they are bored they also like to bark and howl, beagles therefore they need constant attention and company.
This breed is good for you if:
- You can take your dog everywhere
- You like to participate in physical exercise
- Can cope with barking
7. Fox Terrier
Temperament
- friendly
- devoted
- affectionate
- active
- slightly stubborn
Size
weight: 7kg – 9kg
height: 39cm
Energy
High
Shedding
Minimal
Fox Terriers are a medium sized breed that were originally bred to get foxes out of their hiding places during hunts. As a terrier they enjoy digging which can be a problem if you have a backyard. Because of their origins, they really like chasing games and lots of exercise. The only downside to this breed is that they can be too rough with children because of their extremely friendly nature, their high energy and tendency to jump.
This breed is good for you if:
- You love to participate in physical exercise
- Don’t have small children
Large Dog Breed Suggestions
1. Labrador Retriever
Temperament
- easygoing
- friendly
Size
Weight: 28kg to 30kg
Height: 54cm to 57cm
Energy
High
Shedding
Heavy
Overview
Labrador Retriever’s are one of the most popular dog breeds because of their loving, easy going and friendly nature. These dogs have high energy levels and require 40 minutes of exercise a day which is great if you lead an active RV lifestyle. They also have a low tendency to bark which is good for living in close proximity to other vans. Like most dogs, if they are not exercised well they can become destructive and excessively bark but you can easily avoid this by fulfilling their exercising needs.
This breed is good for you if:
- You like going on long hikes/doing lots of physical activity while RVing
- You like swimming
- You are travelling with children
2. Greyhound
Temperament
- Intelligent
- Gentle
- Quiet
Size
Weight: 28kg – 30kg
Height: 70cm – 76cm
Energy
High in bursts
Shedding
None
Overview
Greyhounds are said to be the oldest purebred dog as Pharaohs owned them in ancient Egyptian times! They are a muscular and streamlined dog but despite their athletic ability, spend most of the day sleeping. Greyhounds exercise like crazy for 15 – 20 minutes a day and can get up to speeds of 70km/h running (fastest dog breed). They don’t have much endurance so don’t be surprised by them sleeping alot! This makes them perfect for RV living as you can have a dog to do outdoor activities with you and also be fine with a smaller indoor space.
This breed is good for you if:
- You like to exercise intensely for short amounts of time (or watch your dog run around like crazy for 20 minutes daily)
- Want a dog who can be active and lazy
3. Dalmatian
Temperament
- Affectionate
- Extremely friendly
- Intelligent
Size
Weight: 16kg – 30kg, Height: 56cm – 61cm
Energy
High
Shedding
Heavy
Overview
Dalmatians are a very energetic, friendly and loving breed which has been famous throughout the centuries for different reasons. You might know them from being coach dogs in the 1800s, firefighter mascot dogs in the 1900s or from Disney’s movie 101 Dalmatians or just from their distinct spots. They have boundless energy so you need to take them on plenty of runs, walks, hikes etc. I might be a bit biased saying that Dalmatians are the best dog breed because I own one, you should go give her a follow @tootsiethedalmatian.
This breed is good for you if:
- You live a really active lifestyle
- You have children
4. Border Collie
Temperament
- attentive
- lively
- alert
- intelligent
Size
Weight: 17kg to 20kg, Height: 51cm to 55cm
Energy
High
Shedding
Some
Overview
The border collie is the classic farm dog with a distinctive medium length black and white coat. They are a working dog that are used to herd sheep on farms meaning that they like to chase anything that is small and moves, making them not too suitable for families with very young children. They are a high energy dog and require lots of exercise which makes them perfect for RVing if you live an active lifestyle. They also really like playing fetch.
This breed is good for you if:
- You are not travelling with kids
- You like to go swimming
- You lead an active lifestyle
5. Vizsla
Temperament
- affectionate
- loyal
- gentle
- quiet
- energetic
Size
Weight: 20 – 29kg, Height: 53 – 64cm
Energy
High
Shedding
Some
Overview
The Vizsla is a Hungarian gun dog that is russet gold in colour. They are an intelligent dog that gets on very well with children and is suited to an outdoor lifestyle. They are said to not do the best in kennel conditions however if they are given enough exercise they should be fine living in a RV campervan.
This breed is good for you if:
- You lead an active lifestyle
- You are travelling with kids
Breeds That Are Generally Not Allowed at RV Parks/Campgrounds
There are some dog breeds you should avoid getting if you are looking for a dog specifically for RV travel. These breeds are:
- Pit-bull
- Rottweiler
- Mastiff
- Doberman’s
- Chows
- Wolf mixes
The breeds listed above are sometimes not allowed at RV parks and campgrounds because they are considered to be aggressive. Yes, some smaller breeds are aggressive too but these dogs are large and muscular and if they did get upset they could hurt other dogs or people. Of course, many of these breeds can be loving, affectionate and wonderful pets and it is unfortunate that not all dogs are allowed everywhere.
Conclusion
Any dog can live in an RV happily as long as the dog is well socialised, exercised and kept under control. You just need to just put a little extra effort into exercising and socialising your dog at dog friendly camping grounds and parks as well be prepared to wake up early and go outside in the cold to let your dog go potty everyday. If you are up to the challenge, dogs can make holidaying or full-timing in a RV a wonderful experience.
Further Reading
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