Dog Travel Knowledge
Breeds & Dog Sports
Breed-specific travel advice and a guide to canine sports federations — everything you need to travel and stay active with your dog.
Breed Directory
Travel profiles by breed — filter by size or ideal climate to find the right advice for your dog.
Yorkshire Terrier
SmallTransport
Travel tip
Pocket size, perfect for the cabin. Protect from cold and bumps while travelling.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Shiba Inu
SmallTransport
Travel tip
Compact size, ideal for the cabin. Get it used to the carrier early to reduce anxiety.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Golden Retriever
LargeTransport
Travel tip
Take regular breaks and ensure good hydration. An excellent traveller, adapts to all modes of transport.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Labrador Retriever
LargeTransport
Travel tip
An ideal traveller, adapts to all modes of transport. Remember hydration and exercise breaks.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Border Collie
MediumTransport
Travel tip
Provide exercise before travelling to reduce anxiety. Bring enrichment toys for the journey.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Cane Corso
LargeTransport
Travel tip
Check breed restrictions by destination and airline. Plan for a large, reinforced cargo carrier.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Rottweiler
LargeTransport
Travel tip
Check breed restrictions with each airline. Plan for a large approved cargo carrier.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Jack Russell Terrier
SmallTransport
Travel tip
Small size, ideal for the cabin. Channel its energy with exercise before departure.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Berger Allemand
LargeTransport
Travel tip
Choose a sturdy, spacious carrier. Avoid extreme temperatures and plan regular breaks when travelling by car.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
SmallTransport
Travel tip
A calm in-cabin travel companion. Avoid extreme heat and stress.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Boxer
LargeBrachycephalic breed — frequent cargo restrictions. Check in-cabin eligibility and avoid high temperatures.
Transport
Travel tip
Brachycephalic breed: at risk in cargo. Avoid travelling in strong heat. Check in-cabin eligibility.
Sources: FCI, Breed standard
Dog Sports Guide
Discover canine sports and their official federations, with tips for joining events during your travels.
Mushing (traîneau à chiens)
Practice level
Leisure, Competition, Professional
Terrain
Snow, Trail, Mountain
Season
Winter
Reference federation
International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS)
Dog travel
Join an introductory mushing course in Lapland, the Alps or Quebec in winter. Nordic resorts offer sled-ride tasters. Your dog needs a pulling harness, a tug line and progressive training.
Federation websiteBikejöring (vélo tiré par un chien)
Practice level
Leisure, Competition
Terrain
Trail, Forest, Path
Season
Autumn, Winter, Spring
Reference federation
International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS)
Dog travel
Perfect for exploring forest trails on holiday. Rent a mountain bike locally, and bring a harness, an antenna and a tug line. Ride on dirt tracks, never on tarmac. Ideal for energetic dogs over 18 months.
Federation websiteAgility
Practice level
Leisure, Competition
Terrain
Indoor, Outdoor field
Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Reference federation
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
Dog travel
Many clubs in Europe welcome travellers and their dogs for discovery sessions. Bring the vaccination record and book in advance. Competitions open to unlicensed dogs (grade 1) are frequent during the summer season.
Federation websiteRacing sur cynodrome (Greyhound Racing)
Practice level
Professional
Terrain
Racing track, Track
Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Reference federation
World Greyhound Racing Federation (WGRF)
Dog travel
Watching races in Ireland, the UK, Australia or the United States is a unique tourist experience. To take part with your greyhound, contact an affiliated club in advance for trial sessions. Check local rules, as professional racing is highly regulated.
Federation websiteCanicross
Practice level
Leisure, Competition
Terrain
Trail, Forest, Path
Season
Autumn, Winter, Spring
Reference federation
International Canicross Federation (ICF)
Dog travel
Ideal for nature holidays. Bring a suitable pulling harness, a belt and a shock-absorbing line (2 m). Look for organised races in Europe from October to April via national federations (e.g. FSLC in France) or train on marked trails.
Federation websiteCoursing sur piste (Lure Coursing)
Practice level
Leisure, Competition
Terrain
Meadow, Track
Season
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Reference federation
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
Dog travel
Find a local racing track or kennel club offering lure coursing sessions. Bring an up-to-date vaccination record. FCI trials require a pedigree, but many clubs offer sessions open to companion dogs.
Federation website