The trucking lifestyle will always lead to the open road, and truckers will often look for the ideal companion to take with them during long trips. Luckily, there are plenty of dogs you can choose from that can make each trip more enjoyable — the best breeds will even be suitable for long journeys. In this article, we share the best dog breeds for truckers, why they make great companions, and how they can keep you entertained for long periods of time.
Benefits of Having a Furry Companion on the Road
For many truckers, driving a truck can be a solitary and lonely profession; luckily, a four-legged friend is the perfect companion to take with them on long drives. Many drivers believe that the best trucker dogs can help improve their mental health because they are loyal companions who provide unconditional love. Dogs in particular are known to alleviate stress, boost mood, and share emotional support during long hauls.
There are a few recommended dog breeds for this job based on their size, adaptability, and temperament, which include small breeds to larger breeds. The breeds suggested below have proven themselves to be the best companions for drivers working at trucking companies. However, it’s also important to remember that not every trucking company will let you have a new pet, so look for companies that will allow you to bring your best friend wherever you go.
Best Dog Breeds for Truckers
Here are just a few of the best dogs that will serve as great travel companions to take with you during long drives.
Miniature Schnauzer
This pooch may be one of the smaller dogs in this list but you can believe that it’s one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. Hailing from Germany, this dog is easy to train which helps it to easily pick up new commands and will be comfortable in the small spaces in your truck cabin. While the Miniature Schnauzer mostly carries a mild temperament, they can be vocal and spunky every now and then.
Be sure to keep an eye on them during your rest stops since they may wander off or even chase after rodents that they may encounter.
Shih Tzu
Among the smaller breeds, Shih Tzus are known for their outgoing and affectionate nature. These dogs come with huge personalities and their friendly disposition makes them excellent companions for truckers. Luckily, their luxurious coats only require moderate grooming, and their small body won’t require much exercise, making them a great choice for traveling.
Their small size also means that they can be the perfect canine companion for people who want a smaller dog that won’t take up much space in their trucks.
Miniature Poodle
Poodles are excellent travel companions for truckers since their small stature allows them to squeeze into tight spaces better than medium-sized dogs would. The best thing about these dogs is that they don’t shed much, so your chairs should remain relatively clean. Because they are hypoallergenic, Poodles are a suitable breed for people with dog allergies.
In particular, Miniature Poodles are especially good for long days of trucking — these intelligent, eager, and affectionate dogs are the perfect pets for this occupation. They’re also easy to train and will learn new commands quickly — just be sure to provide them with positive reinforcement. Just make sure to give them some play time and allow them to follow you wherever you go to prevent separation anxiety from setting in.
Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher, sometimes called the Zwerg Pinscher, is an outgoing and assertive dog that’s known for the incredibly friendly nature it extends to its owner. This dog is also capable of being friendly with other pets and even strangers after it has become familiar with them. But what makes them the ideal rider for the passenger seat is their attentive nature which will alert their owners of anything suspicious, so you can rest easy knowing you’re safe with them.
Labrador Retriever
A Labrador is the best pet for company drivers looking for a medium-sized breed to take with them during long drives. These dogs are protective and loving of their owners and are very smart so you can train them with ease. Because they possess a balanced and friendly nature, you’ll spend less time correcting bad behaviors and will be able to focus on giving them their daily exercise.
That being said, this loyal dog will need regular exercise, a balanced diet, and the right amount of grooming. Luckily, these dogs are known for their wonderful companionship and amazing adaptability to all kinds of environments, making them a great choice for truckers. Plus, these easy-going dogs are intelligent and alert, providing you with extra security during your drives.
Boston Terrier
These delightful travel companions can comfortably fit into any space you might have in your truck — just be sure to give them plenty of toys to keep them from getting nervous. They have a curious yet cheerful nature that makes them perfect companions in the trucking business. Because they will happily accept family and strangers, you’ll never have to worry about them barking at people you see during truck stops.
These dogs will also get along well with other pets and kids, which just goes to show how tolerant these dogs are — they’re also pretty easy to train. However, you’ll need to keep in mind that they come with a high energy level so be sure to give them a lot of exercise physically and mentally.
Border Collie
Despite their reputation for being great sports dogs, Border Collies can also display their calm side and are loyal companions that can make days on their road even more fun. Responsive and intelligent, these dogs won’t just keep you company but will also make you feel much safer on every drive. Their focus and agility have established them as great herding dogs but they are also excellent companions that will keep you entertained with their attentiveness.
Just keep in mind that these dogs will need regular mental and physical activity but training them will be both rewarding and challenging as a result of their high intellect. While they will learn quickly, they also need to be engaged in their tasks to keep their mind stimulated. Their energy, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills will become great assets while you spend time on the open road.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is often referred to as the Jack of all trades and is known as a devoted and versatile breed. They’re capable of excelling at anything you train them to do and are good companions but they will shed quite a bit which can be a chore to clean out of your truck. But if you’re able to get past their shedding, you will be able to take an adventurous and loyal companion with you on your journeys.
This dog is known for its confidence, courage, and sense of duty while its loyal nature makes it one of the most loved dogs by truckers. Their large physique and high intelligence also make them suitable for trucking, but they will need a proper diet, mental stimulation, and exercise to keep them healthy. Finally, their alertness will allow them to warn you of any potential dangers around, and you’ll surely appreciate the added security and companionship they have to offer.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are friendly companions that will keep you entertained on the road; these loyal dogs will form an instant bond with their owners and will always stay next to you. They are known for their gentle, tolerant, and friendly nature and will often have a loving temperament that makes them the perfect addition to families and great companions for truckers. It’s a good idea to take them to pet-friendly areas regularly since these dogs will need a lot of exercise and grooming to help maintain their health.
While training them will take consistency and patience, their willingness to please will be able to make up for any challenges you may experience. Their adaptable nature makes them great companions for truckers while their love of humans and ability to stay calm even in long rides allow them to stand out in this list of the best dog breeds for truckers.
French Bulldog
This toy breed is known for its sociable and affectionate behavior and is typically a low maintenance canine that’s suitable for a small space like a trucker’s passenger seat. They need minimal grooming and less exercise compared to other breeds. Their training will need to focus on obedience and socialization to help them adjust property; luckily, their friendly nature will make training a lot easier.
Their tiny size and ability to adapt to all kinds of environments make them convenient for truckers to bring along anywhere. Moreover, the French Bulldog is usually calm and quiet, which is one more advantage for their owners.
Pitbulls
Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs beloved by truck drivers due to their loyalty and are known to make drivers feel safe while driving. Much like bulldogs, their coats will shed minimally and will stay in silence next to you while you make deliveries. However, they are bigger and more active so they will need frequent stops to help drive away their restlessness.
Much like boxers, Pit bulls are strong and alert which makes them great guards. Renowned for their loyal nature, you’ll also be happy to know that their short coats don’t need much maintenance. Unfortunately, some establishments may not accept specific breeds of dogs, where the Pit bull is commonly included.
Helpful Tips for Finding the Best Dog Breeds for Truckers
Because they move goods from one coast to the other and everywhere else in between, truckers are the backbone of the country. However, the job comes with long hours in solitary with nothing but the road ahead of them. Taking a companion along with them can make their lives less lonely; this is where dogs can come in.
Whether you’re looking for puppies or older dogs, visiting your local shelter, or looking for rescue dogs will help you find a potential companion that will go on journeys with you. Adopting a dog is a great way to find a new friend and will help older shelter dogs find a new home. This is also a great opportunity to look for old dogs and lazy dogs that will patiently keep you company during your travels.
These dogs can be great partners for trucking since they will be content with doing nothing for hours at a time, apart from keeping you company. But no matter which dog you choose, just remember that it will need enough exercise and a healthy diet to keep it healthy.
Conclusion
Looking for the right canine companion for your travels won’t be easy but is worth it if you’re looking for a more enjoyable drive every day. Keep in mind that senior dogs won’t need as much exercise but you should still take them to rest areas to give them some space to move around. Make sure to do as much research as you can about how you can keep your new companion safe during your journey and be sure to look for dog-friendly stops along the way to ensure that you both get the most out of your trucking experience.
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