We know that being on the road so often can get lonely, which is why many truckers opt for a furry canine companion on the road. In fact, over half of truck drivers are pet owners and 40% of those pets come out on the open road with their human companion.
Dogs can be great for trucking life. Not only do dogs provide companionship for their truck driver owners, but they also often influence their owners to drive more safely and regularly exercise. There are numerous benefits that come with canine companionship, however it’s important to make sure you’re willing to commit the time, finances, and effort that comes with dog-ownership.
It’s also important to do your research on which dog breeds are best for a trucker’s lifestyle. Truckers will need a mild-mannered, low-energy pup for all those hours spent on the road. Plus, you’ll want a dog that’s the right size, if you get too big of a breed it may be uncomfortable, and unrealistic, for the dog to sit in a truck seat for hours on end.
That’s why we’ve put together a short list of some of the best dog breeds for truck drivers to help provide helpful recommendations, as well as key information, about each breed.
Chihuahuas
Average weight: 5-8lbs
Average height: 6-8 inches
Lifespan: 14-16 years
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Chihuahuas may have the reputation of being an aggressive, whiney, ankle-biting dog breed but they’re often be far from it. In fact, chihuahuas are incredibly loyal dogs, they are called “one-person” dogs not because they’re only friendly with one person, but because they tend to form a special bond with one member of the family that cares for them. The chihuahua breed tends to be extremely intelligent and quick learners making it easy to train them for the trucking life.
Toy breeds of any kind can make excellent travel companions but don’t discount chihuahuas based off the breed’s stereotype. In fact, chihuahuas are the second-most euthanized breed next to pitbulls because they’re notoriously difficult to adopt out of rescues, this is in large part due to the negative stereotypes associated with its breed.
Bulldogs
Average weight: 40-50 lbs
Average height: 14-15 inches
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Bulldogs are one of the more common breeds people tend to think of when considering an ideal companion for a truck driver. Their compact size and minimal exercise requirements almost seem like they’re made for the trucking lifestyle.
Bulldogs are known for their docile dispositions and devotion to their owner(s). Though this breed has great personality traits for a life on the road, its worth noting Bulldogs tend to come with a variety of health problems from difficulty breathing as they age to arthritis and hip dysplasia due to their unique physiques. These medical issues are often hard on the owners’ wallet – and heart.
Boxers
Average weight: 65-80lbs
Average height: 23-25 inches
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Similar to chihuahuas, Boxers are often a breed that gets a bad rap as being aggressive. In reality, they’re known to be an affectionate, gentle, intelligent and silly breed. They’re also a very alert, protective breed, which makes Boxers a great breed for truckers wanting a companion, and some extra protection, on the road.
Boxers are known for enjoying quality time with their owner, which makes the trucking lifestyle a good fit for this breed. Boxers are also one of the most common dog breeds to find at local rescues due to a surge in popularity of the breed in the late 1990s, which led to overbreeding.
Mixed breeds and senior dogs are also companions truck drivers should consider
Even though there are specific breeds listed above, small to medium mixed breed dogs with lower energy levels can also make a wonderful traveling canine companion, not to mention mixed breed dogs tend to have less health problems and tend to live longer –plus, they’re one of a kind! Senior dogs, in particular, can fare well with life on the road and there are so many senior dogs that need adopted. Oftentimes senior dogs come from rescues which means they’ll be fully medically vetted and vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and tend to have lower adoption fees that range from anywhere between $50 – $350. Senior dogs make for great companions for the road because they tend to require less exercise, are more laid back, and often require little to no behavioral or potty training.
