Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of finding the best dog breed for RV life, let’s get one thing straight: The best dog for RV life is the one you already have! Whether they’re a laid-back lounge lizard like Wilson, our Cairn Terrier rescue who’s the epitome of chill, or a high-energy, always-ready-for-action bundle of joy like Journey, our Staffy mix who loves her brother but is cautious around other dogs, your pup is your best travel buddy. That said, if you’re in the market for a new furry friend or just curious about which breeds might be a great fit for RV life, this guide is for you.
We have compiled a list of the top three breeds for each category of RVer. And, in the end, we included our top five overall breeds for the RV life in general. As we list each breed in this article, we’re also including its official ranking on the 2023 most popular dog breeds list, according to the American Kennel Club.
How We Ranked the Best Dog Breeds for RV Life
To create this list, we cross-referenced the most popular dog breeds from the American Kennel Club (AKC) with the different types of RV users as identified by the RV Industry Association (RVIA). By considering the lifestyle and needs of various RVers — whether full-time nomads, weekend warriors, or adventure seekers — we’ve come up with a ranking system that highlights breeds that are popular, adaptable, and well-suited to the RV lifestyle. We also considered some personal experiences from the six years we’ve spent meeting amazing dogs on the road. That includes hearing the why and why not some people may prefer or stay away from certain dog breeds. (And sure, that may have created a little bit of a tiebreaker bias.) In truth though, we pretty much love all dogs. (If my wife could, she would have a traveling kennel on the road.)
Two caveats to this list. For one, it does not consider the fact that several dog breeds are showing up on more banned breeds lists for different campgrounds and states. Since there is no universal banned breed list across all states and campgrounds, we decided to skip that aspect in our ranking system. However, we definitely urge you to consider this fact if you are considering your next furry companion for your RV travels. Second, we haven’t included mixed breeds — as much as we love them — because it’d get to crazy to chart.
That said, let’s dig in.
RV User Profiles and Their Perfect Breeds
1. Happy Campers
Who They Are: Relaxed RVers who enjoy unwinding and spending time with family, often taking short, leisurely trips.
Top 3 Dog Breeds for Happy Campers:
- Labrador Retriever (AKC No. 2): Labradors are the ultimate family dogs. With their friendly, easygoing nature, they are perfect for relaxed trips. They love being part of the family and are happy to chill by the campfire. Or join in on short hikes.
- Golden Retriever (AKC No. 3): Golden retrievers are gentle, loving, and great with kids. Their calm demeanor and love of companionship make them ideal for family trips, where they can bask in the joy of togetherness.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (AKC No. 14): Small, affectionate, and adaptable, Cavaliers are perfect for happy campers who want a dog that’s content to snuggle on the couch but still enjoys a little adventure now and then.
2. Casual Campers
Who They Are: RVers who camp occasionally, often seeking social experiences and enjoying the camaraderie of the campground.
Top 3 Dog Breeds for Casual Campers:
- French Bulldog (AKC No. 1): French Bulldogs are social butterflies. They love to meet new people and dogs. Their low-maintenance needs and fun personalities make them great for short, sociable camping trips.
- Beagle (AKC No. 8): Beagles are friendly, curious, and always up for a good time. They’re small enough to fit comfortably in an RV but have enough energy to enjoy exploring the campground. (Just always have a leash, because these scent hounds follow their nose.)
- Cocker Spaniel (AKC No. 30): Cocker spaniels are easygoing and sociable. For campers who enjoy mingling with other RVers, they’ll find cocker spaniels share that passion. They’re friendly, adaptable, and love to be part of the action.
3. Adventure Seekers
Who They Are: Thrill-seekers who use their RVs to access rugged and remote destinations, often engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and climbing.
Top 3 Dog Breeds for RV Adventure Seekers:
- German Shepherd (AKC No. 4): Known for their loyalty and versatility, German shepherds are ideal for those who need a reliable, strong, and protective companion on their adventures. They’re great for rugged environments and challenging hikes.
- Australian Shepherd (AKC No. 12): Australian shepherds are high-energy, intelligent, and thrive in active environments. They’re the perfect partner for adventure seekers who need a dog that can keep up on challenging trails and enjoy exploring new terrains.
- Border Collie (AKC No. 31): Border collies are one of the most intelligent and energetic breeds. This makes them a good fit for RVers who love to stay active. They excel in agility and obedience, ensuring they’re always up for the next challenge.
4. Avid RVers
Who They Are: Enthusiasts who spend significant time on the road, exploring various destinations and making the most of their RV lifestyle.
Top 3 Dog Breeds for Avid RVers:
- Golden Retriever (AKC No. 3): Golden retrievers are adaptable, friendly, and love being part of a family. For RVers who spend a lot of time traveling, these dogs are a wonderful match. Great with kids. Great with other dogs. And just generally content wherever they are — as long as they’re with their family.
- Poodle (AKC No. 5): Poodles are highly intelligent and adaptable, thriving in various environments. They’re also hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for RVers with allergies. Their friendly nature also makes them great companions for long trips.
- Boxer (AKC No. 18): Boxers are energetic, loyal, and affectionate. They’re great for RVers who want a playful companion that’s also a good watchdog. Their muscular build and love for adventure make them great travel buddies.
5. Escapists
Who They Are: RVers who use their RVs to disconnect from the world and find peace in nature, often seeking solitude and quiet.
Top 3 Dog Breeds for RV Escapists:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (AKC No. 14): Cavaliers are gentle, loving, and enjoy a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. They’re perfect for escapists who want a companion that’s happy to cuddle and enjoy the serenity of nature.
- Shih Tzu (AKC No. 20): Shih tzus are affectionate and love a calm environment. For RVers who seek tranquility, a shih tzu is a good choice. They’re small and easy to manage, enjoying the comfort of a peaceful RV lifestyle.
- Chihuahua (AKC No. 32): Chihuahuas are small, portable, and content with a quiet life. (Although they can provide some volume of their own.) They’re perfect for RVers who want a low-maintenance dog that’s easy to travel with and doesn’t require much exercise.
6. Full-Timers
Who They Are: Individuals or families who live in their RVs year-round, traveling across the country and making their RV their permanent home.
Top 3 Dog Breeds for Full-Timers:
- Labrador Retriever (AKC No. 2): Labradors are versatile, adaptable, and excellent family dogs, making them ideal for full-time RVers. They’re great with kids, other pets, and thrive in a variety of environments.
- Miniature Schnauzer (AKC No. 17): Miniature schnauzers are smart, adaptable, and hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for full-timers. They’re small enough to manage in an RV but have a big personality that fits well with an on-the-go lifestyle.
- Bernese Mountain Dog (AKC No. 21): Bernese mountain dogs are large, gentle, and perfect for RVers who live in cooler climates. Their calm demeanor and loyalty make them excellent companions for those who live on the road.
7. Family Campers
Who They Are: RVers who prioritize family-friendly experiences, often traveling with children and looking for a dog that fits in with a busy, active family.
Top 3 Dog Breeds for Family Campers:
- Labrador Retriever (AKC No. 2): Labradors are the ultimate family dog. They’re patient, loving, and great with kids, making them perfect for family campers who need a dog that can keep up with an active lifestyle.
- Golden Retriever (AKC No. 3): Golden retrievers are gentle, patient, and wonderful with children. They’re easygoing enough to be patient with kids but have the energy to join in on family activities.
- Beagle (AKC No. 8): Beagles are fun-loving, friendly, and great with kids. Their small size makes them easy to manage, and their playful nature ensures they’re always up for a family adventure.
Overall Top 5 Best Dogs for RV Life
These breeds are the most versatile and meet the criteria for the widest range of RV users, making them the top picks for anyone looking to add a dog to their RV adventures:
- Labrador Retriever (AKC No. 2)
Why: Labradors are adaptable, friendly, and great with families. Their versatility makes them a fit for almost any RV lifestyle, from full-time living to casual weekend trips.
- Golden Retriever (AKC No. 3)
Why: Golden retrievers are gentle, loyal, and great with kids, making them perfect for family campers, full-timers, and anyone looking for a loving companion on the road.
- French Bulldog (AKC No. 1)
Why: French bulldogs are small, low-maintenance, and full of personality. They’re perfect for casual campers and those who want a dog that’s easy to travel with and doesn’t require a lot of exercise.
- Beagle (AKC No. 8)
Why: Beagles are friendly, curious, and great with kids. Their small size and playful nature make them ideal for family campers and casual RVers who want a fun, easygoing dog.
- Australian Shepherd (AKC No. 12)
Why: Australian shepherds are high-energy, intelligent, and love adventure. They’re perfect for adventure seekers and avid RVers who need a dog that can keep up with an active lifestyle.
Choosing the right dog breed for RV life depends on your lifestyle, the type of RVing you do, and what kind of companion you’re looking for. Whether you’re a full-time RVer who needs a loyal protector or a weekend camper who just wants a friendly face by the fire, there’s a breed out there that’s perfect for you. But remember, at the end of the day, the best travel buddy is the dog you already have, purebred or otherwise. So, pack up your RV, grab your pup, and hit the road — adventures await!
