8 Best Dogs For RV Living & How to Live in an RV With a Dog

Living on the road in an RV has many benefits, but it can be difficult to find a pet that is able to accompany you on your trips.

Luckily, there are several breeds of dogs that make great companions for RV living and will enjoy exploring new places with their owners.

From small lapdogs to larger working breeds, here are some of the best dogs for RV living.

What are the best dogs for RV living?

If you’re looking for a loyal and energetic companion for RV living, here are some of the best breeds to consider:

Poodle

Poodles are one of the most popular dog breeds for RV living.

These intelligent and active dogs are easy to train, making them great companions for those on the go. They come in a variety of sizes, from toy (or teacup) poodles to standard-sized poodles that can weigh up to 70 pounds.

Poodles are known for their hypoallergenic coats, which means they won’t shed much and require minimal grooming.

They have friendly personalities, making them great family pets as well as companions on the road.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most beloved family dogs and makes a great RV companion.

These friendly, loyal, and intelligent dogs are easy to train and love to please their owners.

They have a playful nature that will keep you entertained on long drives.

Golden Retrievers are relatively large dogs, usually weighing between 55-75 pounds and require regular exercise, so they may not be the best choice for those who live in a small space.

They have beautiful coats that require brushing several times a week, and they shed year-round, so it’s important to keep up with regular grooming.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is another popular breed that makes a great companion on the road.

These intelligent and sociable dogs are well-known for their loyal and friendly personalities.

They’re relatively easy to train, although they can be strong-willed at times.

They have thick coats that will require regular brushing to keep their coats healthy and prevent shedding.

Labs are active dogs and need lots of exercises, so having a fenced-in area or regular trips to the park will help them stay happy and healthy.

Labrador Retrievers usually weigh between 55-80 pounds and can be quite large, making them better suited for larger RVs with plenty of room.

Beagle

The Beagle is a small breed that makes a great RV companion.

These friendly, intelligent and active dogs are easy to train and thrive on structure.

They have short coats that require minimal grooming and they don’t shed as much as other breeds.

Beagles love to explore and their inquisitive nature makes them great travel companions.

Beagles are small dogs, usually weighing between 18-30 pounds and they don’t take up much space, making them an ideal breed for RV living.

Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is a tiny breed that makes a great companion for RV living.

These spunky and full-of-personality dogs can weigh as little as 3 pounds, making them perfect for small spaces.

They have short coats that require minimal grooming and they don’t shed much.

Chihuahuas are loyal and loving companions and they tend to bond closely with their owners, so you’ll always have a faithful travel buddy.

They’re relatively easy to train and enjoy exploring new places, making them an excellent choice for RV living.

Border Collie

The Border Collie is an intelligent breed that’s perfect for life in an RV.

These energetic and loyal dogs are eager to please and easy to train.

They have thick coats that require regular brushing and they shed year-round, so it’s important to keep up with grooming.

Border Collies need plenty of exercise, so having a fenced-in area or taking frequent trips to the park is important.

They usually weigh between 30-55 pounds and are medium-sized dogs, making them better suited for larger RVs with plenty of room.

With their friendly personalities and willingness to learn, Border Collies make wonderful companions on the road.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a gentle, friendly breed that makes a great RV companion.

These small dogs usually weigh between 13-18 pounds and are well-suited for life in a smaller space.

They have long coats that require regular brushing to prevent tangling and shedding.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are sociable, affectionate dogs that enjoy the company of their owners.

They do best with structure, so making sure to take frequent walks and incorporate regular playtime will help keep your Cavalier happy and healthy.

With their friendly personalities and low-maintenance grooming requirements, Cavaliers make great travel companions.

Husky

The Husky is a large, friendly breed that’s great for RV living. These active and intelligent dogs require lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

They have thick double coats that require regular brushing to prevent tangling and heavy shedding.

Huskies usually weigh between 35-60 pounds, making them better suited for larger RVs with plenty of space.

With their friendly personalities and love of adventure, Huskies make wonderful travel companions on the road.

How do I live in an RV full time with a dog?

Living in an RV full-time with a dog can be a great way to explore and bond with your furry companion.

Before you start your RV journey, there are several things to consider, including:

Exercise

Exercise is an essential part of keeping your dog healthy and happy, especially when living in an RV.

It’s important to plan regular exercise routines such as walks, hikes and playtime with toys to keep your pup active and engaged.

Depending on their size, breed and activity level, you may need to plan more frequent outdoor excursions.

Training

Training is essential when living in an RV with a dog.

It’s important to train your pup on basic commands such as sit, stay and come, as well as any specific rules you have for them while traveling.

Training teaches your pup proper behaviors and helps establish trust between you and your furry companion.

Socialization

Socialization is key when living in an RV with a dog.

It’s important to introduce your pup to new people and animals regularly so they can learn social skills and develop confidence.

Taking your pup on walks and visiting pet-friendly places are great ways to expose them to new experiences.

This will also help prevent any behavioral issues that may arise from anxiety or boredom.

Grooming

Grooming is important for all dogs, and it’s especially important when living in an RV.

Depending on your breed, you’ll need to brush and groom your pup regularly to keep their coats clean and healthy.

Some breeds require more frequent grooming than others, so make sure to research the needs of your particular breed.

Regular grooming also helps prevent excessive shedding and tangling, which can be a nuisance when living in close quarters.

Safety

Safety is paramount when RVing with a dog.

Make sure your pup is kept on a leash at all times while outdoors and never left unattended, especially in unfamiliar areas.

It’s also important to research pet-friendly activities and destinations ahead of time, as not all places allow dogs.

Lastly, make sure your pup is up-to-date on vaccinations to minimize the risk of contracting any illnesses while traveling.

Conclusion

Living in an RV with a dog can be incredibly rewarding and provide wonderful opportunities for exploration and bonding.

However, it’s important to do your research ahead of time and plan accordingly to ensure that both you and your pup have the best experience possible.

With the right training, grooming, safety practices and plenty of exercises, living with a pet in an RV can be an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience.