Living in the 21st century comes with 21st century pet problems. For those of us who like to travel, the thought of getting a dog may seem like a bad idea, and one that is antithetical to a traveling lifestyle. While dogs do tie us to our homes, they enrich our lives, and it is entirely understandable why a frequent traveler would still be interested in getting a canine companion. Thankfully, there are several dogs that can fly on planes and be taken with us when we travel.
Whether you’ve been hesitant to get a dog for this reason or you can’t bear the thought of booking your pet at a kennel, these breeds are a happy compromise that allow you to travel without having to worry about leaving your furry friend behind.
The 15 Different Dogs That Can Fly On Planes
While these breeds are typically allowed on planes, just keep in mind that not all airlines are accommodating of pets. Those that are accommodating may also ask additional fees for transporting animals, as well as require proof of your pet’s vaccination.
1. Norfolk Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 11-12 pounds
Coat: medium
A small and sturdy breed, the Norfolk Terrier was originally bred in England from the Norwich Terrier, which it closely resembles. A curious and energetic breed, the Norfolk Terrier was developed to help control rodent populations on farms, although it is now bred primarily for companionship.
The Norwich Terrier’s small size and agreeable disposition make it well suited for plane travel. Portable and relatively well behaved, owners report the Norwich Terrier to be tolerant of confined spaces.
2. Bolognese Dog
Average Lifespan: 8-18 years
Average Size: 6-9 pounds
Coat: long, curly
As the name implies, the Bolognese is a breed that hails from Bologna, Italy, where it was bred as a companion animal. Known for its easy going temperament and curly white fur, the Bolognese is often confused with the Maltese, which resembles it in appearance, and that we will discuss later on our list.
A dutiful and welcoming presence, this breed makes an excellent support animal and well suited for travel on planes.
3. Yorkshire Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 4-9 pounds
Coat: medium
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small terrier breed originally developed in Yorkshire, England, where it was bred as a companion animal. Like most terrier breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier is a playful and energetic dog with great affection for its owner.
Due to its small size, this breed is often accepted on planes and can handle flying. This is fortunate, owing to the fact that this breed is known to suffer separation anxiety.
4. Brussels Griffon
Average Lifespan: 10-15
Average Size: 8-12 pounds
Coat: short, except around the face
Truly striking in appearance, the Brussels Griffon is a breed originally from Belgium where it was developed to be a household companion. The Brussels Griffon owes its striking appearance to its long facial hairs and truncated snout, the combination of which have drawn comparisons to the faces of old men.
Like many dogs that can fly on planes, this breed owes its portability to its small size and cooperative nature.
5. Chihuahua
Average Lifespan: 12-18 years
Average Size: 4-9 pounds
Coat: short or long
A famously small breed of dog, the Chihuahua originally comes from Mexico, and is thought to be related to pre-Columbian dog breeds in the Americas.
Known for its oversized attitude and undersized body, the Chihuahua is an extremely faithful companion and will often go out of its way to menace or intimidate dogs that are several times its size.
Because of its small frame and patient nature, the Chihuahua is a breed that is often allowed on planes. Like the Yorkie, this breed can also suffer from separation anxiety.
6. Miniature Dachshund
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
Average Size: 6-12 pounds
Coat: short or long
Immediately recognizable for its elongated body and short legs, the Miniature Dachshund is a breed originally developed in Germany.
Although most commonly employed as a support and companion animal, the Dachshund was first bred as a hunting dog capable of following prey into tight and narrow spaces that larger dog breeds would not otherwise be able to fit through.
An independent and personable breed, the Miniature Dachshund’s small size and agreeable disposition secures its place on our list of dogs that can fly on planes.
7. Lhasa Apso
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 12-18 pounds
Coat: long
Known for being a terrific support animal, the Lhasa Apso is a Tibetan breed that originally served as a guard breed to watch over Buddhist temples. Affectionate in nature, the Lhasa Apso forms an especially tight bond with its family and is known to be excellent around children.
The Lhasa Apso makes for an obedient traveling companion and is easy going and upbeat, even in stressful situations.
8. Pomeranian
Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
Average Size: 4-8 pounds
Coat: long
The Pomeranian is a spitz-type breed originally from Germany and central Europe where it was bred as the companion animal of European royalty. Extremely protective of its family, the Pomeranian has been known to bark at strangers and take a defensive stance against other dogs.
Like most other lap dogs, the Pomeranian’s patience and affectionate nature make it well suited to travel.
9. Jack Russell Terrier
Average Lifespan: 13-16 years
Average Size: 13-18 pounds
Coat: short
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small terrier breed originally bred in England where it served as a hunting companion and foxhound. Muscular and compact, this formerly working breed is extremely energetic and requires a good deal of exercise and stimulation.
While the Jack Russell Terrier may be the right size to travel on planes, be aware that its energetic nature may mean it has difficulty sitting still for long periods of time.
10. Pekingese
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 8-14 pounds
Coat: long
A toy breed from Peking, China, the Pekingese was developed as a companion animal, and much like the Pomeranian, enjoyed the company of Royalty. Another breed with squashed features, the breed’s shortened snout and mop-like coat may be endearing, but they make this breed poorly suited for physical activity.
Bred for the qualities of a lap dog, the Pekingese is a devoted and obedient breed able to be taken on planes.
11. Toy Poodle
Average Lifespan: 13-15 years
Average Size: 6-9 pounds
Coat: curly, hypoallergenic
The smaller version of the standard Poodle, the Toy Poodle is a breed originally developed in France and central Europe. Unlike the standard Poodle, which was bred to retrieve downed waterfowl, the Toy Poodle is not an effective working dog and is best kept in a household environment.
However, very much like the standard Poodle, the Toy Poodle is an intelligent and trainable dog that can adapt to the stresses of plane travel.
12. Miniature Pinscher
Average Lifespan: 12-16 pounds
Average Size: 8-10 pounds
Coat: short
One of the smaller pinscher-type breeds, the Miniature Pinscher, also known as the Min Pin, is a breed originally from German, where it was developed from a mix of German Pinschers, Italian Greyhounds, and Dachshunds.
A rather old toy breed, the Miniature Pinscher appears in classical European paintings alongside royal and noble subjects. A sturdy and compact, this breed can handle the bustle and stress of travel, and is often allowed on planes due to its small size.
13. Maltese
Average Lifespan: 12-16 years
Average Size: 3-9 pounds
Coat: long, silky, hypoallergenic
A spitz-type breed, the Maltese originated in central Europe, and it is considered to have ancient roots, as dogs resembling the Maltese appear depicted in works produced by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Well known for its agreeable attitude and being good around children, the Maltese is considered one of the better emotional support breeds on this list of dogs that can fly on planes.
Due to its agreeable attitude and placid disposition, many owners describe the Maltese as a considerate and well behaved travel buddy.
14. Papillon
Average Lifespan: 10-15 years
Average Size: 7-10 pounds
Coat: medium-long
The Papillon is a French breed of spaniel whose name is a reference to the French word for butterfly. The name was inspired by the resemblance of the dog’s ears to butterfly wings.
Like the Miniature Pinscher and Maltese, the Papillon’s history can be traced through its appearances in European fine art, where it features as a companion animal depicted in court portraiture.
Incredibly intelligent and trainable, the Papillon is receptive to its owner’s instructions and will fare well on planes.
15. Bichon Frise
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 13-15 pounds
Coat: curly, hypoallergenic
Similar in appearance to both the Maltese and Bolognese, the Bichon Frise is another white dog breed hailing from France, whose name literally translates to “small dog” in French. Although bred as a lap dog and companion animal, the Bichon Frise traces its roots to working breeds and water dogs.
Because of its hypoallergenic coat, the breed is good for those with allergies, and a considerate choice when traveling on public transport, as the Bichon Frise is unlikely to trigger the allergies of other travelers.
