Top 8 Dog Breeds that are Perfect for Sharing the Cab
Trucking is a rewarding career, but it can often be a lonely one. Having a canine companion on the road with you can make those long drives significantly more bearable.
DRS Truck Sale asked from truck drivers with copagnone and shared a few top dog breeds that are perfect for sharing the cab. If you’re thinking about adopting a dog to accompany you on day trips or overnight drives, this list can help you pick the perfect breed.
1. Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers make wonderful companions for truck drivers. Their small size and cheerful, curious nature are perfect for the cab. Open to family and strangers alike, you don’t have to worry about your Boston Terrier barking at rest stop visitors. They’re happy to befriend new people and explore their surroundings. They’re also great with young children and other pets, which is a testament to their tolerant personality. Lastly, Boston Terriers are pretty easy to train.
One thing you’ll have to keep in mind with a Boston Terrier is their high energy level and moderate need for mental stimulation. Because of this, it’s essential to take your dog for daily walks and put a few toys in the sleeper cab that will exercise their brain.
2. English Bulldog
The small but stocky English Bulldog is docile, loyal, and affectionate. They may have an intimidating physique, but they’re actually very goofy and lovable. Originally bred as fighting dogs, the English Bulldog eventually evolved into a family-oriented breed that appreciates lazy naps and spending time with their humans.
If socialized early, English Bulldogs are extremely sweet and laid back with kids and strangers. Their low energy makes them a perfect cab companion, especially on long drives. They also don’t bark often, so you won’t have to worry about your furry friend being overly vocal at rest stops.
With English Bulldogs, face maintenance is key. Because they have so many wrinkles, it’s important to keep their face clean and dry at all times to avoid irritation and infection. Make sure you pack plenty of face wipes and other maintenance essentials in the truck with you.
3. Pug
Turns out pugs have a lot of great qualities for a trucking companion! They’re laid back, easy to care for, and aren’t prone to barking, digging, or chewing. They typically enjoy meeting other pets and new people, as well. Lastly, they don’t enjoy time alone and prefer constant companionship. This is why they’re perfect for truck drivers, whether they’re tagging along overnight in a semi or for a day trip in a cargo van.
Pugs do require face maintenance, just like the English Bulldog. Their large eyes are also prone to injury, which is something to keep in mind. In addition, these little dogs can’t tolerate high heat or humidity, so you’ll need to make sure your truck is air conditioned at all times and that extra care is taken to keep in-cab pups safe during the summer.
4. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature schnauzers are adaptable, which means they’re just as happy living in a country house or the passenger seat of your pickup truck. They’re playful, alert, and often a little feisty. They’re also known for being quick to learn and obedient. One thing is for sure: If you choose to adopt a miniature schnauzer, you’ll never be bored! They’ll certainly keep you laughing and entertained while you’re on the road.
Like many other dogs on this list, miniature schnauzers need plenty of exercise and stimulation. This breed can also be extremely stubborn. It’s important to establish yourself as the leader in charge from a very young age.
5. Beagle
Beagles are inquisitive and outgoing dogs that are extremely attuned to scent. Because of their small size and laid back temperament, they’re perfect for road living. Their friendly nature will make them popular at pet-friendly truck stops. They also crave companionship, so they’ll be happy to be by your side in the cab for long stretches.
Beagles do need a lot of exercise and can become destructive if they don’t get enough play time. This is important to keep in mind, especially if you’re looking for a dog to do overnight trips with you. In addition, if you add a beagle to your family, his head will always be to the ground, sniffing around for a scent to follow. If you choose to adopt a beagle, make sure he’s microchipped in case he darts off on a scent trail and you have trouble chasing him down. Ultimately, beagles might be better suited for day trips in a box truck cab than overnight trips in a sleeper cab.
6. Miniature Poodle
Poodles are hypoallergenic and don’t shed, so if you’re mildly allergic to dogs or sensitive to pet dander, this is a great breed to choose. Miniature poodles, in particular, are a great size for trucking. They’re small, but not as tiny as the toy poodle. They’re also eager, intelligent, and extremely affectionate.
If you’re looking for a cab companion that’s easy to train, a poodle is your best bet. These dogs are whip smart, and they learn commands quickly. They thrive on positive reinforcement and praise and don’t respond well to irritation or aggression. They also love to play, so carving out play time for them is very important. Poodles do struggle with separation anxiety, but that shouldn’t be a huge problem if they’re on the road with you at all times.
7. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are an extremely popular toy breed, and for good reason! They’re loyal, devoted, and have a tendency to form a strong bond with one person. If you like the idea of a tiny lap dog with a big personality that will snuggle with you for hours on the open road, a chihuahua might be the perfect choice for you. They’re also well-suited for shorter trips in your service truck.
One thing to keep in mind with chihuahuas is that they have a reputation for barking at strangers, are not great with young children, and can be somewhat temperamental. They also enjoy moderate amounts of activity, despite their small size. If you can make do with these traits, a chihuahua will be your best friend for life.
8. Labrador Retriever
Labs are well-known amongst dog lovers for their kind, intelligent nature and strong devotion to their humans. They’re also very easy to train, which is a huge bonus if you’ll be bringing your buddy on the road with you. For labs, being able to train them is extra important, primarily because this breed is often tempted to chew. As long as you start training them at an early age, they’ll develop the skills to be a great cab companion.
Since labs love to run and retrieve, it’s important to entertain them at rest stops with a few minutes of fetch. They may also benefit from toys and games in the sleeper cab that mentally stimulate them during long stretches on the road.
As a general rule of thumb, long distance trucking is easiest with a dog that weigh 50lbs or less. Labs are the largest breed on this list and can reach around 80lbs. However, we wanted to include them because there are always exceptions to the rule. If your lab is trained well, or if he’s an older dog that doesn’t need as much exercise and is happy to snooze while you drive, it could be a match made in heaven.
Ultimately, whatever breed you choose as your cab companion will bring you endless comfort, company, and love during your truck driving career. They say dogs are a man’s best friend, and we think all truckers with a dog in the passenger seat would agree. If you’re ready to add a dog to your family, check out your nearest local rescue organization to start searching. And remember, older dogs make much better road companions than puppies.
Are you in search of a semi truck with ample space for both you and your furry companion? If so, explore our inventory today! We have the biggest inventory in North America. Our experienced team is on-site to help you find the right used truck for sale and obtain financing. Contact us today and gain peace of mind with your extended warranty.