If you ask me, a house is not the same without a loyal dog. I don't think this changes whether you spend your time in a house or a truck. One of the most common themes in the conversations I've had with truckers is that of loneliness on the open road.
It's for this reason that I always recommend that driver's try to incorporate a small pet like a loyal dog with them on those long trips that are extra quiet.
Naturally there are a lot of question's that come with bringing a pet on your next road trip so in this piece, I did some research and asked some real truckers, the best truck driver truck breeds, and the benefits you may enjoy from bringing your pets along.
In the window of a professional semi truck a handsome venerable martial spotted Cocker Spaniel dog peeks out - a real helper, friend and protector on the road during the voyages
Can Truck Drivers Travel With Their Dogs?
Having your dogs on trucking trips with you sounds like an enticing idea, doesn’t it? But it doesn’t completely depend on you if you’re a company driver.
A truck driver may bring a dog in the truck cabin only if your company allows it. Make sure you check with your company before bringing a dog on a cross country trip.
Also, it is important to know the conditions that accompany bringing your dog on trucking hauls with you. Some companies, though allow you to bring your dogs, require that you pay a heavy price. For instance, they only allow you to travel with your pets only if you are fine with taking a cut on your base salary, or that you make deposits.
It is simpler if you’re an owner operator, and you can do as you wish with your trucking business. However, you still have the laws of the states you drive in or through to contend with. Some states dictate if you can have dogs in your cab and how you must secure them. I’ll discuss more on this later in this article.
But generally, truck drivers can travel with their dogs as long as their employing company allows it.
Can Dogs Survive The Trucking Lifestyle?
It is easy to get carried away with the question of bringing your dog with you on trucking trips that we sometimes forget to think about if dogs can even survive the trucking lifestyle.
The trucking lifestyle begins and ends on the road. For OTR truckers, the road is their home. They don’t get to return to their brick and mortar homes for weeks at a time. In fact, statistics have it that the average OTR truck driver spends about 300 days on the road in a year. So, if you’re going to take your dog on such trips, you should make sure you have adequate supplies to take care of them.
Fortunately, many dog breeds are fit for the trucking lifestyle. These dog breeds are characterized by low maintenance and calm temperament, and they are fine with being on the road for hours at a time. They might get restless once in a while, but they generally have personalities that are suited for the trucking lifestyle.
In addition to the dogs being comfortable on long trips, these dogs don’t also require too much from you. You don’t have to worry about grooming them often, exercising them every day, or spending too much on them. We discuss these dog breeds in the next section.
Best Trucker Dog Breeds For The Road
I polled the followers of this blog and in some of my trucking groups/forums and asked what were the most popular trucker dog breeds.
The following are some of the most common answers about the best truck dog breeds that can keep you entertained during your next trucking haul:
1. Chihuahuas
Pretty brown chihuahua dog standing and facing the camera isolated on a white background
Chihuahuas are best known for how devoted they tend to be to individuals, and this makes them perfect for solo truckers. It is common to find a chihuahua bonding with just one person, even if it is raised in a family.
Despite their small size, chihuahuas won’t be the first to back out of challenges, especially when they’re protecting their persons. Their small size, however, makes them look less threatening. But thanks to this small size, they don’t take up too much space in your truck.
2. Pitbulls
Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs that are very loyal and protective of their persons. This is, perhaps, what makes them one of the best companions for female truckers. You may only need to make frequent stops to walk them and exercise them to prevent them from getting restless.
The only issue you might have with taking your pitbull on trucking trips with you is that Pitbulls are not welcome in all states in the US. While the laws in these states don’t specifically say “Pitbulls aren’t allowed here,” you could say the restrictions are targeted at Pitbulls and some other breeds. Make sure you look up the laws of the states you’re traveling to or through concerning their Pitbull laws.
3. Bulldogs
An adorable English Bulldog sitting while looking into the camera.
Don’t let their grumpy looks fool you. Bulldogs are some of the most docile and friendly pets around. They like hanging around humans and wouldn’t mind being with you on those long trips. In fact, their bodies aren’t built to handle too much exercise. A bulldog could break a leg from jumping down a raised pavement. It doesn’t fancy exercise much, which makes them perfect companions for your long trucking tips
However, bulldogs can be stubborn when they want to. This often happens when they don’t want to do something you want them to do. They also don’t fare well in hot environments. It could kill them. So, if you’re traveling somewhere hot, be sure to leave your bulldog behind.
4. Boston Terrier
Portrait in Studio of a cute boston terrier isolated on a white background
The amount of personality the Boston Terrier packs in its small size is amazing. It is a friendly breed that is very loyal to its people. It is generally good around humans, but will be quick to alert you with its bark when a stranger comes too close to its territory (your truck).
The Boston Terrier has a knack for being able to predict your mood and act accordingly. It remains by your side without causing you too much trouble or seeking too much attention. But once you get out of the truck for a short walk, it bursts to life. Its intelligence also makes it very easy to train and pick up new tricks.
5. Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature schnauzer puppy on white background
This breed has its origin in Germany, where it was used as a farm dog and also to control rodents.
What makes the Miniature Schnauzer one of the best breeds for truck drivers is its well balanced temperament. It has a mix of everything, from passion to playfulness, intelligence, obedience, and compassion. It’s one of those breeds you can rely on for companionship and support.
6. Old Dogs (Not a dog breed)
Old dogs are not a breed, obviously. But there’s something about old dogs that makes them one of the best truck driver companies on long trips.
Firstly, these dogs are already home broken, so you don’t have to worry about them messing up your truck.
Are Mixed Breeds Dogs Great As Trucker Dogs
All the breeds we mentioned here are pure breeds. What about mixed breeds? Are they any good as truck driver companions?
Mixed breeds can be just as good as truck driver dogs as their pure breed counterparts. In fact, mixed breeds have an advantage that pure breeds don’t have in that they combine the best of two breeds in themselves.
Statistically, you also get to spend more time with your mixed breeds as they often live a little longer than purebred dogs. Another statistic even has it that mixed breed dogs have less health problems than purebred dogs. That’s fewer vet visits for you, and more happy moments with you and your dog.
Benefits Of Having Your Dog On Trucking Hauls With You
Apart from escaping those cute guilt-tripping looks they throw at you from the ground when you leave for days without them, the following are benefits of having your dog on trucking hauls with you:
1. Companionship
The number one reason truckers bring dogs on trips with them is companionship. Long-haul trips can be lonely. You go for miles without interaction with anyone. And even when you get to your delivery point, you most likely would be talking to strangers before you prepare for another long and lonely journey back home.
But with your furry friend in the equation, there’s always comfort and support when you need it. You both could take a break to take a walk or play fetch. This alone could transform a lonely trip into a fun one.
2. Safety
Dogs aren’t only there for their companionship. It is no news that they are protective of their persons. So, having your dog with you on trips could make you feel safe.
3. Health advantages
Some health advantages that accompany trucking with your dog include lowering the risk of depression and blood pressure. The science behind it is that your body secretes oxytocin, a hormone that lowers your risk of depression and blood pressure when you snuggle with your dog.
4. Stress Reduction
Also, with your dog in the cab with you, you may be forced to take more frequent stops to give your dog a stretch or a bathroom break. While this might increase the time you spend on the road by a little, it forces you to stay active, which is what your body needs as a truck driver.
Conclusion
Now that you know about bringing pets on trucking trips with you to keep you from getting lonely and what breeds fit this job description the best, enjoy your trip. Just don’t forget to plan for your dog’s meals and care.