A collage of dogs in trucks

The Top 10 Best Dog Breeds for Truck Drivers

Life on the road can be lonely for truckers; hours of driving and countless miles can take a toll on mental health, but bringing a pet along can transform the OTR experience into something more enjoyable. Dogs make excellent companions, offering loyalty, companionship, and even an extra layer of security. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of having a dog on the road and the top 10 breeds ideal for truck drivers!

The Benefits of Having a Pet on the Truck

Having a companion while on the road offers several emotional and practical benefits for drivers:

  • Combats Loneliness: Dogs provide a sense of companionship, making those long stretches of highway feel less isolating.
  • Encourages Exercise: Taking breaks to walk the dog gives drivers a healthy reason to stretch their legs and get some exercise, which can also help reduce stress. According to UC Davis Health, over 60% of American dog owners meet the weekly recommended amount of exercise, compared to just 24.2% of the total population.
  • Routine and Responsibility: Having a dog can give drivers a sense of structure, add variety to the daily driving routine, and provide a secondary routine for those who run irregular routes.

Top 10 Dog Breeds Recommended for Truck Drivers

If you’re thinking of adopting a furry friend to join you on the road, there are a few key traits to consider: size, temperament, and activity level. These factors don’t necessarily have to align entirely for a dog to make a good companion on your truck, but finding one that compliments your routine can significantly improve daily life.

Here are the top 10 breeds that may be a fit for your passenger seat:

1. Chihuahua

Average Height/Weight: 5-8 in tall, 3-10 lbs
Why They’re Great: Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, making them perfect for limited cab space. They are low-maintenance and tend to bond closely with their owners, which makes them great travel companions.

Chihuahua in the grass

2. Dachshund

Average Height/Weight: 8-9 in tall, 16-35 lbs
Why They’re Great: Dachshunds are compact and relatively low energy, which makes them a good fit for life on the road. They’re also affectionate and enjoy being close to their owners.

Dachshund in a pile of leaves

3. French Bulldog

Average Height/Weight: 11-13 in tall, 16-30 lbs
Why They’re Great: French Bulldogs are small but sturdy, and their low energy levels mean they’re content to relax in the truck for long periods. They are also very friendly and tend to get along well with strangers.

French Bulldog in the grass holding a stick

4. Yorkshire Terrier

Average Height/Weight: 7-8 in tall, 4-10 lbs
Why They’re Great: Yorkies are small, hypoallergenic dogs that love being close to their owners. Their small size and minimal shedding make them easy to manage in the tight quarters of a truck.

A Yorkie sitting in the grass

5. Pug

Average Height/Weight: 10-13 in tall, 14-20 lbs
Why They’re Great: Pugs are laid-back dogs that don’t require much space or exercise. Their calm demeanor makes them a great choice for truck drivers who want a friendly and adaptable companion.

A pug standing in the grass

6. Shih Tzu

Average Height/Weight: 9-11 in tall, 9-20 lbs
Why They’re Great: Shih Tzus are affectionate and lower energy, making them a great companion for truck drivers. Their size and temperament are ideal for small spaces like truck cabs.

A Shih tzu sitting on concrete

7. Boston Terrier

Average Height/Weight: 15-17 in tall, 12-30 lbs
Why They’re Great: Boston Terriers are friendly, adaptable dogs that are content to hang out in small spaces. They have a manageable energy level and are easy to train, making them ideal for truckers.

A Boston terrier laying on a wooden floor

8. Miniature Schnauzer

Height/Weight: 12-14 in tall, 11-22 lbs
Why They’re Great: Schnauzers are intelligent and easy to train, they are often small enough for life on the road but still have a protective nature, making them good watchdogs for truckers.

A miniature schnauzer in the grass

9. King Charles Spaniel

Average Height/Weight: 12-13 in tall, 13-18 lbs
Why They’re Great: Spaniels are calm, friendly dogs that thrive on companionship. They are easygoing and adaptable, making them ideal for truck life.

A king charles spaniel in a meadow

10. Jack Russell Terrier

Average Height/Weight: 10-15 in tall, 13-25 lbs
Why They’re Great: Though they’re more energetic than some other breeds, Terriers are small and intelligent. They’ll keep you entertained, and their size makes them manageable in a truck.

A jack russell terrier wearing a harness in the grass

What Is Melton Truck Lines’ Pet Policy?

Melton Truck Lines understands the value of pets for drivers and allows pets on board from day one. Here’s a breakdown of our pet policy:

  • Dog Size: Melton’s pet policy allows dogs up to 90 pounds.
  • No Breed Restrictions: There are no breed restrictions, so drivers can bring any breed they prefer.
  • Pet Deposit: Melton requires a refundable deposit for drivers bringing their pets. This is a standard practice to cover any potential damages caused by pets.

Choosing the right dog is important to ensure both you and your pet can enjoy life on the road. With Melton’s pet-friendly policy, drivers can take their canine companions along for the ride, helping to make those long hauls a little more enjoyable. Learn more about driving for Melton on our flatbed driving jobs page.

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