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.

What Jobs Can You Get With a CDL? CDL Job Options

What Jobs Can You Get With a CDL? CDL Job OptionsIf you’ve earned your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), congratulations: you’ve just unlocked the door to a wide world of career opportunities. A CDL isn’t just a license; it’s your hard-earned pass to a career filled...

Melton’s Quest for Quality: Why Your Vote Matters

Melton’s Quest for Quality: Why Your Vote MattersAt Melton Truck Lines, we pride ourselves on delivering more than just freight. Every shipment we handle reflects our dedication to safety, on-time performance, and exceptional customer service. That’s why we’re excited...

What to Expect on Your First OTR Trucking Assignment

What to Expect on Your First OTR Trucking AssignmentCongratulations! You’ve earned your CDL-A, and your first long-haul assignment is right around the corner. It’s an exciting milestone, but it’s natural to feel anxious about what’s ahead, especially if it’s your...

How Melton Offers Full Service Shipping

More than Flatbed: How Melton Offers Full-Service ShippingAt Melton Truck Lines, we excel at our flatbed and specialized shipping services. However, did you know that Melton offers all kinds of shipping, from dry van to refrigerated to intermodal and more – all with...

Understanding Truck Driver Pay: CPM, Hourly, and Salaried Pay

Understanding Truck Driver Pay: CPM, Hourly, and Salaried PayFor Class A CDL-holding truck drivers, understanding truck driving pay structures is crucial to making informed career decisions. Whether you're evaluating CDL driver salary options or comparing truck driver...

The Ultimate Cross-Border Checklist for Truck Drivers

The Ultimate Cross-Border Checklist for Truck DriversCross-border shipping is a huge part of the transportation industry, with many carriers frequently moving between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. If you’re a truck driver preparing to transport a cross-border...

Flatbed Trucking for Government Freight

Flatbed Trucking for Government Freight Government agencies and military bases often require specialized logistics solutions to move oversized, high-value, or sensitive cargo both safely and efficiently. Flatbed trucking plays a crucial role in meeting these needs,...

Tips for Passing Your CDL Test

Tips for Passing Your CDL Test Becoming a commercial truck driver is an exciting and rewarding career choice! But, before you can hit the open road, you must first pass your Commercial Driver’s Test. These tests consist of both a written knowledge test and a...

Top Industries Using Flatbed

Top Industries Using FlatbedFlatbed trucking is an essential segment of the transportation and logistics industry, providing a great solution for moving freight that doesn’t fit into standard enclosed trailers. With its open design and ease of loading and unloading,...

What to Expect When Shipping Flatbed Loads

What to Expect When Shipping Flatbed LoadsFlatbed shipping has always been a critical mode of transportation, and the demand for it is only growing in industries like manufacturing, energy, and construction. Flatbed trailers are uniquely versatile and can transport...