The rising trend of a nomadic lifestyle has led many people to embrace RV living. However, shifting from a traditional house to a home on wheels is no small adjustment. 

More people are switching to RV living which means more pet dogs on road trips. While most dogs can adjust to change their habitat, some breeds are better suited to this nomadic lifestyle than others.

If you are looking for a furry friend to accompany you on the road, this post is for you. We have listed things to consider and the best pet dog breeds for RV living. 

Things to Consider in RV Dogs

Different dog breeds have specific characteristics that will determine your RV-ing experience with your pet. Here are a few main factors to consider before you pick a dog breed. 

Noise Levels

RV living requires you to spend a good amount of time indoors, staying in campgrounds and state parks next to other campers. Hence, the noise level of the dog is the most important factor to consider. 

The more excitable dog breeds can get annoying in closed spaces, so having a quiet breed will keep you and your fellow campers at peace. 

Temperament 

Temperament is another important factor when it comes to RV dogs. When you are RV camping, you will want a dog that has a friendly and affectionate temperament. 

When you are parked in RV campgrounds, your furball will meet new people and new pups. The friendlier the dog, the better it will be at socialising and adapting to new places. You also don’t want territorial dogs as camping grounds have other dogs living close by. 

Breed Size 

No matter how big your RV space is, the size of the dog will matter a lot. If you have a smaller space, you will have to be even more mindful of the dog size. 

The dog breeds in this post fit three sizes, ranging from small (5-10kgs) to medium (11-25kgs) and large (25-45kgs). We will be leaving out extremities, tiny and extra-large breeds. 

Exercise Requirements

Different dog breeds require different levels of activeness and exercise. For example, the smaller breeds mostly stay indoors while the larger ones need more activity. So, it would help if you think about your lifestyle and preferences before choosing a dog breed. 

Activity Levels

Some dogs are more hyperactive than others, and they will jump up and down when you don’t give them enough attention. If you need to relax and have more time to yourself, you don’t need a breed that gets too excited in a confined space. 

However, if your road trips are all about hiking and similar activities, you’ll need a high-energy dog. These hyperactive dog breeds will also require daily exercise, little or a lot, and more attention. 

Loyalty 

When you are living in an RV, you will need a companion that will stick by you. While you are constantly changing locations, a dog that wanders off on its own can cause you a lot of trouble. Hence, you need to pick a breed that can be easily trained to be loyal and will stay close by. 

Shedding Factor 

The amount of shedding in the dog breed can be a deciding factor, especially if you are allergic. Most people go for breeds with low or no shedding, as a high shedding breed needs a proper cleaning routine to keep your space clean. 

Best Dog Breeds For RV Living

Here’s a list of the ideal dog breeds that are suited to full-time RV living. 

Jack Russell Terrier

A Jack Russell Terrier is a small and friendly dog that will leave you plenty of space in your RV. They are affectionate and quite friendly who love to run and dig. 

You can easily train a terrier to be a loyal companion to you. They also have minimal shedding, so your RV will remain fur-free with minimum cleaning. 

Even though Terriers are small, they are full of energy and significantly lively. Hence, they need a proper energy outlet with a good amount of activity and 30-40 minutes of daily exercise. 

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog known as the smallest member of the sporting-dog family. They are family-friendly pets that are shy at first but turn playful and outgoing with good training. In addition, they are also intelligent and can be trained to become loyal companions. 

Spaniels have a friendly and affectionate temperament, and they are mostly easy-going. They need a minimum of one hour of activity every day, split across the day. A Spaniel will get tired easily, so regular short walks are the way to go. 

They experience moderate shedding, so the fur factor is manageable. This makes them a good option for RV living even if you don’t clean daily.  

Cavoodle

Cavoodle, also known as Cavadoodle, is an affectionate and playful dog breed that easily gets along with children and other pets. These fluff balls are a high-energy breed and require lots of attention, activity, and training to thrive. 

Cavoodle can adapt to living in small spaces as long as they get a good energy outlet. Since they are good guard dogs, they may bark at new people, but they remain gentle. Like most dogs, when Cavoodles lack attention, they bark excessively, which can become a problem in RVs. 

This dog breed experiences low to no shedding, which makes them ideal for people with allergies. However, their thick fur requires a good amount of grooming, as well as regular combing. 

Beagle

Beagles are small to medium-sized dogs that have an even temper and make excellent RV companions. They are an independent breed, but are trainable with some effort. These dogs are also very tolerant, but are easily excitable and quickly get high on energy. 

If Beagles are left alone for too long, they may become bored and destructive, which leads to excessive barking and looking for ways to escape. Therefore, if you plan to get a Beagle, you should be ready to give them constant attention and company. Some Beagles have a tendency to follow their nose and run off if left off leash. A consideration if you plan to have your dog off leash often.

One downside to Beagles is the heavy shedding that will require you to have a good cleansing routine to get rid of all the fur. 

Labrador Retriever

Labrador is one of the most loving and friendly dog breeds you will come across. They are large-sized dogs with high energy levels. Hence, they require a minimum of 40 mins of exercise every day. 

A Labrador Retriever will be your best option if you lead an active life and have enough living space. It has a low barking tendency and enjoys physical activities, such as hiking or running. 

Like most breeds, if they don’t get a good energy outlet, they can quickly become destructive with excessive barking. Additionally, the shedding factor is high in retrievers, requiring you to clean your RV every day. 

Conclusion

All these dog breeds will live happily in an RV as long as they are cared for and loved. You might need to put a little extra effort into some more energetic breeds, but they will be well worth it. 

These dog breeds will take your RV living experience to the next level and make wonderful companions.