Pucks104

As I am trying to decide between a mini and a toy, I know that I want the pup to travel with us both on shorter trips - to the beach or mountains (live in NC) and on longer trips by air (hubby and I will be retiring in a few years). I very much want a pup that both size wise and temperament wise would make a great travel companion. I need a dog that will easily fit in a carrier under the airplane seats. Does that rule out all minis? Our own children are grown and out on their own. IF we have grandchildren, they will live in a home that has pets as both my children were raised with pets and have pets of their own. Learning to interact respectfully with pets would be part of their upbringing from day 1. Thoughts?

Ryker-&-Canyon

I can not be all that helpful (my guys have been with us only since Wednesday) but can say one of the reasons I decided on Toys was so that we could take them out-and-about and on vacations (one days and long; in the car or on a plane) easily. I like that when the weather warms we can take them out shopping and running errands with us. Before adopting my two, I asked local businesses and restaurants (both mom and pop and large chains) how they felt of little dogs in carriers in their places of businesses. None of them said they would have an issue with it. There are two other families on the street with Toys (I also know a few more Toys and some Standards), I do not know anyone with minis, so can not speak of how easy it would be to travel around with them. But I can tell you Poodles of any size are the BEST.

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Poodle mama to Ryker and Canyon

fjm

I would check out the size carriers permitted by airlines you are likely to use and take it from there. It begins to sound as if a largish toy might be best for you - I would avoid breeders who make a point of supplying very tiny toys, or describe their dogs as teacup sized - very small dogs tend to be more prone to health issues.

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To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden,
where doing nothing was not boring- it was peace.

~ Milan Kundera

Ladyscarletthawk

I have a mini and a toy, altho both dogs do well on outside activities the toy is the better size for frequent travel ESP under the seat. The size of the bags they deem worthy are just too low in size/height and most dogs would have to constantly lay down on the trip or hunch down (10-11" tall). I can stuff my 13" mini in it but I doubt she would stay comfy. Both dogs travel great in the car and my mini is very portable.


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Laura, Eve, and Fergie

fjm

One thing I would say if you want your pup to be a good traveller is to work on making it a happy experience from the start. Many pups have never been in a car before their trip to your home (or if they have, it was a not very pleasant trip to the vet), so their first experience is anxious and stressful. Add in possible motion sickness, as in my papillon Sophy's case, the stress can be overwhelming - leading to drooling, vomitting, and general unhappiness all round! It took many hours of desensitising and counter conditioning to get Sophy able to travel without being ill, and there are still routes I avoid.

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To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden,
where doing nothing was not boring- it was peace.

~ Milan Kundera