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I would like to know what the best type of dog to get is to be my companion in an 18 wheeler traveling all the time.
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Member 1117747
on Jun 26th 2012
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Maybe a smaller, low-energy adult dog. I would not even consider a puppy, or a high-energy breed/mix.
A shelter/rescue dog would be great because you'd be giving a dog a new home! (If you want a pure breed, consider a retired show dog from a reputable breeder; many of them have already had training and are accustom to traveling often.)
I would stay away from breeds/mixes that are brachycephalic, because if you travel a lot to warmer climates, they might not fair well traveling in the heat.
I do have another suggestion for you! If you have a certain route that you typically travel, maybe you could consider doing transport for shelters/rescues. (Transporting a dog from a high-kill shelter, to a shelter along your route that might have more room or a home available for them.) A lot of truckers do that, and I think it's so incredible and such a neat opportunity to help dogs in need!
CGC,RTD,AKC Brake's LoneRanger
answered on 6/26/12.
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It really depends on your personality. How active are you? Do you want to spend your breaks playing ball with your dog, or just relaxing in the cab? Do you want a friendly dog, or a more aloof or protective dog? I wouldn't really worry about heat concerns like the previous person said, because most of the time the dog will be in the air-conditioned cab anyway.
Having traveled with a long-haul trucker (and a dog) I would say size is a HUGE consideration. Don't get a tiny toy-sized dog, they easily could break a leg jumping out of the cab. Don't get a dog too big to lift in your arms either, if they're injured or unwilling to jump up. For me, that would be about 60 lbs, maybe you're stronger. The happy medium (for me) would be 15-40 lbs, and there are many breeds in that range (as well as mutts.)
I would check out breed description sites to find what kind of dog fits your personality and needs best. Good luck! I think trucker dogs have a great life.
Bruno CGC
answered on 6/26/12.
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Wiggles, my long haired mini dachshund was found by a trucker in a truck stop....the trucker took him from MD to NY and back before surrendering him to the shelter, he was sure somebody had lost the little dog (lucky for me nobody reclaimed him). The trucker said that Wigs was so well behaved in the truck cab and was a really good dog and that he would have loved to keep him but wasn't up for the responsibility of walking/feeding/caring for a dog. I would suggest going to a shelter and seeing if they have any smaller mixes that are laid back and good in a car.
Wiggles
answered on 6/27/12.
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