But have you ever wondered what kind of dog would be your match and fit right into your travel lifestyle? Whether you’re scaling mountains or enjoying a quiet evening after a long shift, these are six of the best dog breeds for travel nurses and allied health travelers.
French bulldogs, lovingly known as Frenchies, make excellent partners for healthcare travelers. Compact and easily adaptable, these small dogs do great in apartment living and react well to frequent moving. They’re also known for being calm and low energy, plus require minimal exercise, which are traits that may suit your busy schedule as a nurse or allied professional. At the end of the day, French bulldogs just simply want to love you and your family.
🐶 Adaptable to different living environments
🐶 Low exercise needs
🐶 Easy to groom
🐶 Dangerous to fly
🐶 Sensitive to extreme temperatures
🐶 Snore loudly
Known for their friendly disposition, Boston terriers don’t shy away from new experiences. Whether it’s hopping in and out of planes or switching between temporary living spaces, your Boston terrier is sure to take it all in stride. Smart and easy to train, this small dog excels at dog sports, as well as keeping your bed warm while you’re away. Their combination of size, friendliness, and low-maintenance care makes Boston terriers an ideal sidekick for travel nurses and allied travelers, no matter where you go.
🐶 Intelligent and trainable
🐶 Easy to groom
🐶 Wonderful family dogs
🐶 Tendency to overeat
🐶 Stubborn
🐶 More likely to develop eye and respiratory health issues
Related: Pet-Friendly Cities in the U.S. for Your Next Medical Travel Job
Easy-going by nature, corgis are just as happy exploring a dog park in your new city as they are snuggling up in a cozy hotel room with you after a long day. They’re also well-known for their intelligence so they can quickly pick up on fresh routines and environments. With a bright personality, you’ll never be short of entertainment with a corgi by your side on your travel adventures.
🐶 Friendly and outgoing
🐶 Quick learner
🐶 Comfortable in various living situations
🐶 Chronic shedder
🐶 Tend to be vocal
🐶 Prone to hip dysplasia
Champions at getting used to new places, Labrador retrievers have an enthusiasm for exploration that makes them quick to adjust and learn. Whether it’s a city buzz or countryside tranquility, a warm beach or a snowy mountain, Labradors are always game. More than happy to join you wherever you go, Labrador retrievers can keep pace with you every step, leap, and bound of the way.
🐶 Enthusiastic and loyal dogs
🐶 Cope well with change
🐶 Smart and easy to train
🐶 Shed heavily
🐶 May struggle with separation anxiety
🐶 Need constant stimulation
Very go with the flow, Porties can make themselves comfortable in any situation, which can be a major benefit when you’re moving from city to city for your allied or travel nursing jobs. Not only that, but they’re also known for their eager-to-please, friendly demeanor, making them easy to train and socialize with both humans and other dogs. Pro tip: as the name suggests, Portuguese water dogs love to swim, so if you’re looking for a sure-fire way to tire out your Portie, take them to the water!
🐶 Hypoallergenic
🐶 Independent
🐶 Good with kids
🐶 Requires regular grooming
🐶 Mischievous
🐶 Bored easily
These pint-sized dogs are small in stature, making them easy to transport and suitable for various accommodation sizes, even the most compact of living quarters. Friendly and outgoing, Yorkies are reveled for their bravery and can provide much-needed emotional support after a tough shift.
🐶 Long lifespan
🐶 Loyal and affectionate
🐶 Sheds lightly
🐶 Physically fragile
🐶 Can be difficult to train
🐶 May be prone to dental issues
Frequently traveling for work can be challenging, but having a furry friend along for the ride can be an absolute game-changer. Not only do dogs provide a sense of comfort and familiarity in new environments, but they also encourage the essential habits of exercise and social interaction. The best part is that all dogs are good dogs, so you can’t go wrong no matter the breed!