Best Dogs For Motorcycles: A Complete List For Bike Lovers!

When you are thinking about getting a dog, there are many things to consider. Dogs indeed love going for rides.

They don’t necessarily have to be lengthy ones. Your dog would be happy to go out with you, whether it’s for a walk or in the car or motorcycle.

However, to achieve that, it is essential to look into the right breed of dog that will be best for your motorcycle so you and your dog can have an enjoyable time.

Now you’re probably wondering what are the best dogs for motorcycles? Well, there is a list of dogs that you can easily ride with on your motorcycle, and they are as follows.

Here is the list of the best dogs below:

1. Havanese
2. Yorkie
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
4. Bichon
5. Pug
6. Maltese
7. Shih Tzu

So now that you know the best dog breeds that will happily ride along with you as your companion on your motorcycle.

I will be explaining in detail why they are the best and how you can ride with them. Be sure to read the article in its entirety for clear knowledge.

Top Dogs For Your Motorcycle

Before we get into the details, I would like to point out that although these are the best dogs, they still require a lot of training and patience before you get them to sit inside your motorcycle.

Some dog breeds in this list might learn faster, while some might take a lot of time and training methods until one works.

Therefore, no matter how much time it may take, it is highly suggested that you wait and let your dog get comfortable.

But most importantly, do not force and do not punish your dog. If he/she does not like the motorcycle, you should find an alternative option that would be safe, comfy, and fun.

With that being said, here is the list of the dogs!

1. Havanese

Starting with the first dog breed, the Havanese is the best riding companion on your motorcycle. It is said that this breed is not too large, so you will not need to purchase or custom make a sidecar for them.

Nonetheless, they are not small dogs either. Keep in mind that this breed is quite difficult to find in some regions, but if you are happy to look around, you might find one and learn how amazing it is to ride with them.

Best Features Of A Havanese

The average weight of the Havanese dog breed is around five up to 7 kilos which are around 12 up to 15 pounds.

They are extremely intelligent as they learn quickly so teaching them tricks or playing games with them would be fun but most of all training them would be done easily.

The great thing about this breed is that they are super friendly, socialize with other people easily, learn quickly as well, so it would not be a hassle training them, and can accommodate longer trips because it is fun for them.

You will also be happy to learn that this breeds likes being with its owners all the time.

How To Ride With A Havanese

Various people suggest riding in a handlebar basket because it works perfectly for Havanese dogs.

They can sit inside and watch the view as you drive around. Keep in mind that they have long hair, which can get matted on a long ride.

This is why it is highly recommended to cut the hair of your Havanese, which is called a puppy cut. Other than that, be sure to always have your dog brush with you so you can groom whenever it is required.

2. Yorkie

The Yorkie dogs are well known for being too aggressive. However, they are pretty relaxed and comfortable around their owners.

You need to know that the Yorkie dog might require a lot of time for training because, for them, it’s hard to socialize with strangers. But that mainly depends on which environment the dog grew up in.

Some owners would take their dogs out regularly to socialize and get comfortable around other people. If you wish to get a Yorkie dog, then make sure to do this so it would not be troubling for you when your dog for the bike ride.

Best Features Of A Yorkie

Yorkie dogs are also known as Yorkshire terriers and are amongst the smallest of dogs. This means that they are only around 6 to 7 inches tall, and they weigh approximately two up to 7 pounds.

They have tiny heads, and the muzzles on them are medium length. The great thing about this breed is that they are independent, extremely smart, bold, confident, and quite courageous.

They pick up things quickly, which makes them good training dogs. They also love, show affection, and are excellent as family dogs.

How To Ride With A Yorkie

For a Yorkie, it is highly suggested to use a backpack or slings as small dogs can fit easily in them.

You can wear the backpack on your shoulders which is an excellent way for keeping your dog restrained in one place and as near to you as possible.

But do keep in mind that training is highly suggested because it can get frustrating for them to sit inside a bag and ride on a motorcycle.

You can take small steps and stop on the way so your dog can get out and stretch. It is also suggested to keep brushing the hair as it can get matted even if the game length is short.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This one is another dog breed that extremely loves, and shows affection towards its owners. They are known to be the most gentle breed. They love to spend time with their owner all the time.

Now, if you plan to purchase a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you will be glad because it will willingly go on the motorcycle ride with you.

But yes, training is still required so the dog can get used to the motorcycle and the sound and people.

Best Features Of A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

There are various personalities of a Cavalier dog, but they are popular for being gentle, friendly, patient, ability to learn quickly, fearless and affectionate. They also get attached to people easily and love to play around.

The great thing is that they are open to learning new things, so it will be fun to train them on how to ride a motorcycle. Besides that, the body length of this dog is around 19 to 20 inches which are 48 up to 51 centimeters.

The lifespan is 12 to 15 years, and the height is 15 to 16.5 inches.

How To Ride With A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier dog is not big or a small dog. If you plan to take the dog at a young age, then a backpack or sling would be a perfect choice.

But once your dog grows, it is recommended to use a tank dog carrier. This will allow the dog to get exposed to open air, while some come with windows as well as ventilation so your dog can be comfortable.

On an important note, the Cavs have some health concerns, which is why it is suggested to put on goggles on their eyes and a helmet for safety.

They would also need extra grooming care, so make sure to take the dog brush with you.

4. Bichon

The Bichon dog is highly recommended and is the number one choice to go on the motorcycle ride, according to the pethelpful.com site.

This is because the dog breed is super calm, eager to meet new people, and shows love and affection to the owner and other people.

If you want to get the Bichon, then make sure to train it at the early stages when it’s a puppy since puppies can adapt to things easily and learn faster.

Once they learn to ride on the motorcycle, they will ask for more rides regularly, which will be fun for them.

Best Features Of A Bichon

Do not get confused about Bichon being poodle dogs because their powder-puff coat looks quite similar. The Bichon has a silky but curly outer coat.

However, the undercoat is quite soft. Keep in mind that both the male and the formal bichon frise are about 9 to 11 inches tall, but their weight is around 7 to 12 pounds.

The great thing about Bichon is that they are smart, making them learn tricks easily. Keep in mind that they are highly trainable, but it requires you to be extremely gentle, polite, and patient because they can get heartbroken easily if anyone is scolding or punishing them.

How To Ride With A Bichon

Most owners take their Bichon inside a carrier or a custom dog seat. They even get a custom-made helmet for extra protection.

This is because, according to vets, Bichon’s ears are extremely sensitive, and they can go through severe pain. If you wish to take your Bichon, then make sure to get a helmet and goggles for safety.

5. Pug

Pugs are also extremely comfortable riding on motorcycles. The great thing about this breed is that it is calmer than most dogs and adapts to changes easily.

They like to socialize with other people and would not require a lot of attention when exercising. But training is something that you might have to work on.

They can get scared easily, so you need to take things gradually. This can easily work if you give them treats as a sign of praising them when they attempt to get inside the motorcycle.

You should also try giving them meals on the motorcycle to get comfortable with it.

Best Features Of A Pug

The best thing about this breed is that these dogs don’t bark extensively or dig or chew things around them like other dogs.

They get around quickly with children as well as other people and dogs. They are known for being companion dogs and showing affection towards their caretakers, and are extremely loyal.

They are members of the toy group since their height is around 10 to 11 inches, and their weight is about 14 to -8 inches (6 to 8 kilograms).

This information will help you get the proper carrier for them to ride comfortably on the motorcycle.

How To Ride With A Pug

Although it depends on the size and height of the pug, it can sit and ride at the back of the motorcycle in a custom dog seat. This will be beneficial because you can customize it to match your dog so he/she can be comfortable.

I have also seen some people allowing their pugs to sit at the front in a backpack so they can feel secure and close to their owners.

Besides that, pugs’ eyes protrude, which means that you need to get them goggles. They also have breathing problems, so be sure to ride carefully and not fast.

6. Maltese

This breed is also the perfect choice for you when riding on a motorcycle. Even though many say that Maltese dogs are too sensitive and tiny, they are still well idlers. This is because they are good listeners and can sit calmly in one place for a long period.

If you take a Maltese dog with you on a motorcycle, then you have nothing much to worry about because it will not move or cause trouble for you until your next stop. It will be an easy job to train your dog but take your time.

Best Features Of A Maltese

Maltese are explained to be quite adorable looking. They are gentle and affectionate with their owners. They are intelligent and responsive, as if they understand everything being said to them, and super trusting.

They love to learn new tricks because they are playful and vibrant, and most Maltese breeds live a long life.

Maltese are the smallest dogs, so they can only grow from 7 to 12 inches in height and weigh around 4 to seven pounds. This makes it easy for you to carry them wherever you want.

How To Ride With A Maltese

Some owners prefer letting their Maltese dog sit frankly on the motorcycle’s gas tank with no harness or backpack because they do not move around at all. But if you want to provide extra safety, you can carry them in a tank carrier.

This carrier can be easily placed either on the bike’s front or back. Besides that, make sure to brush your dog regularly because the fur is long and can get matted.

7. Shih Tzu

This is another calm and small dog that is perfect for you to ride along on the motorcycle. Since the Shih Tzu dogs are friendly, it is a plus point for driving on a motorcycle.

This is because they see the crowd and will not be frightened of the noise. But training is a must. You can start by going to empty streets until the dog is pleased enough and then slowly meet new people since they learn to socialize very well.

Best Features Of A Shih Tzu

There are certain traits of Shih Tzu that many owners love about them. They are well known for riding companions, will require the least exercise, are extremely playful and friendly, tend to stay alert, keep themselves busy, and are quite friendly with other dogs and people, and children.

They do tend to bark a lot, though, but that’s mainly because of their happy temperaments. They are also in the toy group as the height is 8 to 11 inches, and the weight is about 9 to 16 pounds.

How To Ride With A Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu dog is best to ride on a motorcycle or bicycle. You will need to have a backpack or sling or a tank carrier for this breed again because of its small size.

Keep in mind that slings are mainly used for small rides, so you can use them to teach for early stages and then slowly transition to a carrier. This dog’s eyes are also sensitive, so goggles are highly recommended.

Can Big Dogs Ride On Motorcycles?

The answer is complicated because some people recommend taking big dogs on motorcycles, while others disagree.

This is because motorcycle riding is best enjoyed with smaller dogs that can easily sit in a backpack or carrier while feeling comfortable and safe.

However, going on journeys with big dogs on the motorcycle is not that hard. This can be done with the help of a sidecar. Many people custom make their sidecar since not many motorcycle brands manufacture sidecars.

Another option can be a trailer that you can pull on your bike. This is also best used for bigger dogs. Do keep in mind that smaller dogs like I have mentioned above cannot use a sidecar or a trailer because of fitment issues.

You can also check the article on dogs on motorcycles laws to learn more about it.

Main Safety Concerns When Riding With Your Dog

1. Goggles: Some dogs’ eyes are sensitive.
2. Harness: Full body for small dogs.
3. Do not use a regular collar.
4. Jacket: If the weather is too cold. But it can protect your dog from soft tissue injuries.
5. Headgear/Helmet: You can teach your dogs to wear a helmet or make them a custom leather cap to protect them from serious injuries.
6. Make sure people aren’t purposely honking to scare your dog.
7. Provide training regularly, even if you go for rides with your dog.

Conclusion

Knowing the best dogs for motorcycles, you can easily get the dog of your choice and have the best adventures with him/her on the motorcycle. Most of these dogs are friendly and fast learners, so training will be a fun session as well.

Your dog would love to go out with you and explore new things rather than always staying at home, which can get depressing.

Therefore, train your dog correctly and take them out with you as it can be fun for both of you, plus they always prefer being close to their owners.