Best breed for a trucker

[Amstaffer]

I know someone who is a trucker. He now has his own Semi-truck and can have a dog with him for companionship. He was asking my opinion on what breeds would be best.

He said he can stop when ever the dog needs to and exercise the dog as much as a person living in a home. Not sure how that is possible but I am not a trucker.

Anyway after some thought, I said a Boston Terrier (I like them lol ). I figured small and very people oriented, they are also pretty good watch dogs. He asked about a JRT and I thought they were to high energy.

I also said that any smaller breed that is older (from a rescue) might have lower energy and fit in his life style well.

What do you guys think?

[J's crew]

I know someone who drives truck and has a Rottie. His dog loves it when they are on the road. Plus when he was in a truck stop the Rottie helped deter a would be theif from breaking into his truck. From what I have heard alot of truck stops can be kind of dangerous.

Since truckers can only drive a certain amout of time per day they usualy have long wait times that are perfect for training and playing with a dog. His Rottie leads a very good life and is a great partner on the road. Plus he gets to spend 24/7 with his dog.

[FoxyWench]

many of the toy breeds would work perfectly, they dont need uber amounts of excersize and the fact that they can be potty pad trained makes it even easier on long hauls

but most any dog can adapt to a life on the road so long as given plenty of rest stops. id avoid any of the hearding breed, and most of the terrier, just because of their high energy level, but i met a trucker who traveled with a dane x english mastif and he LOVED it...

[Friskycatz]

I second a rottie, my uncle is a truck driver and has one, and they are inseperable, plus they are very good watch dogs, and love rides, or my uncles does :)

[Amstaffer]

Don't you have to lift the dog in and out of the truck? I would think a rottie jumping from that height would be hard on the joints. I used to have rotties, lifting a 130lb dog in and out of a Semi would be a chore.

[Laurelin]

I've seen truckers with everything. Mainly toy breeds and dachshunds. I met a guy who was a trucker and had a lab and a pom that traveled with him. Both seemed equally content.

[Gempress]

Also agree with a rottie, if he's capable of handling one. When my uncle's rottie had pups, two went to new homes with truckers. What's funny is that years later, the truckers both stopped by to pay a visit and show how the "pups" had grown! Both rotties were very happy and content.

[J's crew]

Don't you have to lift the dog in and out of the truck? I would think a rottie jumping from that height would be hard on the joints. I used to have rotties, lifting a 130lb dog in and out of a Semi would be a chore.


Hmmm, thats a good question. I think the truck driver I know has a few steps going down, and then his dog has to jump about the same distance as my dogs do jumping out of a Tahoe.....if that makes sense, ha ha.

One of my past Rotties couldn't jump out due to ED so I would just support him under his belly while holding onto his collar. Very little impact that way.

Researching breeders that do extensive health testing is a must with Rottweilers as I am sure you know. The difference between my rescue Rott and my Rott from a reputable breeder is amazing. I've always wanted to get into agility with her because she would be great at it. She's almost 7 and I had her joints x-rayed a couple months back and they look great. I would think doing agility would be pretty much the same as jumping out of a truck, as far as joint stress, and there are tons of Rotties doing agility. My girl comes from working lines so good joints are a must.

I'm not trying to convince you.....really, I'm not! :p :D


ETA: My female Rott is 90 pounds at her heaviest. If he decides on a Rott maybe a female would be good.

[SisMorphine]

I know someone who drives truck and has a Rottie. His dog loves it when they are on the road. Plus when he was in a truck stop the Rottie helped deter a would be theif from breaking into his truck. From what I have heard alot of truck stops can be kind of dangerous.

Since truckers can only drive a certain amout of time per day they usualy have long wait times that are perfect for training and playing with a dog. His Rottie leads a very good life and is a great partner on the road. Plus he gets to spend 24/7 with his dog.
I agree. One of the larger breeds that don't have super amounts of energy and have an intimidating look . . . protective nature is a bonus! I think a Rottie would be perfect. Maybe a smaller Presa even.

[stevinski]

i think pug

[Gustav]

My partner is a trucker and he always had a GSD with him.. She loved it, slept on the bunk all day, got to growl at would be thieves and plenty of fuss from the guys at the depots! I think all dogs adapt to life in a truck, as after all they just want to be with you! ;)

[Toller_08]

I think a Rottweiler would be good aswell. I'd go for a female though, as they're generally smaller (I've never met one over 90lbs and my family's girls were between 60-80lbs.). As far as a smaller dog goes, a Boston might be good and lots of truckers have Dachshunds too. Maybe even a German Pinscher, as long as he's willing to put time into exercising (it sounds like he will, so that's great).

[fordraceing_man]

boxer is a great choise, i knew a trucker with one, and boxers will deter someone and they are great companions

[Luvntzus]

I think trucking is one of the best possible lifestyles for a dog. If you think about it, dogs are meant to migrate with their pack- trucking is a pretty good simulation of that. The dog is with their owner pretty much 24/7 and they're constantly going new places with new smells.

Almost any breed should be great for a trucker. I think the only ones it wouldn't work with are some of the high energy sporting and herding breeds or a giant breed. The most important thing is for your friend to choose a breed that fits his personality, grooming requirements, etc. :)

[Amstaffer]

I think trucking is one of the best possible lifestyles for a dog. If you think about it, dogs are meant to migrate with their pack- trucking is a pretty good simulation of that. The dog is with their owner pretty much 24/7 and they're constantly going new places with new smells.:)

LOL... you make me want to be a trucker. I would love a job where I could have my dogs with me 24/7

[Bahamutt99]

My APBT would probably enjoy something like that, although she would miss her fenced yard. She's a very good traveller. And right in the middle, size-wise, between the toy breeds and a Rottie.

[Psyfalcon]

I would try to pick a dog with some defensive tendencies, but also a strong recall. A sent hound, while it might like the new smells, might also be inclined to wander off if it ever got loose. Combined with the proximity to highways, it could be disaster.

[Luvntzus]

LOL Amstaffer. :D

[RiddicktheDobie]

he should go to the animal shelter and see which dog sits with him the longest. :lol-sign: I agree about a Rottie being a good dog for that situation. The one I know does nothing but sit next to his owner and if his owner gets up he just looks alert and waits to be called or for him to come back!

[Barb04]

I know someone who travelled with a Patterdale.

[Saje]

a mutt. Go to the shelter and fall in love with someone :)

[Amstaffer]

a mutt. Go to the shelter and fall in love with someone :)

I think he plans on going with a shelter dog but I think he is looking for a breed to start with or look for.

[showpug]

If he wants a lap dog and true companion then I would say pug. They love to be with their people and are very content sleeping the day away. Most love to ride in the car. They can make good watch dogs, but aren't good guard dogs. Pugs are very natural clowns and very entertaining. They make superb companions. Plus, there are lots of pugs in rescue that need forever homes. :)