Spend five minutes searching what dog breed should I get and you’ll fall into a rabbit hole of comparison charts and temperament guides. From lists like 20 best dog breeds for first-time owners to debates around the most intelligent dog breed, there’s no shortage of advice.
But here’s the bit that doesn’t always get mentioned – your dog’s personality doesn’t just shape home life, it shapes how you travel. Here’s how to match your next UK escape to your dog’s character.
The high-energy adventurer
Breeds like the Border Collie and Labrador Retriever may regularly feature on lists of the best large dog breeds for families, but they’re also endurance athletes in disguise. These are high-energy dogs that need a job, even on holiday. After long hikes, pick low-key village pubs with open fires and stone floors. Your dog will sleep under the table before you’ve finished your first drink.
Where to go: Head somewhere with proper terrain. The Lake District works brilliantly – base yourselves near Keswick and you’ve got Derwentwater for gentler loops, Catbells for a half-day hike and endless fells if you want to go further. Early mornings are best, especially in warmer months.
Snowdonia is another strong choice. Staying near Betws-y-Coed gives you forest trails, waterfalls and mountain routes all within a short drive. These are places where you can walk straight from the door, come back muddy, then head out again before sunset.
Stay smart: Look for dog-friendly cottages with secure gardens and space to dry kit, especially on winter walking holidays.
The social butterfly
Some dogs love being around people as much as they love you. They’re confident, curious and happiest where there’s movement. Breeds like the Cocker Spaniel and French Bulldog often rank among the most popular dog breed in the UK, partly because they adapt so well to busy households and town life.
Where to go: Choose seaside towns where you can wander all day without needing the car. Padstow is ideal for harbour loops, short coastal walks and plenty of café stops. Go early to avoid the heaviest crowds, then drift between the harbour and quieter backstreets.
Further north, Whitby has just the right mix of drama and charm. Climb the 199 Steps for a leg stretch, loop back along the pier, then settle into a dog-friendly pub while the town hums around you. You don’t need epic mileage here – it’s more about atmosphere. A couple of coastal paths, a beach run at low tide and the option to sit outside with coffee while your dog watches the world go by.
Stay smart: Book somewhere like this cosy 3 bed cottage in central Padstow or Charlotte House in Whitby. These locations mean you can pop back easily when your dog’s social battery runs low. Because even the friendliest dog needs some downtime.
The steady family companion
When people ask what are the best dog breeds for families, breeds like the Golden Retriever and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel almost always come up. They’re known for being gentle, reliable and good with kids. They don’t need extreme terrain or constant stimulation. They just want to be where you are.
Where to go: Wide beaches and easy coastal paths suit them perfectly. The Norfolk coast near Holkham gives you space to roam without steep climbs. The sand seems to stretch forever and there’s room for ball throwing without worrying about cliffs.
In Scotland, North Berwick in East Lothian, works well for mixed-age groups. You’ve got gentle beach walks, harbour views and easy access to the John Muir Way, if you fancy going further. The pace is relaxed and everything feels manageable.
Stay smart: Choose family-friendly holiday homes with enclosed gardens and open-plan living. It makes evenings easier when everyone’s tired from sea air.
The compact explorer
If you’ve been researching the best dog breeds for beginners, you’ll know that smaller breeds are often recommended. They’re adaptable, portable and often surprisingly adventurous. Dogs like the Miniature Schnauzer and Dachshund might not have the stride of a retriever, but they’ve got determination in spades. They’re also among the best dog breeds for travelling. They’re easy in the car and simple to carry when needed.
Where to go: The Cotswolds are ideal. Base yourselves in Bourton-on-the-Water and you can wander riverside paths, dip into dog-friendly cafés, and explore nearby spots like Stow-on-the-Wold – without committing to a 10-mile hike.
Or try Rye, in East Sussex. Cobbled streets, antique shops and windswept walks at Camber Sands make for a varied but manageable break. You can keep distances short while still feeling like you’ve properly explored.
Stay smart: Cosy cottages in the centre of town mean no long treks home after dinner – helpful when little legs are tired.
Choosing breaks that fit
When you search for terms like “best dog breeds for families” or “which dog breed should I get” the answers usually focus on home life. But dogs are part of families and owners love taking them away. So travel compatibility matters too.
An energetic working breed in a tiny apartment with no nearby walks? Frustrating for everyone. A laid-back companion in a remote cottage with beach access? Much better.
The real trick isn’t chasing Instagram-loved destinations or accommodation. It’s understanding your dog’s temperament, then choosing places that let them be exactly who they are – whether that’s charging up a hillside or snoozing under a pub table while you order dessert. You’ll be far more relaxed as a result. So plan around personality, give yourselves space and the right destination tends to follow.
Check out our selection of dog-friendly accommodation today.
