Top 7 Dog Breeds That Can Fit Under Airline Seats

Do you know which dogs fit under airplane seats?

Traveling with your dog can be a stressful experience, and you might want to lessen your dog’s anxiety by keeping them with you.

Keep reading to learn which breeds can stay in the cabin (as long as they’re in the proper dog travel crate, of course)

7 Dog Breeds That Fit Under an Airplane Seat

Sometimes you have no other choice but take your dog with you when you’re traveling. After all, you can’t leave your pooch alone for days without somebody to keep an eye on them.

Unfortunately, not all dog breeds can stay with you when you’re traveling by airplane. Those that are allowed inside the cabin must be small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat. Moreover, you have to keep your dog inside the carrier during the whole fight.

Usually, airplanes allow hard-sided kennels measuring 17.5 in x 12 in x 7.5 in, and soft-sided one with a size of 18 in x 11 in x 11 in. But you should call your selected airline to check the details or visit their webpage.

#1 Maltese

One of the most stunning white dogs, the Maltese is small, cheerful, and fearless. These tiny dogs fit perfectly under an airplane seat because they don’t weigh more than seven pounds and stand eight to eleven inches tall.

However, Maltese dogs are prone to chills and can get sick if they remain wet for long. As such, you’ll want to have some absorbing pads inside the carrier to soak up any accidents during the flight.

#2 Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas might fit in a lady’s purse, but they have the personality and attitude of a large dog. Since Chihuahuas weigh between three to six pounds, they match most airline-approved soft-sided and hard-sided carriers.

Moreover, Chihuahuas are bold, confident, and adventurous. As such, they won’t freak out much during the flight.

However, Chihuahuas get cold when they’re scared, anxious, or excited. So, you should dress your Chihuahua in a sweater before you put them in the carrier.

#3 Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are one of the best companion dogs due to their charming personality and sweet disposition. These majestic tiny dogs don’t handle being away from their owners for long. As such, it’s fortunate that they’re one of the dog breeds that fits under airplane seats.

Usually, Yorkshire Terriers weigh between three to six pounds and are 8-9 inches tall. So, they can fit comfortably in an airplane carrier.

However, Yorkies are delicate dogs, so you should ensure that they remain warm during the flight. Since they’re also yappy, you want your dog to be well-trained so that they don’t bother the other passengers.

#4 Pomeranian

Another cute small dog that fits under an airplane seat is the magnificent and aristocratic Pomeranian. These tiny dogs are excellent companions, thanks to their friendly nature and vivacious spirit.

Pomeranians also bond tightly to their owners and can be quite the barkers when left alone. So, they’ll be very miserable if they have to travel as cargo.

Fortunately, most Pomeranians don’t weigh more than 3-7 pounds and can fit into an airplane carrier without any issues.

However, you might have a problem if you have a big throwback Pomeranian. While these are rare, sometimes, Pomeranians grow up to be more than 12-15 pounds due to genes throwback.

#5 Brussels Griffon

One unusual dog breed that can travel in the cabin with you is the remarkable Brussels Griffon. Usually, Brussels Griffons weigh around 10-12 pounds and stand at 7-11 inches tall.

While these unique dogs weigh slightly more the rest of the breeds on our list, they can fit comfortably in a carrier. What’s more, Brussels Griffons do well in all models of transportation as long as their owner is close by to keep them company.

Since Brussel Griffons have flat faces, they might have problems breathing in high altitudes and should never travel in the cargo section.

#6 Shih Tzu

Regal and majestic are the first things that come to mind when you look at the stunning Shih Tzu. These beautiful dogs are excellent travel companions due to their outgoing personality, friendliness, and sweet disposition.

The Shih Tzu is highly adaptable and will follow you to the end of the world if they have to. However, since Shih Tzu dogs have flat faces , they’re prone to overheating and might have problems breathing during a flight.

As such, your Shih Tzu should have a clean bill of health before you board the plane.

#7 Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise is a perfect traveling companion. These fluffy white dogs are easy to train, friendly to everybody they meet, and loud noises don’t spook them easily. They’re also one of the most affectionate small dogs.

Moreover, Bichon Frise doesn’t like to be separated from their owner and prefers to stick close to your side. Usually, that’s not a problem if you’re traveling by airplane. Most Bichon Frise dogs weigh around 12 pounds and fit under airplane seats.

However, you should check your airline’s policy and exact carrier dimensions if you have a Bichon Frise that’s on the large side.

What Do You Need to Know When Traveling with Your Dog?

Now that you have an idea of what types of dogs fit under an airplane seat, there are a couple more things to take into consideration:

• Get your dog check before the flight. The stress of travel might exacerbate some chronic conditions.
• Obtain a certificate of health from your vet. Not all airlines will require such a document, but you should have it in you. Moreover, it should be a recent one.
• Make sure that your dog is up on their vaccination shots. If your dog isn’t vaccinated against rabies, they might have to be quarantined.
• Since the number of in-cabin pets is limited, you should call beforehand and make inquiries.
• Your dog counts as carry-on baggage. As such, you can bring only one more item with you when you board the plane.

Along with the dogs mentioned above,  other possible breeds include Pekingese, Dachshund, and Havanese. The important thing is that your dog must be small enough to fit in the airplane carrier without being uncomfortable inside.

If your dog can’t fit in an in-cabin carrier, they will have to travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. In that case, you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons of taking your dog with you.