Vehicles for large dogs

[Hackback]

Currently have an estate car which is fine for one large dog or two for short journeys, but we will soon have three large dogs (GSD + size).

What do people use to transport several large dogs comfortably? We wouldn't be looking at new.

 

[FestiveG]

I got a ssangyong rexton for the two large rotters and could have got a third in quite easily. That meant that we could have up to four people and the dogs in the car at the same time?

 

[CorvusCorax]

I'd look at a people carrier/mini MPV or short wheelbase van type.

Skoda Roomster, Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo, Peugeot Bipper Teepee, Volkswagen Caddy etc etc.

 

[sbloom]

55 plate Volvo V70 for our 12 stone Dane, it's the biggest estate, give or take and we did manage two Danes for a very short journey. Friends with 4 Danes have a Transporter with full height cages in the back.

 

[skinnydipper]

Citroen Berlingo. One of advantages of a Berlingo is the headroom for tall dogs.

 

[some show]

Yeah, I bought a second hand Berlingo 5 years ago, the bonus for my big greyhound who doesn't like jumping is it's got a nice low boot. Only problem at the moment is mine's the diesel version and diesel is massively expensive! They do have much better 'oomph' than the petrol version though.

 

[skinnydipper]

Yeah, I bought a second hand Berlingo 5 years ago, the bonus for my big greyhound who doesn't like jumping is it's got a nice low boot. Only problem at the moment is mine's the diesel version and diesel is massively expensive! They do have much better 'oomph' than the petrol version though.

Our dog bus was Multispace Desire, 1.6 petrol. Air con in the back for the dogs. Plenty of room. I loved it.

Sadly last year, when we had had it for 15 years, it was going to cost more in repairs than it was worth. I still mourn its passing.

 

[some show]

@skinnydipper I can well believe it, I love mine too! What do you have now instead?

 

[skinnydipper]

@skinnydipper I can well believe it, I love mine too! What do you have now instead?

Dacia Duster 1.6 comfort. OH loves it. I don't.

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

I fancy a little van when we retire, but then there aren’t many with windows and I want them to be able to look out. ?

 

[skinnydipper]

...

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

...

??

 

[pistolpete]

Would have had a Rav four if I’d had the money.

 

[CorvusCorax]

There are loads of small van/MPV types with windows? All the ones I mentioned do.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Would have had a Rav four if I’d had the money.

My Mum has one, the boot room isn't that great IMO.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

My Mum has one, the boot room isn't that great IMO.

Not enough room for anything much bigger than a Lab, tbh

 

[Nicnac]

We have a Dogmobile. It's a Peugeot Partner. Perfect for all sizes - even the massive Bernese had plenty of room sharing with a couple of others. It's outlasted 6 dogs and is now 17 but still going strong!

 

[Parrotperson]

Another vote for the Citroen berlingo. The basic models don’t have opening back windows (well they open but only a tiny bit so we got a slightly better model with proper opening back windows. Great for carrying all sorts of things inc large dogs.

because of course we have a large dog to accommodate ?‍?‍?

https://imgur.com/hRk0hO8

 

[Hackback]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I can see I'm going to have an evening googling all those makes and models as I've never heard of most of them, but at least I'll be able to put them into a car search now. Try searching for 'cars to transport several large dogs' and Google will find you a list of jaunty Estate cars complete with healthy looking owners in chunky sweaters popping their wellies on while perching on the open hatchback and a single springer spaniel sitting next to them. Much better to ask real people!

 

[FestiveG]

We got a land rover discovery 2 as the first rotter car, it was elderly and expensive in mechanic bills and mechanic said don't get a newer one as they are unreliable! I did know someone who got a range rover for his mastiff.

 

[Petmurf]

We’ve got a Jimny as the dog car with the back seats down and covered, works well for 3 big labs

 

[scruffyponies]

Can't beat a Skoda Octavia. Nearly as much boot space as a V70, but half the running costs.
Much lower down for the dogs to get into than a 4x4.

 

[skinnydipper]

On the subject of large dogs and vehicles, I recommend using a ramp. Not only for getting in but also for getting out - less stress on elbows and shoulders.

 

[Ratface]

I have an elderly (2002) Nissan Almera estate, which, depending on whether one puts the back seat down flat, provides either large or cavernous space. Two GSDs and a whippet (all family dogs) rode many miles in comfort, listening to Classic FM. Other music stations are, of course, available.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

We’ve got a Jimny as the dog car with the back seats down and covered, works well for 3 big labs

When I had a Jimny, the back seats didn't go down flat, so I would only have put a dog in as an emergency.

 

[CrazyMare]

I've had 3 greyhounds (29kg, 30kg and 32kg) plus two terriers in a Dacia Duster. They are snug in there though.

They are more comfortable in my BMW X5, although I used to have them all in my Ford Focus estate!