These days, dogs are more and more likely to travel with people than ever before. After all, what dog doesn’t ride in a car? As a breeder and trainer though, you’re probably more likely to carry along dogs than most other people. From time to time, you might even transport a number of dogs at once – perhaps a litter of puppies on their way to the vet for their first shots?
We have considered a number of features that might be important to a dog breeder and trainer, and have identified five top used vehicles. They are the Honda Element, Ford F150, Ford Escape Hybrid, Range Rover Sport HSE, and Subaru Outback.
Honda Element: The Element has been very popular since it first came out in 2006. It has 74.6 cubic feet of cargo space, so there’s lots of room for dogs to ride in. It also offers a special dog package which includes a spill-resistant water bowl, stowable dog ramp, specially patterned seat covers, and “dog bone” floor mats.
Ford F-150: You’ll appreciate this great pickup from Ford, with its roomy interior that makes it very easy to buckle in your dog (or dogs). You can also haul a fair bit of gear and perhaps some kennels around in the back for the training end of your business. Of course, as a breeder and trainer, you know that it’s not a good idea to have a dog ride in the truck bed, even if kenneled.
Ford Escape Hybrid: This is a very economical vehicle to drive, getting 34/31 mpg. If your operation requires a lot of back-and-forth, this could be the ideal rig for you. You’ll also find that it features a number of available aftermarket dog accessories.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport HSE: The Range Rover Sport is a high end, solid SUV that’s a bit smaller than the usual Range Rover. Don’t let its size fool you, though – it’s every bit as rugged as the bigger Range rovers, and still offers lots of space for carriers. The only downside is that it’s pricey, even used, and not all that common.
Subaru Outback: The Outback is big enough for most breeders and trainers, with cargo space of 71.3 cubic feet. Standard all-wheel drive will get you where you need to go even in nasty weather. We really like the durable upholstery, too – it’s very resistant to pokes and scratches.
All five of these vehicles are extremely practical and are also highly suited to the active lifestyles of most dogs, as well as their human companions.
