If you’re active, enjoy cycling and like to take your dog on lots of adventures, biking with your dog is excellent for both of you.
Whether due to physical restrictions, discipline issues or just sheer distance, running alongside a bike isn’t always an option. However, a dog bike trailer can make it possible to take your hound on all your day to day adventures.
We explain what you need to look for in a trailer, especially a large dog bike trailer and some of the best bike trailers on the market for the larger hound up to 75 lbs (34 kg) and over.
If you have a small to medium hound, we look at the best small dog bike trailers here with carrying capacities up to 66lbs (29kg).
Reasons You Might Want to Use a Dog Bike Trailer
Cycling is Your Thing
You like to be active and try to do your bit for the environment, so choose pedal power whenever possible. Because you want to cycle around town doesn’t mean you have to leave your buddy (or buddies) at home.
Hitching a dog trailer to your bike is a great way to take your hound with you and a great outing for your dog. And let’s face it, every hound feels a little opulent when cruising along in their own personal chariot.
Running Alongside the Bike is Not an Option
While there are lots of cool dog bike leashes available, not every dog is suited to this style of running.
Either your dog is too small, can’t last the distance or just doesn’t have the focus not to pull you off your bike every time they see something interesting. A dog bike trailer is a great alternative for biking with your proud hound.
Can’t Last the Distance
Maybe your hound has the know-how to run alongside but can’t last the distance. No shame. Take a load off in your personal pooch wagon.
Lazy, Old, Sick, or Small
Some dogs only like short walks but still love to be out and about. Larger dogs may have hip problems or injury, which preclude them from long exercise sessions. Or, maybe you have a senior hound who needs gentle exercise but still likes the activity.
For anyone who enjoys cycling, a bike trailer for your dog is an investment both you and your hound will always enjoy.
Burley Design Tail Wagon Bike Trailer
Best Large Dog Bike Trailers Quick Guide
We’ve put together six of the best dog bicycle trailers specifically for large dogs to help you make the best choice for your biking style and most importantly, your dog.
Image | Brand & Weight Capacity | Buy |
---|---|---|
Top Top Top Top | Burley Design Tail Wagon Bike Trailer – Up to 75 lb (34 kg) carrying capacity | Check Price |
Top Top Top Top | Aosom Elite II 2 in 1 Dog Trailer & Jogger – Up to 66 lbs (29 kg) carrying capacity | Check Price |
Top Top Top Top | PetSafe Solvit HoundAbout Happy Ride Dog Bicycle Trailer – Carrying capacity: Medium Up to 50 lbs (22 kg) | Large up to 110 lbs (49 kg) | Check price |
Top Top Top Top | DoggyRide Dog Bike Trailer – Up to 55 lbs (25 kg) carrying capacity | Check Price |
Things to Consider When Buying Dog Bike Trailer:
- How big is your dog – Height and weight
- Your budget
- What type of travelling will you be doing with the trailer – Distance and frequency.
- What kind of terrain will you be covering – Street riding or off road
- How versatile does the trailer need to be – Convert to a stroller or dog kennel
PetSafe Solvit HoundAbout Happy Ride Dog Bicycle Trailer
What to Look For in a Dog Bike Trailer
Size & Weight
It seems pretty obvious, but size matters. Large dog – a large dog trailer. Small dog – a small trailer.
While it seems quite simple, you will need to put a little more thought into the size of your dog trailer as they come in kinds of configurations.
Your dog needs to be comfortable in the trailer with room to sit up, lie down and turn around. You also need to be sure the trailer can hold your dog’s weight.
Be sure to measure the length, height, and width of your dog and compare to the interior dimensions of the trailer. Consider how comfortable your dog will be if they can’t have their head sticking out the top.
Conversely, you don’t want to purchase a trailer larger than you need. Unless of course, you are also planning to carry cargo in you hounds chariot.
Handling
Cycling with a trailer on your bike, especially with a dog on board will change the way you ride and can take a little getting used to especially if you are carrying more than one dog or one who tends to get excited.
Quality dog trailers offer far superior stability and manoeuvrability than budget models, something that comes into its own when you have to dodge a pothole, cycling off the road or come across speed humps.
A trailer that is easy to tow will be more rewarding and safer for both of you.
Construction and Durability
If you plan on using your dog trailer often, it is going to be put through its paces. You want a quality yet lightweight rig.
Frame
Look for aluminium or steel frames – never plastic. Aluminium is durable and lightweight, although steel may be better for heavier hounds and is easier to repair. Consider the trade-offs.
Also look at the floor construction as this will be as integral as the frame to the overall structure and the comfort of your dog.
Cover
Most dog trailers have mesh panels to allow for maximum ventilation and shade. Consider how much of the cover is made up of mesh and is the mesh scratch proof. If you have a flimsy cover, your dog may tear through it reasonably quickly. Also, consider what rain and wind covers are incorporated into the design.
Wheels
Are the spokes made of stainless steel and are the wheels easy to remove? What is the quality of tyre that comes standard with the trailer and will it be easy to repair if you get a flat?
Suspension
Will you be travelling off-road? If the answer is yes, you may want to consider suspension. While most city riding wouldn’t call for suspension, it does offer a substantially more comfortable ride.
Portability and Versatility
Does the trailer fold down quickly and easily to load into a car or store? Are the wheels easy to remove? Do you need a dog trailer that converts to a pusher or jogger, or even a dog kennel for travel?
Other Features
- Connecting hardware Coupler / Hitch – Is it a universal hitch or will you need to adapt it fit your bike.
- Safety Gear – The trailer should have a safety flag, reflectors, and interior leash or leash clip ring. Consider colour for high visibility
- Brake System – Do you need a foot or hand brake for stopping on hills or when converted to a stroller or jogger trailer?
- Entry Points – Is the entry point suitable for your dog and does it allow them ample room once inside.
- Pockets – A well-designed trailer will have pockets to keep your dogs gear organised and out of the trailer cabin.
Best Large Dog Bike Trailer Reviews
Burley Design Tail Wagon Bike Trailer
Maximum carry weight: 75 lb (34 kg)
Key Features
- Quick release alloy wheels for easy storage
- Removable floor and side battens for added stability
- All weather cover with waterproof zippers
- Easy access flip down tailgate
Designing and making bike trailers since 1978, Burley is a stand out company for dog trailers. While their dog bike trailers tend to err on the pricey side, Burley trailers are money well spent.
A quality build with an attractive design, the Burley Tail Wagon has lots of great features that will keep you and your hound happily on the road for many years.
It is one of the bigger trailers on the market with a maximum carrying capacity of 75 lbs; the 6061-T6 aluminium frame guarantees sturdiness and durability.
A large flip-down tailgate makes access easy for dogs of any size of agility.
16″ quick release alloy wheels with parking brakes give a comfortable ride and easy storage. The trailer has quality mesh sidings for maximum airflow and an all-weather cover (with rustproof zips) at the front for wet days. You might get wet, but your hound doesn’t have to.
Safety is a key feature with the highly visible yellow colour, reflectors and safety flag.
A stroller attachment kit can also is available for a more versatile design.
As well as a roomy interior, the trailer has lots of spacious pockets for storing leashes, toys, and water bottles. Burley offers one, three, and five-year warranties on various components such as fabric, plastic, and frame construction components.
Pro’s
- Easy rear access for an elegant entry and exit every time.
- All-weather with front rain cover.
- Sturdy, breathable mesh on four sides for maximum airflow
- Lightweight aluminium frame (23.25 pounds |10.5 kilograms)
- 6-inch alloy wheels and suspended floor for a more comfortable ride.
- Spacious pockets for storage
- Easy Storage: Quick release alloy wheels and fast action fold down
- High visibility – Bright yellow colour, safety flag and reflectors
- 2 in 1 stroller kit compatible
- Stabilising kickstand
Con’s
- Some users complain about the stroller assembly for jogging, particularly, the brake system.
- Might be too narrow for very large dogs to get comfortable
- No inbuilt safety leash to attach dogs to the wagon.
Aosom Bike Trailer for Dogs
Maximum carry weight: 66 lbs (29 kg)
Key Features
- 20″ quick-release wheels give a comfortable ride
- Wheels are suitable for off-road adventures
- All-weather plastic cover
- Shade and quality mesh for maximum airflow
- Interior leash hook for safety and 6.5 ft high safety flag
- Quickly breaks down for easy storage
- Dual entry access and sunroof
If you’re looking for a quality bike trailer but don’t want to spend a fortune, the Aosom Bike Trailer Cargo Cart for Dogs is a winner. The 2-IN-1 design easily converts the buggy from a jogging stroller that you push as you run, to a bike trailer for cycling adventures.
Stylish Oxford fabric provides water resistance, and mesh screens on all four sides keep your passenger cool and shady. A roll-up clear plastic cover in front protects from rain and wind, making sure your hound still looks their opulent best on arrival.
There is full-size zip entry access via front and back for easy access choices. The opening sunroof gives the option to pop one’s head out the top should the mood or weather dictate.
If your hound likes to venture off the beaten track, the 20″ quick-release wheels are off-road capable while still delivering a smooth ride.
At the end of the day; the trailer folds flat in a jiffy for easy storage.
The Aosom Bike Trailer comes with:
- Safety flag and reflectors.
- Interior leash hook
- Easy to install bike hitch
It comes in two colours: Blue and Red
Pro’s
- Large quick release 20″ wheels.
- Suitable for off-road riding
- Front, rear and top access.
- Safety flag and reflectors
- Weather-resistant front rain cover.
- Wheels easily removed and unit packs flat for storage or transportation.
Con’s
- Leash hook ring but no internal safety leash included
- Trailer only, can not be converted to a jogger
- Some users have complained about plastic parts breaking within the hitch mechanism.
- No padded base.
PetSafe Solvit HoundAbout Happy Ride Aluminum Dog Bicycle Trailer
Maximum carry weight: Medium Up to 50 lbs (22 kg) | Large up to 110 lbs (49 kg)
Key Features
- 16” and 20” air-filled tyres (medium vs large)
- Folds down for easy storage
- Interior adjustable safety leash
- Wide wheelbase for a stable ride
- Front door with waterproof layer
- Removable sunroof
- Exterior pockets
Stylish and spacious allowing for weights of up to 110 lbs (49 kg) the Solvit HoundAbout dog trailer caters beautifully to the larger hound.
With the larger hound in mind, the buggy has a sturdy aluminium construction covered with durable 600d polyester.
Two 20″ air-filled tyres (16″ on the medium size) on an extra-wide wheelbase and lower centre of gravity ensure a smoother and safer ride.
The wheels are removable, and the unit easily folds flat.
A large rear opening makes it easy for big dogs to get in an out. Front, rear, and side mesh windows provide plenty of ventilation, and a front weather screen protects dogs from wind and rain. There’s even a sunroof for taller or more inquisitive hounds
Other features include:
- Waterproof floorboard with floor cushion
- Side pockets
- Adjustable safety leash
- Reflectors on the cabin and wheels.
Pro’s
- Sturdy construction with plenty of airflow and room for large dogs.
- Removable and washable bottom cushion.
- Multiple side pockets for doggy gear, water bottles and treats.
- Adjustable safety leash.
- Additional hitches are available for purchase for use on more than one bike.
- Folds down for storage and transport.
Con’s
- No safety flag
- Bottom cushion slides around the base.
- Can not be converted to a pusher.
- No suspension.
- Sunroof opens from the bottom, not the top and could allow and unleashed dog to escape.
DoggyRide Dog Bike Trailer
Maximum carry weight: 55 lb (25 kg)
Key Features
- Folds down for easy storage
- All-weather rain screen
- Stainless steel spokes and hubs on the quick release wheels
- Lightweight aluminium alloy frame
- Front, padded headrest
- Optional kit additions for camping and off road adventures
- Large rear pouch with water bottle pocket
A very safe and stylish ride for larger than life hounds this lightweight yet sturdy trailer can take a load of up to 55 lb (25 kg).
While this trailer does err on the pricey side, it comes with some pretty decent features we think are worth the price tag.
The sturdy aluminium frame keeps the overall weight down while still being able to take a load. The 20″ quick-release wheels are quality stainless steel with fully pneumatic tyres ensuring a smooth ride even for the heaviest of hounds. And the unit folds flat for easy storage.
There is a rear storage pouch with dedicated water bottle pocket, and front and rear openings allow for maximum ventilation and ease of access – even for the most ungainly of hounds. And of course, weather screens keep your passenger snug and dry on crappy days.
There is a rear storage pouch with dedicated water bottle pocket, and front and rear openings allow for maximum ventilation and ease of access – even for the most ungainly of hounds. And of course, weather screens keep your passenger snug and dry on crappy days.
Safety features include reflectors, rear flag slot and a safety harness inside the cabin. The DoggyRide Novel can also be converted into a dog stroller.
If all this isn’t first-class enough, how about a fully padded headrest for the comfort conscious hound – now, that’s an opulent ride.
Overall, The DoggyRide is a first-class dog trailer when it comes to safety and comfort.
Pro’s
- Easy to use (universal) hitch design.
- Quick-release wheels for easy storage.
- Included safety leash
- Good sized rear pocket.
- Padded headrest on the front window.
- Converts to a dog stroller with optional kit.
- Universal bicycle hitch
Con’s
- No suspension
- No internal floor padding