Henry, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel who has cocked his leg in 14 countries, is an essential part of a Dog Travel Blog, RJonTour, run by Richard Meek, who is always on the lookout for dog-friendly countries in Europe.
Henry features heavily on my friend’s travel blog, RJonTour.
He is a well-travelled dog for only 3 years old and has visited 14 countries. He was raised to travel and hang out in pubs and restaurants.
Henry has lived in three places, Birmingham, Gloucester and currently is based in Brasov, Romania. His biggest achievement is a 4000-mile InterRail trip from the UK to Romania and back.
Henry’s Favourite Three Dog-Friendly Countries in Europe
This was a tough choice as there are so many dog-friendly destinations in Europe. But Romania, where he now has residency is not his favourite and does not even feature in his top 3 as there are too many inconveniences, namely territorial strays. Romania is not dog-friendly.
1. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a beautiful country, especially the capital of Prague and the towns of South Bohemia. There are lots of things to see while dog walking in the city. Many of the attractions and most bars have let Henry visit without issue.
The Czech Republic is very much a dog-friendly country. Travelling by public transport in the Czech Republic is pretty straightforward with few rules.
The beer culture in the Czech Republic suits the way henry was brought up. He knows how to behave in pubs and knows he will be rewarded with fuss if he behaves. The food is also a big draw, most of it meaty, thus Henry enjoys waiting for titbits.
Highlights of Henry’s Czech Republic Visits include:
- Dog Walk in the courtyards of Prague Castle.
- Exercising in the extensive grounds of Cesky Krumlov Castle.
- Posing for photos and enjoying a beer in Old Town Square in Prague.
- Getting a kebab specially cooked for him with no seasoning on a night out in Prague.
2. Germany
Henry has visited a variety of cities in Germany and has been welcomed with open arms throughout. Germany is one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe.
He has been to bars, and restaurants and has even been shopping for clothes. Pet-Friendly accommodation is easy to find, thus a great country to visit.
Travelling by public transport is straightforward in Germany. He has been on trains, buses and the underground with ease. We had to carry a muzzle for him, in case a conductor asked him to wear it. This only happened once on the train from the Czech Border to Dresden.
Highlights of Henry’s Germany visits include:
- Visiting the Christmas markets in Nuremberg and sightseeing in the city. Especially the exercise walking the old town walls.
- Lunch out at the Hofbrauhaus, an iconic beer hall in Munich.
- Exploring the riverfront in Dresden and seeing all the beautiful buildings. However, he tried to pick a fight with a polar bear.
- A sunset walk amongst the skyscrapers of Frankfurt.
3. France
France is a great dog-friendly country. There are limited options for getting to France from the UK, thus had to get a ferry from Newhaven in West Sussex.
France has many beautiful places to visit and lots of parks and countryside for dog walks.
Travelling around France required henry to be inside a pet carrier on the trains. Luckily he likes to sleep so settled rather quickly. The bars and restaurants in the main were pet-friendly and Henry was welcomed and, on occasion, fussed.
Highlights of visiting France with Henry include:
- Sunset spotting walkies in Dieppe, including on the beach or on the clifftops overlooking the town.
- Watching the light show at Rouen Cathedral followed by a night out at a sociable craft beer bar.
- Dog walking through Petite Venice in Colmar early in the morning to see the colourful architecture.
- A walk through the vineyards towards the castle while visiting Kaysersberg. Followed by a meal out and some wine tasting.
