Does your pooch run the first few miles and then start looking at you as though this was very much your idea? That first

 15 minutes of enthusiastic running should ideally be followed by two hours of snoozing somewhere comfortable.

Instead of deciding between taking the dog or taking the bike, you can build the ride around both. Your dog can run when the route and their energy levels allow, then ride when they have had enough. For older dogs, larger breeds and dogs with reduced mobility, the dog bike trailer can make journeys possible that would otherwise likely disappear from family life altogether.

DoggyTourer trailers sits at the specialist end of that market.

These are not lightweight fabric boxes intended for the occasional trip around the park. The range is designed and manufactured in Germany around aluminium safety tubs, independent suspension, substantial cabin dimensions and models extending all the way from a compact trailer for a small dog to the four wheel Beethoven for genuinely large breeds.

DoggyTourer says some customers have travelled more than 25,000 km with their trailers, which gives a fairly good indication of the kind of use the company designs around.

You can explore the full Hitch A Bike DoggyTourer collection.

Who is behind DoggyTourer?

DoggyTourer is based in Straubenhardt, Germany, and Jürgen Arnold is the company owner and managing director.

Jürgen has been associated with the development and growth of the brand for years. In an industry interview published by ZZA, he described how annual production had grown from around 200 trailers to four figure volumes, with development and manufacturing handled in Germany.

That back drop helps explain why DoggyTourer feels different from many pet trailers.

The trailer designs do not assume that every dog is essentially the same animal in a different size.

DoggyTourer explicitly makes the point that choosing a trailer solely from the dog’s weight or the external dimensions of the trailer can be misleading. Dogs have different proportions, behaviour, confidence levels and preferred travelling positions.

A long backed dog may need more floor length.

A tall dog that likes sitting upright may need more headroom.

A broad chested breed may need more width even if its weight looks perfectly reasonable on paper.

And a dog that immediately curls into a ball once the wheels start moving may need considerably less apparent room than one that insists on sitting like the captain of a small ship.

This is why we tend to think about cabin dimensions first, breed and weight second.

What makes a DoggyTourer different?

Across the core range, there are several recurring engineering themes.

The trailers use aluminium safety tubs rather than relying entirely on textile floors and lightweight framing. The main models use independent wheel suspension with maintenance free elastomer damping, 16 inch wheels, industrial bearing hubs and substantial aluminium frames. The textiles are specified as waterproof to a 2500 mm water column and the standard designs use Oeko Tex certified fabrics.

Dogs are not passive cargo.

They move.

They shift their weight.

They stand up when you wish they would lie down.

They lie down when you have just carefully arranged their blanket.

They occasionally decide that the interesting smell on the left side of the trailer requires the whole dog to occupy the left side of the trailer.

A more substantial chassis and suspension system helps manage those changes in weight distribution while also isolating the cabin from rougher road surfaces.

The internal floor is another important difference. Current DoggyTourer models use a 7 mm carpeted floor over the aluminium tub, while optional DoggyPads add 38 mm of cushioning and are available in model specific sizes.

For short leisure rides, that may simply mean a more comfortable dog.

For an older Labrador on a long day out, the Doggypads are a godsend. 

Choosing the right DoggyTourer size

The current Hitch A Bike range gives you a clear progression through small, medium, large, exceptionally large cabins.

A good fit should allow your dog to get in comfortably, settle naturally and change position.

Ideally, your dog should be able to turn around inside without performing the canine equivalent of reversing a caravan into a narrow campsite pitch.

Idefix, for small dogs

The DoggyTourer Idefix is the smallest model in the standard range.

Its interior measures approximately 77 cm long, 37 cm wide and between 49 and 52 cm high. The trailer itself weighs 9.8 kg.

That compact width is useful if you regularly ride narrower cycle paths, store the trailer in a limited space or simply do not need the bulk of a larger cabin.

The Idefix still uses the same general engineering philosophy as the larger models, including an aluminium safety tub, independent suspension, 16 inch wheels and a lockable Weber drawbar.

Dogs can actually feel more secure when the space around them is appropriately sized.

A small terrier travelling inside something the size of a garden shed is not necessarily enjoying first class.

Snoopy, for medium dogs

The DoggyTourer Snoopy moves the cabin width up to 50 cm while keeping the 77 cm internal length.

Internal dimensions are approximately 77 cm long, 50 cm wide and 62 cm high, with an unladen trailer weight of 11.3 kg.

DoggyTourer and our current product information suggest breeds in the general size range of Beagles, Lagottos and Border Collies as useful reference points.

That does not mean every Border Collie automatically belongs in a Snoopy.

One may travel curled tightly into a corner.

Another may spend the entire journey sitting bolt upright, supervising your route choice.

Measure the dog you actually own, not the diagram of the dog you wish you owned.

The Snoopy is an interesting middle ground because it gives noticeably more shoulder room than the Idefix without moving into the wider footprint of the large models.

For many medium dogs, it is likely to be the most straightforward choice.

Marley, more room for larger dogs

The DoggyTourer Marley expands the cabin to approximately 77 cm long, 55 cm wide and 78 cm high.

The trailer weighs approximately 12.3 kg.

That extra height is particularly significant.

When customers compare trailers, floor length usually gets most of the attention, but headroom can be just as important for a dog that prefers to sit.

A dog may technically fit a lower trailer while lying down, then spend half the journey attempting to sit with its head pressed against the roof.

The Marley gives taller medium dogs and many larger breeds considerably more usable cabin space.

An owner reviewing the model on DoggyTourer’s own site commented on how clearly the design reflects somebody understanding what actually matters when travelling with a dog.

That is a recurring theme with the range.

The trailers are not especially subtle pieces of equipment, but neither is a large wet dog after a countryside ride.

Boomer, for big dogs and longer bodies

The DoggyTourer Boomer is where the range takes a significant step upwards.

Its cabin measures approximately 100 cm long, 55 cm wide and 78 cm high. The trailer weighs around 13.5 kg.

That additional 23 cm of interior length compared with the Marley changes which dogs can realistically settle inside.

Large retrievers, German Shepherd sized dogs, Rottweilers and other longer or heavier breeds may need that floor length even when their standing height could technically fit a smaller model.

DoggyTourer’s own customer feedback includes an owner who bought a Boomer while their Rottweiler was still a puppy and later reported positively on the trailer after the dog had grown.

This is exactly why buying by weight alone is risky.

The Boomer provides the physical space that many substantial breeds need.

There is also a Boomer DogGuard, which uses the same 100 cm by 55 cm by 78 cm cabin dimensions but is aimed at owners looking for the additional protection and structure of the DogGuard arrangement.

Beethoven, when your dog is genuinely enormous

Then we reach the DoggyTourer Beethoven.

Internal dimensions are approximately 120 cm long, 60 cm wide and 84 cm high.

The trailer weighs around 17 kg and uses a four wheel layout.

This is a specialist trailer.

It is built for dogs that simply do not fit comfortably into conventional dog bike trailers.

That includes some giant breeds, very heavy dogs and dogs whose mobility needs require more floor space to enter, turn or lie down.

We have a useful real world example from a Hitch A Bike customer.

Paul uses the Beethoven with Luna, a 50 kg Cane Corso. After several weeks of use, he reported that the four wheel layout, suspension and dog bed made forest tracks and canal towpaths practical, and that the trailer allowed Luna to join cycling trips when travelling on holiday.

The Beethoven is also physically large, approximately 130 cm long, 91 cm wide and 100 cm high when assembled. 

Before ordering one, measure the boring things.

The shed door.

The side gate.

The car.

The passage beside the bins.

The entrance to wherever you intend storing it.

Nobody wants to discover that their dog now owns a magnificent German engineered trailer that permanently lives in the kitchen.

What about nervous or reactive dogs?

Not every dog struggles because of size or stamina.

Some struggle because the outside world is simply a lot.

Traffic.

People.

Other dogs.

Buses.

Fast movement through their peripheral vision.

The DoggyTourer Cocoon is designed addresses this issue.

Rather than maximising outward visibility, the Cocoon creates a more enclosed cabin intended to reduce visual and environmental stimulation.

The large Cocoon has an internal space of approximately 77 cm by 55 cm by 78 cm, while the medium version uses approximately 77 cm by 50 cm by 62 cm.

For a confident dog, panoramic mesh may be wonderful.

For a reactive dog that believes every passing spaniel requires a formal response, less scenery may mean a better journey.

This is also worth considering for rescue dogs and dogs that settle well in crate like spaces.

Suspension rules when your passenger has four legs

Suspension is sometimes treated as a luxury feature on dog trailers.

We would not look at it that way.

A cyclist can see the pothole.

Your dog cannot.

You can stand slightly through the pedals, relax your arms and let the bicycle move beneath you.

Your dog is sitting in a compartment behind you wondering why the floor has just gone vertical.

DoggyTourer’s standard models use independent wheel suspension with elastomer damping.

For smooth cycleways, that means comfort.

For towpaths, forestry tracks and broken British tarmac, it makes all the difference.

It is particularly relevant for senior dogs and animals with joint problems, where repeatedly bouncing around inside an unsuspended trailer rather defeats the point of giving them a ride.

A common mistake, introducing the dog trailer too quickly

One of the biggest issues with any dog bike trailer has nothing to do with engineering.

Your dog has not read the brochure.

You know it is an expensive, beautifully engineered transport system intended to take them somewhere enjoyable.

They may see a suspicious wheeled box that appeared in the house on Tuesday.

DoggyTourer itself emphasises that dogs have different personalities and require different amounts of time to become comfortable with a trailer.

This is one of the most important ownership points.

Do not make the first experience a five mile ride.

Leave the trailer stationary.

Let the dog investigate it.

Put familiar bedding inside.

Use treats if that works for your dog.

Feed them near it.

Then inside it.

Let them climb in and out voluntarily.

DoggyTourer even sells stabiliser legs, specifically to keep the trailer secure while the dog becomes accustomed to it.

Only after the dog is relaxed should the trailer begin moving.

First by hand.

Then for a very short cycle.

Then gradually farther.

Trying to save three days of familiarisation can create three months of persuading a dog that the trailer is not an instrument of doom.

Practical accessories that can change how you use the dog trailer

The DoggyTourer Stroller Kit converts the trailer for walking use and is available across the Idefix, Snoopy, Marley, Boomer and Beethoven sizes.

That can be so valuable for older dogs.

A day out might involve cycling to a town, walking through the centre, stopping for lunch and cycling home.

Your dog can remain in the same familiar space.

The DoggyPad adds a 38 mm cushioned surface with a removable washable cover.

There is also a transport roof rack, designed to carry additional long or bulky equipment above the trailer, with model specific versions across the range. Our current listing states an additional load capability of up to 25 kg, subject to the overall trailer limits and correct loading.

That becomes interesting for touring, camping and longer days out.

Your dog in cabin.

Camping equipment above.

Your dog may still assume everything belongs to them.

The DoggyTourer Facebook community & FAQ's

DoggyTourer also has an active Facebook community associated with Jürgen and the brand.

You can join the DoggyTourer Facebook group to see owner experiences, photographs, touring setups and conversations around living with the trailers.

What we can verify from the DoggyTourer Facebook group, manufacturer’s guidance and Hitch A Bike customer feedback is that the same practical questions keep popping up.

Will my dog actually settle in it?

Most dogs can learn to travel comfortably in a trailer, but the introduction is impotanat for association. Some dogs climb in, turn around twice and decide this is clearly their new mobile lounge. Others need more time.

Start with the trailer stationary and let your dog investigate it at their own pace. 

For nervous, reactive or rescue dogs, the DoggyTourer Cocoon can be particularly useful because its more enclosed design reduces visual stimulation from traffic, people and other dogs. The aim is to make the trailer feel like a safe place.

How does it cope on rougher surfaces?

DoggyTourer trailers are better suited to uneven because the main models use independent wheel suspension with maintenance free elastomer damping.

That does not make them mountain bike trailers in the downhill sense. If your route involves deep ruts, large rocks, roots or technical descents, slow the pace and choose your line carefully. 

Will a large dog move around too much?

A correctly sized trailer should give a large dog enough room to change position without giving them so much empty space that they slide around unnecessarily. The the Boomer and Beethoven provide the extra floor length and headroom.

How do I choose the correct hitch?

DoggyTourer uses the Weber hitch system, and the correct fitting depends on the rear of your bicycle.

The important details include your axle type, dropout arrangement, whether the bike uses a quick release, solid axle or thru axle, and whether there are components such as an e bike motor, kickstand or unusual frame fittings around the rear wheel.

How much room does the trailer take up when stored?

This varies quite considerably by model.

The Idefix, Snoopy and Marley fold down to roughly 22 cm in height, which makes them much easier to store flat once folded. The overall length and width remain closer to the assembled footprint, so it is still worth measuring your storage area rather than assuming the trailer will disappear into a cupboard.

The Boomer and Beethoven are larger trailers, so you should think about storage before buying, particularly if you live in a flat, have a narrow shed door or plan to transport the trailer in a car.

Those are some of the questions worth asking before ordering.

How should you choose?

Start with your dog.

Measure them lying naturally.

Measure their approximate shoulder width.

Measure them sitting.

Then think about behaviour.

Do they curl up when travelling?

Do they like to sit upright?

Are they nervous?

Are they older?

Do they have stiff joints?

Will they ride most of the journey, or is the trailer primarily a rest option after running?

Then think about your own life.

Where will you store it?

Do you need stroller mode?

Will it travel in a car?

Are your routes mostly tarmac, canal paths or woodland tracks?

A dog trailer is not really chosen by one specification.

It is chosen by matching a dog, a bicycle, a route and the way you actually spend your weekends.

Our view on DoggyTourer

DoggyTourer is not the range we would point to a customer wanting to enjoy an afternoon out at the park with their dog and bike. There are simpler dog bike trailers that do that job well. 

Where DoggyTourer makes much more sense is when the trailer is going to be used regularly, the dog needs proper suspension and cabin space, or the breed is simply too large for much of the mainstream market.

The range also solves a problem we see frequently with large dogs.

There is a sizeable gap between a trailer claiming a respectable weight capacity and a trailer that provides enough physical cabin space for the dog attached to that weight.

DoggyTourer tackles that challenge well.

The Idefix covers genuinely small dogs.

The Snoopy moves into useful medium dog territory.

The Marley adds width and headroom.

The Boomer adds significantly more length.

The Beethoven finally gives very large dogs a cabin that looks as though it was actually designed with very large dogs in mind.

That progression makes sense.

And when you are towing your furry best buddy, you will have peace of mind. 

One final point, make sure the trailer fits your bike too

The dog is only half of the compatibility question.

DoggyTourer uses the Weber hitch system, with different fittings available for different rear axle and bicycle arrangements. If you are using an E bike or mountain bike, we can help confirm the correct trailer connection before you order.

Use our Will It Fit My Bike service and send us the bike details and photos we request. We would much rather sort the fitting before the trailer arrives than discover afterwards that your rear axle has decided to be interesting.

If you are considering a DoggyTourer, the full DoggyTourer collection at Hitch A Bike

 is the best place to compare the current sizes, accessories and configurations.