Vehicles for Large Dogs

[CellarDoor]

Hello all.

I currently have a 2005 Mazda 3 sedan and a 4-month old Mastiff/Saint Bernard mix. The pup is growing 3-4 pounds a week and the Mazda will not be suitable for him in a few months time. My girlfriend has a Jeep Compass, which certainly has more room in the back than the Mazda, but the interior space may not be tall enough to be comfortable for a giant-breed dog at full size and the ride height is high enough that getting him in and out of the car would be a pain. My dad has a Jeep Liberty and a dog ramp he uses to cart around his giant dog (Mastiff/Dane), but I'd prefer something lower to the ground if possible. I'd also prefer something that drives like a car, if possible, but I'm not sure if any of the hatches/wagons out there are tall enough for a large dog to sit in comfortably.

I've been casually browsing the Subaru lineup, and have heard great things about the Honda Element for dog owners (would be open to getting used), but would appreciate any suggestions you may have. Thank you.

Update - Puppy Pictures:

 

[thedarkwolf]

You really don't need anything that big. I know a lady with a saint bernard and some mutt and a chevy spark and they both fit fine with the rear seat folded down flat. Best vehicle I had for dogs though was a old dodge caravan. The low floor height getting in the sliding door was really nice for them, they didn't have to jump up into the van. It was also really nice that I didn't give crap about the interior.

 

[SearchMaster]

My sister had 4 Great Danes for many years with a Prius (hers) and a Mustang (husband's).

 

[Raizinman]

We have a large German Shepherd and did not want this dog in either my or my wifes new cars. We purchased a 2005 Chrysler Town and County with Stow and Go. The Stow and go feature allow you to configure the seats anyway you want including hiding them into the floor. We use this vehicle for taking 7 passengers, hauling our 4-wheeler, big sheets of plywood, and much more. It's a great versatile vehicle that can be had pretty darn cheap.

 

[Mutilator]

I had an old 92 Dodge Caravan with the rear seats removed that I bought from work for $200. It was ugly and slow but was very comfortable to drive and made an excellent dog hauler (Newfoundland mix at the time). Got $300 for it on trade when it wouldn't climb hills anymore lol.

Now my German Shepherd rides in the back of my 135i with a seat cover. He fits pretty well, tips of his ears just touch the ceiling when he sits up straight. But you can fit a surprising amount into a 135i when you have to lol.

But with what you're talking about you'd definitely need something larger. Honda Elements (Excrements) do come up a lot as being very dog friendly. Like my old Caravan they're definitely not a good looking vehicle but sometimes function > form. Ford Flex may also fall into this category but I haven't personally looked in back to see how tall it'd be. And of course as you mentioned you can't really mention dogs and cars without mentioning Subaru.

 

[deathBOB]

My dog can't reach the clutch in my WRX, but YDMMV.

 

[boomhower]

I've got a great dane and a south african mastiff, I use a 2001 Suburban. The mastiff can use a little help getting in the back but the dane does fine since he is taller. Sounds like a van is what you need.

 

[Denly]

Wagon, low enough that most doggie don't have issue getting in, more than enough room at the back for fence.

VW, mazda 5, Subaru...etc

 

[fitzhue]

Pics of the pup? I have a St. Bernard myself. Awesome dog.

 

[SSSnail]

Get a new dog, less expensive than a new car.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Meh.

If I can get laid in the back seat of a '97 Taurus, your dog can figure out how to get comfortable in the back of a Mazda 3.

That said, I do see a fair number of larger dogs in the back of hatchbacks, with the divider between the trunk and back seat stowed/folded. It seems to work for them. No firsthand experience, as I'm a cat owner.

 

[CellarDoor]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I appreciate it.

Pics of the pup? I have a St. Bernard myself. Awesome dog.

OP updated with pics!

 

[nOOky]

We have a 2006 Hyundai Tucson that is really large in the back with the rear seats folded flat. We have 4 large dogs and it works well they can all stand up in it. I'd recommend something of that body style as newer models got a lot smaller in the rear cargo area. Very reliable also.
The rear glass also opens independent of the hatch, which is a nice feature.

 

[Brian Stirling]

OK, after you buy a new car/truck to accommodate your dog shouldn't you be looking at getting a new house?


Brian