First Dog to Take Across-Country Road Trip

Road Trips with Your Pets

The first dog on a road trip was a white pittie named Bud. He and his owners, Horatio Nelson Jackson and Sewall Crocker, traveled in a Winton touring car cross-country over the span of 63 days in 1903.

Horatio and Sewall were famous on their car trip, having lots of supporters across the country. Back then, a road trip of that length was unfathomable to most people. However, Horatio and Sewall were determined to make it coast-to-coast to prove their car’s ability. They removed the car’s back seats, roof, and other “unnecessary weight” so they could throw their things in the back (without tying anything down). They lost things daily as items flew out of the roofless vehicle over every bump. Slowly, they went on, stopping at supporter’s homes along the way for rest, restock, and company. Eventually they met a man in Idaho that suggested they take his “bulldog” (obviously a pittie dog), Bud, with them. The two gave Bud’s owner $15 and were happy to have another travel companion! Bud rode right alongside Horatio and Sewall, keeping them company on their travels.

Bud easily took to riding in the car, but the blowing dust hurt his eyes. So, the pair bought him a small pair of goggles and he wore them the rest of the way. After the road trip, Bud retired with Horatio and lived the rest of his life lounging around his home and riding in a car around town.

Bud, like many dogs, learned to love car rides. He is one of the first dogs that that helped us realize the importance of car safety with our pets. Here are some tips that will help keep your pups safe and comfortable when traveling.

• Keep dogs restrained while driving – unsecured pups are at high risk during an accident or sudden stop. It’s best to crate them or put them in a safety harness and seatbelt.
• Never leave your dog unattended in the car – temperatures climb significantly in the dead of summer, even over the span of a few minutes. Remember that even keeping the windows cracked doesn’t make much of a difference on a hot day. Leave them at home if you can’t take them with you.
• Allow for extra time for bathroom breaks, long walks, or playtime. This is a simple way to keep your dog at ease!
• Look for dog friendly activities at your destination – whether it is morning walks on a dog-friendly beach, finding a dog park, or dining at a dog-friendly restaurant, there’s so much to do with your pup.

If you want to hear more about the first car trip, you can listen to “The First Road Trip” episode on the Stuff You Should Know podcast.