We know your small dog loves to walk and run on their own, but we also know these little guys get tuckered out fast! Small dogs need more frequent breaks and isn’t getting a backpack a better solution than simply leaving your pup at home? All our vet-approved packs are made so you can easily get your pup strapped in. When they’re rested and ready to walk again, you can just as easily take them out.
So, read on to find out the best backpack for your small dog’s body type as well as for your own needs.
No Time? Read Our Quick Picks
Air 2: Lightweight pack made with durable and breathable fabric - great for short walks, bike rides, and on public transport.
Knavigate: Comfortable and durable with some storage space, this pack is made for strenuous use for the more active owner.
Plus 2: Adventure is out there, and now you and your best fur friend can go find it together! Pack what you’ll need for the day in the extra storage pouch on this multi-functional pack.
Walk-On: A packable backpack carrier with storage bag and compatible harness. The storage connects to the harness so your dog can tote its gear around until it’s time to pull out the carrier.
Teacups & Small Puppies
Teacups & Small Puppies
5 Benefits of backpacks for teacups & small puppies:
Teacup dogs and young puppies are similar in many ways and wearing a backpack can be really beneficial to both you and your dog. Here are some of the top advantages of backpacks for small dogs like these:
1. Little dogs like toy breeds have fragile bones. Carrying your pup or teacup in your pack in more risky terrain or busy city streets will keep them safe.
2. Too much exercise can actually damage a puppy’s joints, so a backpack can be a wonderful solution to give them frequent breaks. Plus, they can get tired quickly!
3. If your teacup dog or small puppy isn’t quite socialized appropriately, having them packed away can keep both other animals and your dog safe from unwanted interactions.
4. Puppies who haven’t received all their required vaccinations can still enjoy getting out and about without compromising the health of other dogs or their own health.
5. Puppies flying to their new home or for any type of travel need to be in a proper carrier. Getting through the airport is 10x easier when your puppy is on your back!
Teacups & Small Puppies Pick 1: Trainer
The Trainer is an affordable entry-level backpack, great for growing dogs and puppies.
Best use: Casual use, short hikes or bike rides, on public transport
Sizes available: XS - L
Colors available: Koral, iron gate, greenery, harbor blue
Number of pockets: 1 side pocket
Notable features: lumbar support strap (not on XS, as the zippers alone are ample support), padded shoulder straps, side cinch straps, ventilated side panels, and a wide base
This K9 Sport Sack is the most affordable carrier. It is a compact, entry-level option that is ideal for smaller breeds and dogs that are still growing or learning to socialize. The Trainer is designed for casual, light activities, so it’s most suited to owners who want to use it for short walks or to hop on a bus with their furry friend.
What you’ll love:
• The padded shoulder straps are just what you need to stay comfortable while using the Trainer.
• An option of 4 great colors.
• The affordable price.
What your dog will love:
• The side cinch straps prevent your high-energy pup from leaning backwards and keep them in an upright position.
• The lumbar support strap not only keeps your puppy secure but also supports their back while in the pack.
• The wide base accommodates different-sized pups and their tails.
Teacups & Small Puppies Pick 2: Air 2
The Air 2 is a durable, mid-level backpack for smaller to medium dogs and more active owners.
Best use: Intermediate grade walks, hikes, and bike rides plus public transport.
Sizes available: XS - L
Colors available: Jet black, light gray, summer mint, tropical
Number of pockets: 2 side pockets
Notable features: sternum strap with whistle clip, upgraded shoulder strap design for extra comfort, side and back cinch straps, ventilated side panels, updated side mesh, an adjustable collar enclosure and a wide base
The Air 2 is K9’s best-known backpack. Made for the smaller end of the doggy spectrum, it suits teacup and puppy owners perfectly. The Air 2 is lightweight and easy to use but also has a durable design, so it’s great for keeping your dog safe or rested on short hikes or bike rides.
The Air 2 is a step up from the Trainer in terms of features:
What you’ll love:
• Upgraded shoulder straps designed for extra comfort on walks with your dog.
• Angled side cinch straps keep your pack where you want it positioned on your back.
• The sternum strap with a whistle clip helps keep the pack secured.
• Dual pockets provide a little extra space to pack some water, snacks, or belongings for your easy-going activities.
• There’s a choice of four different colors.
What your dog will love:
• Side and back cinch straps keep your dog upright and feeling secured.
• The fur flap prevents your long-haired (or wriggly!) pup getting her fur caught in the zipper.
• The wide base accommodates different-sized pups and their tails.
• Ventilated side panels help them stay feeling cool.
Conclusions for Teacups & Small Puppies
If you’re looking primarily to get your dog some exercise, let them carry their own pack with the Walk-On, then simply unpack the carrier if needed. If you’re looking for a pack to do some light walking, biking or for getting around town, choose the Trainer. If you’re looking for a step up from the Trainer in terms of durability and comfort, the Plus 2 is your pack. If your puppy is still growing, you can try to size up and put a booster block or two in the bottom of the pack to ensure a snug fit.
Whatever you choose, your little pooch is lucky to have such a great human looking out for them!
Small & Stocky Dogs
5 Benefits of backpacks for small and stocky dogs:
Heavier-set, short-legged dogs need a break on walks from time to time. Carrying them in a dog backpack is a great way to do this. Here are some benefits of using a pack with a short and hefty pooch:
1. Your short-legged dog gets the exercise and energy release needed as well as the recovery time in between exercise.
2. Small dogs are more prone to knee problems and this risk is greater if they are high-weight. A backpack can help protect your pup’s fragile knees from overuse.
3. For heavier disabled and senior dogs, the pack allows them to enjoy getting outside without having to walk a step.
4. You’re in control - take your dog anywhere without worrying if they can manage it.
5. Sometimes your hefty dog might just not keep up with your pace - if you’re in a rush, simply scoop ‘em up!
Small & Stocky Pick 1: Knavigate
Built for durability and comfort, this is a great choice for heavier dogs or for owners who are very active.
Best use: Longer, strenuous activities with your dog; for extra support carrying your pooch
Sizes available: XS - XL
Colors available: lunar rock, midnight black
Number of pockets: dual side pockets and zippered hip pockets
Notable features: An internal metal frame, padded shoulder straps, hip belt, bottom storage compartment, dog lumbar support straps, lap belt, safety clip.
The Knavigate was designed with durability and comfort in mind. It’s great for very active owners who want to go on long hikes or bike rides with their pet or for owners who want extra support carrying their small but hefty pooch. This pack holds up to 50 lbs, so if your dog is a little more on the heavier side, this would be a good choice.
What you’ll love:
• A long-lasting, hard-wearing backpack.
• An internal metal frame keeps the load of the backpack closer to your body, so you’ll feel more balanced and stable on difficult terrain.
• Comfortable padded shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel, a padded hip belt, and a chest clip.
• The storage space - the pouch on the bottom of the pack, easy-access hip pockets on the hip belt, plus two side pockets.
• Take your dog with you where you couldn’t take them before - long hikes, bike rides, overnight trips, and more!
What your dog will love:
• Padded panels and neoprene armholes provide comfort for your pup’s legs on long journeys.
• Dual lumbar pet straps keep your dog feeling extra secure during hiking, biking, and other activities (lumbar not available/needed on the size XS).
• Long mesh side panels keep the air flowing and your pup cooled.
Small & Stocky Pick 2: Air 2
The Air 2 is a durable, mid-level backpack for smaller to medium dogs and more active owners.
Best use: Intermediate grade walks, hikes, and bike rides plus public transport.
Sizes available: XS - L
Colors available: Jet black, light gray, summer mint, tropical
Number of pockets: 2 side pockets
Notable features: sternum strap with whistle clip, upgraded shoulder strap design for extra comfort, side and back cinch straps, ventilated side panels, updated side mesh, an adjustable collar enclosure and a wide base
K9 Sport Sack’s best-known product, the Air 2 is a lightweight pack that is built for durability and comfort. It’s great for carrying your heavier-set small dog around town or on intermediate-level walks, hikes or bike rides.
What you’ll love:
• Lightweight, easy to use, and durable design mean you’re getting a high-quality, long-lasting pack.
• The sternum strap helps keep the weight of the pack evenly distributed.
• Side and back cinch straps keep your pack where you want it positioned on your back.
• Dual pockets give you a little extra space to pack some water, snacks, or belongings for your easy-going activities.
What your dog will love:
• Side mesh panels really keep the air circulating and your pup at a comfortable temperature - great for heavy-set dogs who are more in danger of overheating.
• The pet lumbar back strap helps keep your dog in place during more moderate activities.
• The fur flap stops their fur from getting caught in the zipper - ouch! (Especially useful for long-haired pups.)
• The wide base accommodates your hefty pooch’s rump and their tail.
Conclusion for Small & Stocky
For pup owners searching for a pack to utilize for full-day or multi-day use or just for extra support and comfort, go ahead and opt for the Knavigate. For shorter walks, the Air 2, is probably sufficient. If your dog is up for the task of carrying its own gear/carrier, let it walk until you need to pull out the packable Walk-On.
Long Bodied Dogs
Good news! With a sport sack carrier, your short-legged pup can have all the benefits of exercising and getting out while still having a place to rest their adorable little long body. Here are some of the top advantages for her:
5 benefits of backpacks for long-bodied dogs:
1. Help protect your pup’s long back. Long-bodied dogs like dachshunds are at a higher risk of problems with their back such as IVDD (aka slipped disc). Wearing your pup can help prevent issues from overexertion.
2. You can navigate riskier terrains with your more fragile pup secured to you without having to worry about them.
3. If your long-bodied pup is older and struggles with too much movement, getting them outside in the pack can still benefit their mental health and continue their bonding to you.
4. Sometimes your dog’s short legs might make it a slow walk. So if you’re in a rush or on a long walk, you can simply strap them in and go!
5. Your short, long-bodied dog probably finds stairs and getting on and off public transport tricky, right? A pack means getting around town more easily with them on your back.
Long-bodied Pick 1: Knavigate
Built with extra padding and lumbar support straps, this is a great choice for supporting your long-bodied dog’s back.
Best use: Longer, strenuous activities with your dog; for extra support carrying your pooch
Sizes available: XS - XL
Colors available: lunar rock, midnight black
Number of pockets: dual side pockets and zippered hip pockets
Notable features: An internal metal frame, padded shoulder straps, hip belt, bottom storage compartment, dog lumbar support straps, lap belt, safety clip.
The Knavigate is great for dogs with long spines who need extra back support. It’s also a brilliant choice for owners who want to go on long, strenuous hikes or bike rides with their pet or for owners who want extra support carrying their pooch. This pack holds up to 50 lbs, so if your dog is also high-weight, this would be a good option.
What you’ll love:
• A long-lasting, durable backpack.
• Balance and stability on tricky terrain due to the internal metal frame keeping the backpack’s load close to your body.
• Comfort features are a big bonus on this pack: padded and adjustable shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a chest clip keep the bag’s weight evenly distributed.
• Handy storage space - between the extra-large bottom storage pouch, easy-access hip pockets, and dual side pockets, you have lots of places for necessities, food, and water.
• Take your dog with you wherever you go - long hikes, bike rides, overnight trips, city streets, and more!
What your dog will love:
• Dual lumbar pet straps to support your dog’s long spine and pull them in closer to your body to keep them extra secure.
• Angled side-cinch straps that keep your dog’s long spine in an upright position.
• A padded back panel and neoprene armholes provide comfort for your pup’s little legs on long journeys.
• Long mesh side panels keep the air flowing and your pup cooled.
Long-bodied Pick 2: Plus 2
A multi-functional storage pack great for longer adventures with your long-bodied small dog.
Best use: Moderate walks, hikes, and bike rides plus public transport.
Sizes available: S - L
Colors available: Jet black, light gray, summer mint, camo blue.
Number of pockets: Mesh dual side pockets plus front pocket on detachable pack
Notable features: detachable storage pack (14”x9”), sternum strap with whistle clip, pressure-relieving shoulder straps, adjustable side and back cinch straps, ventilated side panels, mesh side pockets, an adjustable collar enclosure and a wide base.
The Plus 2 is another good choice for long-bodied pups as it provides much-needed back support. This one is for owners looking to go on moderate hikes or day adventures with their dog. The extra, detachable storage bag is a real plus here (pun intended!) Bear in mind that there is no XS option here - for a similar bag in XS, check out the Air 2.
What you’ll love:
• The extra storage bag allows you to take along what you might need for a day adventure, PLUS it detaches, making this pack one of our most versatile options.
• The padded back panel gives your back extra love on those long adventures
• Thicker, wider, pressure relieving shoulder straps and a chest clip keep the weight of your pup, the pack, plus your supplies evenly distributed.
• Adjustable side and back cinch straps mean you get the perfect fit on your body.
• There's even a spot for your water bladder to stay easily hydrated on a long walk or a hot day.
What your dog will love:
• The extra pack acts as a support for your pup’s spine, keeping them nice and snug against your back. A padded back panel is just what your long torso pup needs to have that extra layer of comfort.
• Mesh dual side pockets increase the ventilation for your dog on long adventures.
• Upper and lower lumbar straps keep them extra secured.
Long-bodied Honorable Mentions
Trainer - The durable, light, breathable bag that works well for any light activity!
Walk-On - A lightweight, packable carrier and harness combo that fits into a small storage bag and can be worn on your pup’s back.
Air 2 - Cheaper in price and similar in features to the Plus 2, but without the detachable bag. Comes in size XS.
Conclusion for Long-bodied
If you’re looking to bring your long-bodied dog along on a big adventure or you’re looking for extra comfort and support carrying your pup, grab the Knavigate! The Plus 2 is perfect for moderate activities and has an extra versatile storage pouch. For typical day-to-day errand running or strolls around the neighborhood, check out the Trainer or the more trendy Urban 2. If you prefer walking your dog, but need a quick carrier option in a pinch, we suggest the lightweight, packable Walk-On, the carrier your dog can wear on its back.