Not without my dog! Do you love riding your bike but hate leaving your best friend behind? In that case, a dog trailer should form as much a part of your basic gear as a leash and a basket. We tested 9 dog trailers from 5 brands to find out what you need to consider before buying and while riding.

Your dog is happiest when they’re with you – at work, on holiday, in the car, and when riding. And because this isn’t always possible on their own four paws – for a variety of reasons – it’s best to tow them along in a dog trailer. Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, it isn’t quite as simple as it sounds. Choosing the best trailer for your dog is almost as complicated as configuring your bike. Size, interior upholstery, accessories, with or without suspension – these are just some of the aspects to consider. It continues with questions like: is the trailer foldable, does it have brakes, and will your dog feel comfortable? It can all get more complicated than planning a bikepacking tour through northern Sweden. To complicate matters, there are huge differences in price and performance.

We want to help you make the right decision and tested 9 models from 5 different brands, including Croozer, Hamax, Burley, TAXXI and TRIXIE, with prices ranging from € 349 to € 1,299. We gained a few surprising insights along the way.

Here you can see the 9 bicycle dog trailers from our comparison test, including all test dogs. They are all biking with dog trailer.
Our tough jury: Each dog has its own individual requirements for a trailer.

Our test crew

We know quite a lot about bicycles – that’s our job. But now a crucial component has been added, our four-legged friends. So we grabbed 5 bikes, 5 completely different dogs and 9 dog trailers, filled our bags with treats and snacks, and rode through thick and thin.

Quiz:Who’s Hound’s Who’s? As you know, masters look like their dogs… For the curious: our test crew.

Our test riders:

Antonia, who also likes to go off-road with a bicycle dog trailer.
Antonia
The off-road queen – it’s in her surname (Feder means Spring in German). So, suspension wanted!
Manne the bike trailer professional who has been driving one for many years and go biking with dog trailer.
Manne
The commuter and speeder. For him, stable handling is paramount.
Oli, who is looking for a practical bicycle dog trailer for his injured Bruce.
Oli
Enjoys la dolce vita, and places a lot of importance on looks and design.
Susanne, who mainly gets around town with her bicycle dog trailer.
Susanne
Enjoys cruising around the city, so she needs reflectors, lights, flags, and an easily foldable trailer that she can store in the basement.
Jan, who likes to travel long distances with his bicycle dog trailer.
Jan
Our roadie, who enjoys long rides, and values the added storage of pockets and the convenience of a rain cover.

Our test doggos:

Leo who is a proficient driver in the bicycle dog trailer.
Leo: The calm one who takes everything in his strides
Age: 11 years
Weight: 20 kg
Facts: Can’t run long distances, because he starts hobbling, but he takes everything else in his stride and also likes riding on the upper deck.
Henry, who takes part in every tour in a bicycle dog trailer in a super relaxed manner.
Henry: The real-life Duracell Bunny
Age: 5 years
Weight: 35 kg
Facts: The most experienced trailer tester of all. For ultimate dog happiness, he needs an open window to feel the wind in his mane.
Bruce, who has a knee injury and is dependent on a bicycle dog trailer.
Bruce: Handicapped, but always happy
Age: 10 years
Weight: 30 kg
Facts: His paw was maimed on the streets. He’s also just had surgery on his knee and loves a side exit so that he doesn’t have to turn.
Maja the lively one who has never been in a bicycle dog trailer.
Maja: Lively newcomer to trailers
Age: 3 years
Weight: 24 kg
Facts: Maya is a rescue and doesn’t always like new situations. For her, an integrated dog leash is an important feature, even if she doesn’t always agree.
Filo who is anxious and is happy about a retreat in the bicycle dog trailer.
Filo: The anxious one
Age: 3 years
Weight: 9 kg
Facts: Growing up as a Greek street dog, he was hit by a car and now has a deformed paw. He needs help climbing in.
Here you can see all the masters and ladies with their dogs again, without bicycle dog trailers.
Tadaaaa… Here’s the answer to the quiz 🙂

The test conditions

Dog bike trailers must deal with a wide variety of situations and conditions. Therefore, our test track had to simulate this as realistically as possible, making our test dogs, riders and trailers navigate busy city traffic, various obstacles, cobblestones, curbs, potholes, and gravel as well as woodland paths. In addition to how they behave behind the bike, we also tested the dog trailers’ handling off the bike: how do the dogs enter and exit, and how easy are the trailers to assemble, disassemble, and attach to the bicycle hitch. Since suspension is a hotly debated topic, we paid special attention to this in our tests: using accelerometers, we repeatedly tested the forces exerted on the trailer bed of each trailer with different weights.

The test field at a glance: 9 dog trailers

Shown here is the Burley Bark Ranger bike dog trailer.
Burley Bark Ranger | max. dog weight: 34 kg | trailer weight: 13.94 kg | € 779.00 | review here
Hier ist der Burley Tail Wagon Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger zu sehen.
Burley Tail Wagon | max. dog weight: 34 kg | trailer weight: 9.8 kg | € 489.00 | review here
Hier ist der TRIXIE Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger zu sehen.
TRIXIE Small Dog Trailer | max. dog weight: 25 kg | trailer weight: 13.3 kg | € 349.00 | review here
Hier sind beide Croozer Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger zu sehen.
Croozer Dog Tammo | max. dog weight: 45 kg | trailer weight: 20.3 kg | € 1,299.00 |
Croozer Dog Enna | max. dog weight: 35 kg | trailer weight: 16.08 kg | € 999.00 | review here
Hier sind beide Hamax Pluto Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger zu sehen.
Hamax Pluto Large | max. dog weight: 45 kg | trailer weight: 16.5 kg | € 799.00 | review here
Hamax Pluto Medium | max. dog weight: 35 kg | trailer weight: 19.4 kg | € 749.00 | review here
Hier sind beide TAXXI DOG Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger zu sehen.
TAXXI DOG L | max. dog weight: 35 kg | trailer weight: 16.64 kg | € 599.00 | review here
TAXXI DOG M | max. dog weight: 25 kg | trailer weight: 12.96 kg | € 549.00 | review here

Which is the best dog trailer for me and my dog?

Everyone has different needs and desires, and it’s all a matter of taste – this applies to dogs as well as their owners. Below, you will find an overview of what you should pay attention to. We often have a tendency to over-do it with our equipment, running around in light drizzle wearing a Himalayan expedition jacket. The same applies to dog trailers: there are a lot of cool functions, but do you really need them, and are they any good?

Der Hamax fährt mit einem Hund durch den Stadtpark und muss durch eine Absperrung durch. Der Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger muss hier ausreichend Schutz mit einem Stoßfänger bieten.
Features like deflectors for the wheels of the trailer are quite helpful – especially in the city.

Dog size and weight

First of all, you should check that you choose the right dog trailer for the size and weight of your dog. Check that your four-legged friend will be able to get in easily and that the entry isn’t too high, and whether the trailer should have side entry and exit due to injury or other reasons. In order for your dog to be able to stand in the trailer, you should also compare the interior height and the height of your dog.

Hier wird Maja ihre Standhöhe vermessen, damit sie den richtigen Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger auswählt.
What size dog have you got? In other words, how tall is your pawesome buddy?
Bruce und Oli machen Pause vom Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger und essen ein Eis.
How heavy is your dog? No more ice cream for Bruce. Or Oli, for that matter…
Bruce springt hier aus dem Hamax Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger seitlich raus und muss sich dadurch nicht im Anhänger mit seinem verletzten Knie drehen.
For Bruce, the side door is perfect, so he doesn’t have to turn around inside the trailer unnecessarily with his injured knee.

Trailer size

Does your dog predominantly ride lying down, or do they sit up or even stand while you’re riding? Accordingly, you should pay attention to how large the bed of the dog trailer is and how many windows it has for your dog’s sightseeing pleasure.

Henry liegt hier im TAXXI DOG Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger drin und hat dort ein gemütliches Hundebett.
Henry needs a large trailer bed to lie down on. There are rumoured to be moments where he’s tired…
Henry schaut hier aus der Vordertür des Croozer Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger heraus.
… but he prefers seeing and being seen.

Rider types

Are you more of a sporty rider who also likes going off-road, or riding an eMTB? Or do you prefer taking it easy? If it’s the former, you should pay more attention to a sturdy construction, wide tires, generous ground clearance, and as low a centre of gravity as possible.

Manne fährt hier durch den Wald mit dem Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger.
Manne likes to ride off-road, and he definitely needs a sturdy dog trailer.
Oli fährt hier auf der Straße in der Stadt mit anderen Autos und Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger.
Oli, on the other hand, typically rides in the city or on paved paths when he heads beyond city limits, so he doesn’t need an off-roader.

Assembly and disassembly of the dog trailer

How easy is the trailer to assemble and disassemble? If you often go on holiday, or have to store the dog trailer in a cramped basement, you’ll want an easily foldable dog trailer. Check how small it can be folded down, and test whether it’s easy to take apart by yourself before handing over your cash – pinch points can be annoying, not to mention painful. To make sure that the trailer (or at least the main dog-box) fits in your trunk, you should also check how big the dog trailer is without the wheels and drawbar.

Hier wird der Burley Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger zusammengeklappt mit Hilfe eines Handgriffes.
Click, snap, and you’re done – Folding the Burley dog trailer couldn’t be easier!
Der TAXXI DOG ist zusammenfaltet ein kleiner Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger der sich gut verstauen lässt.
Now all that’s left to do is take off the wheels and remove the drawbar, and the trailer is ready to be stored for the winter.
Manne verstaut den Burley Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger im Kofferraum seines Autos.
Want to take the trailer with you on holiday? Put it in the trunk!

Hitching the trailer to the bike

How quickly and easily can you hitch the dog trailer to your bike? This is especially important if you frequently switch between riding with and without the trailer.

Buggy function

The buggy function is interesting for particularly athletic dog owners who don’t just want to ride a bike, but also go jogging or for a (say it quietly) *walk*. If you have a dog that is physically handicapped and can’t walk that far, it’s a great feature. Take note of how often you’ll have to disassemble the buggy handle when not in use. Depending on the trailer, this can be a more or less fiddly procedure.

Standard spec and optional extras

When it comes to the purchase price, it’s always worth checking what you get for your money. Depending on the brand, there are big differences here. In some cases, useful features come as standard, while they’re merely accessories, available as optional extras in other cases. This is the case with the most expensive brand on test, Croozer, where almost every accessory will cost you extra. So, first check whether the rain cover, dog bed, battery-operated tail light, buggy kit, and pockets for things like leashes, water bowls, or treats are included. Also important: does it come with a safety leash, and what about reflectors and lights?

Manne steht hier mit dem Gartenschlauch und spritzt Wasser auf den Croozer mit seinem Regenverdeck.
Unexpected downpour? No problem: put on the rain cover and you’re good to go.
Der Burley Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger hat ein bequemes Hundebett und einen niedrigen Einstieg.
Every van-lifer’s dream.
Im Trixie weren hier Leine und Co in einer integrierten Seitentasche verstaut.
Convenient! The TRIXIE comes with pockets for leashes and the like as standard.
Am TAXXI DOG Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger sieht man hier das Rücklicht und seine Befestigungsmöglichkeit.
For safety on the roads, you should definitely have a battery-operated tail light.

Cleaning the dog trailer

Your dog bike trailer will get dirty, so you will eventually have to clean it. The best option is a removable interior that you can simply shove into the washing machine. Not an option? Then you’re left with no other option but to hose it down.

Das Innenleben im Hamax Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger kann komplett herausgenommen und gewaschen werden.
Thanks to the zipper system on the Hamax, the interior is completely removable.

Spares

When something breaks, the best solution is if you can get replacement parts from the manufacturer. Components such as tires, tubes, and spare thru-axles are typically available from most bike stores.

Cargo bike or dog bike trailer?

Some of you will wonder if a cargo bike isn’t the better alternative. If you ask us, this is only worth considering if you’ve got an experienced and relaxed dog, as the handling is a lot more shaky, requiring the rider to keep everything balanced. If you’re more interested in a cargo bike, you should check out the cargo bike comparison test.

Suspension and a dog bed

First of all, if you have a dog trailer without suspension, a thick and well-padded dog bed almost offers the same level of comfort. More on this below.

What to keep in mind about the bike?

Let’s start with what’s permitted: dog bike trailers may only be pulled by analogue bikes and ebikes with 25 km/h cut-out. In general, this applies to all European ebikes, regardless of the motor. Whether you need a motor depends on your fitness level, the dog, and the terrain. While you’ll easily pull a poodle in a flat city like Hamburg, but you might need a little help pulling a Rottweiler in hilly Stuttgart.

Leo rennt hier auf der Wiese hinter dem Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger hinterher. Wenn er Pause braucht, kann er jederzeit in Fahrrad-Hundeanhänger rein.
No, this isn’t an attempted escape! Allowing your dog to run freely can be a lot of fun for you and the dog – that is, until your furry friend gets tired. 😉

Brakes

To pull the trailer with confidence despite the heavy load, large brake rotors offer significant advantages in terms of stopping power and safety. If your bike has ABS, like the Bosch ABS system, you benefit from improved brake force distribution in critical situations, without locking the wheels. Since the added weight of the trailer leads to increased braking traction, you’ll want to make the most of this with aggressive, knobbly tires when riding off-road. The tread of the trailer’s tires is secondary – they’ll generally roll along quite happily regardless, as they don’t have to handle any of the power transfer or braking forces.

Manne follows a curve with his dog trailer on a gravel path in the forest.
Caution is advised when cornering.
Combining Bosch ABS on a bicycle with a dog trailer leads to greater safety.
Thanks to the Bosch ABS system on the Canyon Pathlite:ON 9 LTD SUV, you’re unlikely to lock the wheels in critical braking situations.

Permissible gross vehicle mass (GVW)

The permissible GVM for the bicycle and trailer combination includes the weight of the bike, the rider’s weight including their kit (helmet, backpack, etc.) as well as the weight of the trailer and the dog. In Europe, the GVM of the trailer alone is always subject to a 60 kg limit, which the combined weight of the dog and trailer may not exceed. But who’s going to have to lose weight if you exceed the combined permissible GVM? You or the dog? For an in-depth look at this complex topic, check out the article we wrote about it here.

Thru-axle and hitch

To attach the trailer to the bike, you will first have to fight your way through the thru-axle jungle. Unfortunately, there is no standard for thru-axles. Thru-axles differ in both length (from 161 mm to 229 mm) and thread pitch (1.0 mm, 1.5 mm and 1.75 mm). Almost every bike needs a different thru-axle – and that can become a daunting challenge! For ebikes with a hub motor, relying on a fixed axle, you may need a special adapter. In that case, you’ll have to consult your bike dealer.

There are endless thru-axles and hitches for every dog trailer and bike.
The subject of thru-axles and hitches drives some dog trailer owners around the bend…
Here you can see different hitches for dog trailers.
… it’s easy to lose your bearings here.

Does suspension make sense for a dog trailer?

Many potential buyers specifically want a dog trailer with suspension. But does this feature actually provide a more comfortable ride for your dog? Among the 9 models on test, 7 had suspension – Burley are the only brand that swim against the stream.

Suspension is available in a wide variety of configurations and designs: using elastomers, or relying on coil shocks; some adjustable, others automatically adaptive. Another option is adjusting the position of the wheels and thus the leverage ratio, depending on the weight of the dog. Some brands boast of coil shocks that are infinitely adjustable. However, if you only tighten or loosen the coil, all you’re changing is the spring preload and thus the response. If you want to learn more about the intricacies of suspension, you can check out the in-depth look at coil vs air springs conducted by our sister publication, ENDURO.

Here you can see the Croozer AirPad suspension on the dog trailer.
The Croozer AirPad elastomer promises to be automatically adaptive.
A yellow spring on the Hamax dog trailer clearly stands out.
The Hamax gives you 3 different wheel positions, allowing you to adapt the leverage ratio depending on the weight of the dog.
Leo likes to run a large part of the distances himself and does not sit in the dog trailer all the time.

Since we don’t speak dog and couldn’t get their feedback, we equipped all trailers with accelerometers to test whether dog trailer suspension actually works. We tested a wide range of settings on the trailers with adjustable suspension, using different weights, and we tested them with and without a dog bed. Spoiler: the dog bed has a big impact!

Here are two graphs showing deflections when the dog trailer has been driven over an obstacle.
The effects of a dog bed: the upper graph shows test results without a dog bed, and below it, those with a dog bed. The higher the deflection on the graph, the higher the impact. The two graphs were recorded with the same trailer on the same test track, at the same speed, and with the same weight.

First of all, you must distinguish between two things: stability, and dog/rider comfort. Stability is especially important through the corners. Due to centrifugal forces, the weight shifts when you corner, which can be further intensified by a change in the position of the dog and, in extreme cases, can cause the trailer to tip. Cornering grip is not important for the trailer, as the cornering is done by the bike. Regarding the dog’s comfort, the biggest bumps usually come from riding over curbs, cobblestones, or on woodland paths. The rider has their own suspension on the bike, so their comfort is irrelevant at this point.

Here you can see a tire hitting a curb. Curbs are common in the everyday life of dog trailers and must be mastered without any problems.
Curbs are often unavoidable, and some of them can be very tall. They can give your dog quite a shake.
Here you can see how a dog trailer is tilting while driving.
If you hit a corner with too much momentum, the trailer can tip over. Disclaimer: no dogs were harmed in this test.
Here Manne drives through the forest with the dog trailer in the evening light.
Woodland paths aren’t all this smooth, so a trailer must be capable of absorbing small bumps.

Without a doubt, an unsuspended dog trailer will always deliver a bumpier ride than a model with suspension, but not if there is a dog bed in the trailer! All trailers, with and without suspension, did a better job of absorbing shocks with a dog bed than without. For models with adjustable suspension, the soft settings usually perform better. However, soft suspension responds more sensitively to centrifugal forces, too, causing the load to shift more drastically through the corners. Unless you’re careful, the trailer could tip over. That’s the reason why sports cars have such firm suspension. As you can see: a dog trailer with suspension isn’t necessarily better and, depending on the riding style, it can even affect your beloved pet’s safety. Our conclusion: with the right dog bed, there is no need for suspension!

With the Hamax dog trailer, cornering is no problem. But please drive slowly.
Firm suspension or no suspension at all offers better cornering stability. As a general rule, you shouldn’t corner like a maniac when pulling a trailer.

A dog bed – The game changer?

In short: a well-padded dog bed offers just as much comfort as suspension! If a dog bed isn’t included with the trailer as standard, we recommend buying one, as it significantly improves the comfort of your dog. Of course, any extra gadgetry is always cool and exciting, but if we had to decide, we would choose a model without suspension and invest the difference in a high-quality dog bed instead. An unsuspended dog trailer with a dog bed isn’t just less complex, but also offers more predictable and stable handling through the corners, as described above. Our lead-footed tester, Manne, has already had one or two cornering incidents in the past, but he’s known for speeding 😉 Fortunately, Henry was never harmed!

Here you can see the dog bed in the Croozer dog trailer, it looks very comfortable.
…and the winner is: the dog bed!
After the tour with the dog trailer is done, Oli and Antonia sit in the field with Bruce and enjoy their beer. Bruce looks happily into the camera.
With a dog bed, your doggo will be happy and relaxed!

Things to consider before and during a ride

Before hitting the road with your furry sidekick, you’ll need to train them first. There is always the risk that it won’t work out. Patience is key.

Jan is desperately trying to get his dog Maja into the dog trailer in the Leonberg city park in front of high-rise buildings. At the same time the sun goes down.
Not every dog will just hop into a dog trailer from the get-go.
Manne stands in front of his dog Herny with his fingers raised and looks angry because he doesn't go in the dog trailer.
And it often doesn’t take long for us to lose our patience. After all, you paid a lot of money for the trailer.

Instructions for getting your dog used to the trailer:

  1. Set up the trailer in familiar surroundings, such as in your apartment or garden.
  2. If your dog approaches the dog bike trailer, reward them with treats.
  3. Before letting your dog climb in, make sure that the dog trailer is stable. If it isn’t, your dog may get startled by sudden movement.
  4. It is best to put treats, food, or a toy in the trailer.
  5. Be patient!
  6. Once your dog is in, let them get out right away and reward them.
  7. For the dog to stay inside, you should make it as comfortable as possible. Put a familiar dog blanket and a chew toy or snack inside the trailer, for example, so that your dog has got some welcome distractions.
  8. Once your dog stays in the trailer, roll it around in the garden by hand and push it over a curb in front of your house.
  9. If your dog is relaxed, you can hitch the dog trailer to the bike. Keep a close eye on your dog while riding for the first time. If your pet still looks stressed or anxious, repeat steps 1 to 8 above until your doggo gets comfortable with the trailer life.
  10. Training, training, training!
  11. Worst case: if your dog just can’t get the hang of it, the used market for dog bike trailers is relatively stable. 😉
Antonia is successful. Her dog Leo dutifully goes into the back of the dog trailer. You are standing on the meadow in the Leonberger Stadtpark, here are high-rise buildings in the background and the sun is setting.
It works! With a little patience and persistence, success is almost guaranteed.

Before heading out on your bike with the dog trailer in tow, there’s a few points to check:

  1. Is your ebike battery fully charged? The added weight of the trailer will drain the battery quicker.
  2. You should also increase the rear tire pressure to accommodate the additional weight of the trailer.
  3. Are the hitch, safety line and drawbar firmly connected? Check how securely the trailer is attached to the bike.
  4. Is the safety leash (if available) attached to the dog?
  5. Are all openings closed? Depending on whether your dog is used to trailers and likes to stick his head out, you can leave a window open.
  6. Road safety check: are all your reflectors still attached? Do you have a tail light for the ride home after sunset? Is the flag attached?
  7. Put on your helmet! Riding without one makes you look like a fool – topless doesn’t fly around here.
  8. Is the dog bed in the trailer?
  9. If the trailer has suspension, the heavier the dog, the harder you must adjust the spring.
Antonia has the security flag on her Croozer dog trailer. You can always see them. She drives past a car.
Safety first: the flag makes you and the dog bike trailer more visible to other road users.
Before driving a dog trailer, the tires must be inflated. Here you can see Robin's feet standing on the air pump.
Make sure you have the correct tire pressure in both wheels.
Before setting off with the dog trailer, you must attach the safety line to the drawbar.
Attach the safety line to the drawbar before departure.
If there is a leash in your dog trailer, you can leash your dog. Here you can see Filo from above, how he is leashed.
If available and necessary, you can also secure your doggo with a leash inside the trailer.
Manne is standing in front of a VW bus with a bicycle and dog trailer and is the same length.
A bike and a dog bike trailer horse and carriage can be quite long.
Here Henry is looking out the front of the Croozer dog trailer.

On your marks, get set, go! There are a few things to keep in mind while riding, too:

  1. Adjust your riding style! Unfortunately, you will have to suppress the urge to go racing around in Turbo mode.
  2. The dog bike trailer increases the length and width of your vehicle significantly.
  3. If your dog moves around while you’re riding, the weight distribution can change abruptly.
  4. Expect a longer stopping distance, look ahead, and ride proactively.
  5. Keep in mind that the turning radius of the trailer is smaller than that of the bike towing it when you corner.
  6. Due to the increased weight, there is a bigger load bearing on your bike’s wheels, suspension, brake pads, and rotors.
Manne rides here at sunset on a dirt road with a bicycle and dog trailer. Henry looks out.
The adventure with your furry friend can begin! 🙂

Findings, test winners, and recommendations

The Hamax delivered! As the best in test, it offers the best value for money and is the only trailer in the test field with a side exit. That makes the Hamax a versatile option for dogs of all ages and physical abilities. With its incredibly well-designed, spacious, comfortable, and removable interior for washing, it sets itself apart from the competition. All that’s missing is bigger wheel deflectors and an extra window to keep an eye on your buddy.

Henry gets on the side of the Hamax dog trailer.
Better to hold the bike while your sidekick is climbing in

If the Hamax doesn’t fit your budget, we recommend taking a look at the Burley Bark Ranger. Even without suspension, this dog bike trailer delivers stable and reliable handling. With a dog bed, the ride comfort is as good as it gets. Unfortunately, the interior isn’t padded and there’s no integrated dog leash. On the upside, it’s super easy to assemble and disassemble, and it even comes with optional pockets for added onboard storage.

Henry is in the Burley dog trailer. It's too big for him, his entire head is sticking out.
Sitting up, Henry is too big for the Burley, even with his mane combed down. The convenient pockets are available as optional accessories.

If you place more importance on looks and prestige, and you would like to ride off-road, you should take a look at the Croozer. Here, a high-quality finish meets stylish design. At the same time, the Croozer is a comfortable and well-made dog bike trailer. However, there is one big drawback: you’ll need a second pair of hands to help with the assembly, as the fabric canopy is very tight-fitting. In addition, Croozer’s pricing policy is a little misleading: the starting price only includes the basic trailer, and everything else, including the integrated leash and pockets, will cost you extra.

Leo is sitting on the roof of the Croozer dog trailer in the sunset light.

If panorama windows are more important to your dog than design, the TAXXI DOG is an attractive option. Perfect for sightseeing! The integrated rain cover is convenient, though it looks cheap, and the pocket on the roof hangs through to the interior of the dog bike trailer. The biggest drawback with the TAXXI DOG is the drawbar, as it’s too short and tends to drag on the ground when cornering.

Leo is lying on the roof of the TAXXI dog trailer.

For the uncomplicated, who don’t need all the bells and whistles, the Burley Tail Wagon is just the thing. It’s small and simple, but it holds the road well. With a dog bed, it’s just as comfortable as the suspended dog bike trailers on test. It’s a pity that the integrated pockets cannot be completely closed and that there’s no optional rain protector available.

Here you can see the Burley dog trailer with a crate of beer and no cover.
Great for a quick beer run: we briefly misappropriated the Burley Tail Wagon to get beer.

The TRIXIE dog bike trailer is the right choice for the frugalists among us. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need premium quality, the TRIXIE offers a lot of features and solid functionality. However, the handling stability suffers due to the high centre of gravity and less sturdy construction. It’s okay for urban cruisers, less so for outdoor enthusiasts.

Susanne has the TRIXIE dog trailer in her trunk. It serves here as a dog car box. Filo sits in and looks out. Susanne strokes Filo.
With the wheels and drawbar removed, the TRIXIE fits into the boot of the Smart EQ Forfour and can be repurposed as a dog transport box.

Tops

Here you can see Manne attaching the Croozer hitch to the Croozer dog trailer.
The Croozer tow hitch impressed us with its easy handling.
Here you can see the lateral entry and exit on the Hamax dog trailer.
The side exit on the Hamax makes it easier for dogs to get in and out, especially if they’re physically impaired.
Here you can see a practical system of a dog trailer. Manne opens a buckle on the Burley and it is folded up.
Burley’s folding system is easy to use.
Here you can see the thin and practical safety line on the drawbar of the Hamax bicycle dog trailer.
The safety line on the Hamax dog bike trailer is skinny and long enough.
Here you can see the inner workings of the Hamax dog trailer. A zipper helps to easily remove the inner fabric.
The removable Hamax interior makes easy work of keeping it clean.
Here, Filo steps onto the ramp of the TRIXIE dog trailer with his foot.
The ramp for climbing in and out of the TRIXIE is great for dogs with disabilities.

Flops

Here you can see the interior of a bicycle dog trailer that is not padded.
The unpadded interior in the Burley Tail Wagon – which dog likes laying down on a hard board?
The drawbar of the bike dog trailer has to be long enough, otherwise it will drag on the ground like this one and get scratched.
The TAXXI DOG’s drawbar drags on the ground through tight corners.
Here you can see the underbody of Mannes old dog trailer. This one is pretty broken.
Fabric on the underbody will get damaged quickly, like it did with Manne’s old Croozer model.
Here you can see that the safety line for the drawbar on a dog trailer is too short. So it is useless.
The safety line on the TAXXI DOG is too short.
The brake on a dog trailer must be at the rear so that it can also be operated on the mountain. Here you can see Antonia putting her foot on the brake.
The brake is located at the rear of the TAXXI DOG trailer, which is especially impractical on an incline.
Here you can see that the bumper of this dog trailer is too small and does not protect the bike sufficiently.
Deflectors that are too small for the tires, as seen here on the Hamax, can render them ineffective.

Conclusion

The market for dog bike trailers is as colourful and diverse as our furry test crew. So before buying, ask yourself what you really need, because the best trailer is always the one that caters to you and your dog’s needs best. And before you get hung up on the question of suspension: a good dog bed is more important. With the right equipment, you’ll always have a happy four-legged friend by your side… or, rather, in tow. Happy dog – happy life!


The complete dog bike trailer test field: Croozer | Hamax | TAXXI DOG | TRIXIE | Burley Bark Ranger | Burley Tail Wagon


Here you can see Oli, Antonia and Manne toasting with a beer in the air. They are standing in a field and in the background Leo is sitting on the roof of a dog trailer.

Words: Antonia Feder Photos: Antonia Feder Robin Schmitt