Ride with your pup: finding the perfect bicycle dog trailer

If you're like me — a committed dog-lover who also enjoys cycling through Britain’s parks, towpaths and quiet lanes — you’ll know the joy of taking your four-legged companion along for the ride. That’s where a great bicycle dog trailer comes in: a safe, comfortable way to bring your dog with you while you pedal. And if you’re hunting for the best bicycle dog trailer in UK, you’ll want a model that suits your dog’s size, temperament and your cycling style.

At the UK-based pet specialist Silver Circle Pets, you’ll find some excellent options tailored for both bicycle trailer for large dogs and small dogs, so I thought I’d share what to look for — based on my 15 years writing experience with pet gear — and why it’s worth making the right choice.

Why use a bicycle dog trailer?

Even if your dog loves to run, there are times when cycling with your dog on foot just isn’t practical: busy roads, longer rides, bad weather or older pups who can’t keep up. A good trailer gives you the best of both worlds — you still get out on your bike, and your dog joins you safely and comfortably.

Using a trailer rather than a basket or sling keeps your dog secure and gives you better stability and control of the bike, too. Particularly important if you have a larger dog (where weight and balance matter) or a smaller dog who might be nervous or unstable when cycling.

What to look for in the best bicycle dog trailer in UK

1.  Size & weight capacity – For a bicycle trailer for large dogs, check the maximum weight the trailer supports and the internal space: your dog should be able to sit, turn and lie down. For a bicycle trailer for small dogs, you still want enough room so they aren’t cramped, and maybe extra padding or harness points that suit lighter weights.

2. Safety features – A strong hitch or linkage to your bike, good wheel suspension/tyres for comfort, reflective material or bright colours for UK roads, a weather-proof cover if you’ll ride in rain.

3.    Ease of use – Ability to fold for storage or transport, easy to attach/detach from bike, good ventilation, removable washable liner (especially useful in muddy British conditions).

4.    Terrain & ride type – If you’ll ride mostly on city roads or park paths, then smaller wheels and close handling are fine. If you’ll ride off-road or longer rides, go for more robust wheels and a bigger unit designed for larger dogs.

5.    Brand and support – Buying from a UK pet specialist like Silver Circle Pets means you’ve got someone who can advise, offer spares, and ensure compatibility with UK bikes and accessories. Silver Circle Pets list dog bike trailers (including models from Burley) in their “Dog Bike Trailers” collection.

Top use cases: large dogs vs small dogs

For large dogs – If your Labrador, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or similar weighs 30–40 kg (or more), you’ll want a heavy-duty trailer. The bicycle trailer for large dogs must offer a robust frame, strong tyres, good suspension and high weight capacity. Even though larger dogs might prefer running, a trailer gives them a break on longer rides, especially on hot days or tricky terrain.

At Silver Circle Pets, their section for dog bike trailers emphasises choosing the right size and features.

For small dogs – If you have a Chihuahua, French Bulldog or other smaller dog under 10–15 kg, a trailer still offers great benefits. A bicycle trailer for small dogs helps keep them safe (no dodging potholes or traffic) and comfortable (they can sit, lie down, perhaps have a toy or blanket). The best bicycle dog trailer in UK for small dogs will still have good stability and harness points, but you may choose a more compact model that’s easier to manoeuvre in urban or park environments. 

Why I recommend buying from Silver Circle Pets

Silver Circle Pets is a UK-based specialist with a focus on high-quality dog transport solutions. Their product range includes strollers and bike trailers (you’ll find collections for dog strollers & bike trailers on their site). Because they’re UK-based, you benefit from UK-friendly delivery, return policies and support (no messy import issues). They also often have free-delivery offers over a certain spend and 30-day return policies for peace of mind (as described in their company offering).

Their collections show that they understand the needs of pets in the UK market: muddy runs, rain, mixed terrain, varying weather. Buying from them means you get a product that is not just imported, but curated for UK pet-owners. 

My quick checklist before buying

·         Measure your dog (length, height, weight) and compare with trailer internal dimensions.

·         Check your bike compatibility: hitch type, wheel size, is the trailer for one dog or can it carry two smaller dogs?

·         Think about where you’ll ride: mostly town, towpath, forest trails? Match suspension and tyre type accordingly.

·         Consider future use: if your dog might grow, or you may switch to a different dog, go for slightly larger capacity.

·         Make sure there’s good ventilation, a secure harness anchor inside, easy access so your dog can hop in/out safely.

·         Budget realistically: the best bicycle dog trailer in UK may cost more upfront, but you’re investing in safety, comfort and durability.

Final thoughts

As someone who’s been writing about pet gear for years, I’d always say this: a bicycle dog trailer is not just a fun accessory — it’s a serious piece of kit that needs to match your dog and your cycling habits. Whether you’re after a bicycle trailer for large dogs or you need one suited for a smaller companion, get the specs right and buy from a UK-based specialist like Silver Circle Pets to ensure you truly get what you need.

Your dog will love being right by your side (or wheel) as you explore the British countryside, cycle routes and neighbourhood parks — and you’ll be glad you chose a trailer that fits both of you. For the best experience, validate your choice, secure the gear, click the ‘add to basket’ and enjoy many safe and happy rides together.