(Wo)man's Best Friend - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

ShoshTrvls · 05-06-2008, 07:33 PM

So, as I mentioned in another thread, I'm getting my smart some time within the next 3 weeks or so. But the fact is, I haven't even seen one yet. I'm going to try to get to the dealer before my car comes in, but in case I don't, I have a question ...

I get that the area behind the seats is small. Really small. Fortunately, I stopped owning big dogs about 10 years ago, and now have a pug. A cute pug ... hell, who am I kidding, pugs are ugly. Every one of them. But, in any event, he does sometimes accompany me to where I'm going. And so does my daughter, so pug in passenger seat is a no-go. Will the pug fit comfortably in the area behind the seats (I assume he'll be able to look at us through the space between the seats, so it won't be like he's in a trunk, but maybe I'm wrong on that too)? Or will I have to drive my big car whenever I take the small dog someplace?

Thanks.

**jwight** · 05-06-2008, 07:35 PM

Plenty of room for a small dog but I think you'll need a divider of some sort to keep him back there.

angel · 05-06-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShoshTrvls

So, as I mentioned in another thread, I'm getting my smart some time within the next 3 weeks or so. But the fact is, I haven't even seen one yet. I'm going to try to get to the dealer before my car comes in, but in case I don't, I have a question ...

I get that the area behind the seats is small. Really small. Fortunately, I stopped owning big dogs about 10 years ago, and now have a pug. A cute pug ... hell, who am I kidding, pugs are ugly. Every one of them. But, in any event, he does sometimes accompany me to where I'm going. And so does my daughter, so pug in passenger seat is a no-go. Will the pug fit comfortably in the area behind the seats (I assume he'll be able to look at us through the space between the seats, so it won't be like he's in a trunk, but maybe I'm wrong on that too)? Or will I have to drive my big car whenever I take the small dog someplace?

Thanks.

I have a part Papillion part Chihuahua {mutt} mix. She's about 20 lbs. She fits in the back with LOTS of room. I don't find I need a divider. At least if you think you need one it's something where you can try to travel with him in the back and if you need a divider of some kind you can get that later. I can try and take a picture of her back there for you once I get my lil Blue Belle back from the Dallas smart center.

blackbeagle · 05-06-2008, 07:44 PM

We have two dogs so I feel I must contribute. One is a small Yorkie (Gizmo) and the other is a black beagle (Kita). Gizmo is usually either riding on top of my gf's lap or on my lap on the front seat or behind our neck (his favorite spot in a car). Kita the Beagle is sitting in the back. She can then stare out the front. In our other cars, she usually perches on the middle console (which is very dangerous). Now she has a flat spot in back where she can sit.

I would recommend that you put a blanket or a pillow back there to cushion some of the rough bumps. We got a big blanket back there just in case she wants to curl up and take a nap, which she did this past weekend.

FYI...just don't look back at your dog. You will kinda freak out when you realize that she's basically sitting over the rear bumper.

susurra · 05-06-2008, 07:54 PM

I have a pug (he's probably a little bigger than most, I like to say "big-boned"), and he fits fine in the back, but prefers driving...with a little assistance. No need for any divider for me and Gizmo.

Oh, and he is as ugly as they come, too - but there's nothing like a pug, or a Smart! Both make me happy.

pluto · 05-06-2008, 08:00 PM

The back is perfect for a dog. I have a 7 pound yorkie who loves a car ride, and I think I could fit about 3 of him back there. I can imagine having a medium-sized dog back there with no problem.
I got the cargo cover (keeping it rolled back, of course), which creates a barrier between the backs of the seats and the trunk and helps prevent him from jumping in the front seat, which is nice.
Put down a blanket, though. I don't care what anyone says about the engine not melting the icecream; the floor of the trunk feels hot after a trip, and our furry, non-verbal companions are sensitive to the heat.

You are going to love your car, and I hope your friend does, too.

**JPaul** · 05-06-2008, 08:06 PM

From DavidV Gallery, click to enlarge

ShoshTrvls · 05-07-2008, 06:00 AM

Thanks all ... Winston will be so happy that his days as a car companion dog have been extended, and I'm happy that I won't have to use the Outback every time he needs to go to the vet.

DavidV · 05-07-2008, 08:21 AM

Yep - our labs love it:

** DavidV

kannonvaggon · 05-07-2008, 09:05 AM

We have the world's fattest beagle. He rides in the back just fine. Likes to stick his nose up into the wind now and then when the top is back. Most of the time he just stays down on his bed.
We just throw in the bed liner from a travel cage, medium size. This makes a nice cushion that he's familiar with, keeps SOME of his nasty hair off the floor, AND provides some insulation between him and the floor which gets warm.

The floor doesn't actually get as hot as one might think. There is a lot of hot air coming out the rear vents when ya open the tailgate which makes it seem that the floor is hot, but most of the heat does go out the back and not so much stays in that it heats up the floor itself very much.
JMHO
YMMV