By The Virtual Tourist

Whether your plan is to bring your furry pals along on vacation or just get your dog fix while you're away, the world is full of cities and attractions to help you get your dog on. For those who can't relax if they're not near a canine of some kind, the editors of travel site VirtualTourist.com have compiled this list of "10 Great Places for Dogs and Dog Lovers."

1. LONDON, ENGLAND

While it may unnerve an American to see an animal in an eatery, Londoners probably won't even flinch. With a roster of dog-friendly pubs, there's no reason to shut your dog out of a good time. The Brown Dog in South West London will even provide baskets for sleepy doggies.

2. THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB MUSEUM OF THE DOG; ST. LOUIS, MO.

The Louvre of the dog world, this collection includes everything from bronzes to oils and for the truly curious there is also a dog-themed library available by appointment. Perhaps the best thing about this facility is that they allow you to bring your canine pals with you.

3. SAN DIEGO, CALIF.

Even if you can't catch a wave, Fido can learn to hang ten. Paddle boarding, surf lessons, and water sports are a sun-kissed dog's California dream. In the spring, check out the Loews Coronado Annual Surf Contest where daredevil doggies take to the ocean and show off their surfing techniques to the delight of the crowd.

4. NATIONAL BIRD DOG MUSEUM; GRAND JUNCTION, TENN.

For fans of old-school hunting dogs this museum is like a temple. Just about an hour outside of Memphis, it includes a "Walk of Fame" that allows dog "owners" to purchase a commemorative plaque for their departed pals. Highlights of the museum also include the Retriever Field Trial Hall of Fame and a Wildlife Heritage Center.

5. NEW YORK CITY, N.Y.

If you're visiting New York there's no reason at all to make your dog spend the day trapped in a hotel room. Several different companies now offer city tours that combine traditional sightseeing with enough dog-friendly "rest" stops to keep everyone interested and happy.

6. CARMEL, CALIF.

Be careful sampling the snacks Carmel businesses often keep at their front desks -- there's a good chance those are dog biscuits. In fact, the area is so dog-friendly it's rare to see a storefront without a bowl of water at the entrance. Even restaurants are known to reserve a room or two for patrons who just aren't happy dining without their little pals.

7. DOG COLLAR MUSEUM, LEEDS CASTLE; KENT, U.K.

These small works of art are not only interesting in and of themselves, but provide a fascinating glimpse into canine life through the years. The small exhibit includes spiked collars that look like torture devices but were actually meant to keep dogs safe from predators.

8. NANCY, FRANCE

While Paris may hog all the fame as France's most dog-friendly city, Nancy gives it a great run for its money. Special dog-walking lanes and ubiquitous waste bag dispensers make life much easier for those who plan on taking their dogs with them.

9. BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Chances are if all you do is walk out of your hotel, you'll catch a glimpse of the city's famous paseadores de perro. These professional dog walkers who are a common sight in the city, are known to handle up to 15 dogs at a time!

10. NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM AT TRING; HERTFORDSHIRE, U.K.

Reopened after a much-needed revamp, this gallery is once again showing off its impressive collection of domestic dogs. There are 88 stuffed domestic specimens on display, including "London Jack," a dog used to collect donations at railway stations during the Victorian era.

 

© VirtualTourist.com, Distributed by Tribune Media Services Inc.

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