Traveling to Plymouth with Your Dog: Following in the Pawprints of the Pilgrims

Traveling to Plymouth with your dog is an experience that truly brings history to life—after all, the Pilgrims did it first! When the Mayflower set sail in 1620, it wasn’t just human passengers aboard; two dogs made the journey as well—a Mastiff and a Cocker Spaniel.

The OG Mayflower Pups

One of the best primary sources on the Pilgrims’ journey is Mourt’s Relation, written by Edward Winslow. While the names of these two historic pups were never recorded (a true injustice!), Winslow gives us a few anecdotes that modern dog owners can relate to.

Two dogs travelled on Mayflower, if only we knew their names.

Wild Adventures with Plymouth’s First Dogs

In one particularly wild story, John Goodman, a Pilgrim settler, took his little Spaniel for a walk near Plymouth. Goodman was trying to stretch his sore, cold feet, but his stroll turned into a terrifying encounter. Two wolves appeared! The frightened Spaniel bolted between Goodman’s legs, looking for protection, as Goodman grabbed a stick and fought off the wolves. When they eventually slunk away, Goodman thought he was safe. But no—those wolves came back, grinning as if to challenge him. The Pilgrim, not backing down, grabbed a plank of wood and faced them off until they disappeared for good.

While modern dog owners may not have to face down wolves, they can certainly relate to the times when their dogs find themselves in situations a bit... wild. After all, a showdown with a skunk in the backyard might not be so different from a face-off with wolves, right?

Traveling to Plymouth with Your Dog Today

Fast forward more than 400 years, and Plymouth is still an ideal destination for you and your dog to explore. If you're looking for a way to engage with Plymouth’s rich history, why not take a guided dog-friendly tour? It’s a fun, immersive way to experience Plymouth where, much like your dog, you’ll be fully in the moment, using all your senses to connect with the surroundings.