Helpline / European Vets / French & Italian Phrases / FAQ / Health / Law

Eire

Vistors to the Eire who intend to stay for less than thirty days are not required to get a dog licenec those who stay over thirty days are. In addition, there are a number of breeds that are required to be under strict control in the Republic of Ireland. These are Bandogs, American Pit Bull Terriers, Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs, Doberman Pinschers, English Bull Terriers, German Shepherd (Alsatians), Japanese Akitas, Japanese Tosas, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers including any other strain or cross or every breed or type of dog so described.

It is necessary to have these dogs controlled by a sufficiently strong chain or leash not more than one metre in length and by a person over the age of 16 years of age who is capable of controlling the dog.

Further, these dogs must be muzzled while in a public place. These dogs must also have collars which identify the dog and give an address. With thanks to the ISPCA for this information link to site.

top of page

Finland

The regulations in Finland are very similar to Sweden. There are no breed specific laws. Dogs must be under on control or on a lead, especially in an urban environment and always from spring to late summer. This is to protect wildlife during the breeding season. Restaurants and market places are just some of the places that don't allow dogs.

France

Several breeds are now banned from importation this includes the Pitbull terrier but more notably for most travellers, all Staffordshire Bull Terrier crosses or purebred dogs without papers. It does not apply to pedigree dogs, i.e. dogs with Kennel club registration and documentation. This same ruling also applies to English mastiffs.

All these breeds and also Rottweilers and any Rottweiler crosses must be muzzled and on a lead in all public places.

top of page

Germany

You cannot import into Germany, American Pitbull Terriers, the Staffordshire bull terrier or the Am Staff . This is a Federal law. In addition there is likely to be introduced a law restricting all dogs over 40cm or 20kg in weight to being on a lead. Any signs of aggression and they wil be further restricted to being muzzled.

The atmoshphere in Germany for many dog owners is abusive and threatening. Dogs have been attacked and owners are being verbaly abused. The German national tourist office advise you to visit with dogs only if you are prepared to put up with some difficulties. In addition some areas in Germany list up to 42 breeds with restrictions.

To follow, an outline of breeds affected and crosses of these breeds:

Cat.1)  American Staffordshire Terrier, Pitbull Terrier,Staffordshire Bull Terrier,  Neopolitan Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Roman Fighting Dog, Chinese Fighting Dog, Bandog, Tosa Inu

Cat.2)  Akbash, Briard, Beauceron, Bullmastiff, Dobermann, Estrela Mountain Dog,  Komondor, Kuvasz, Maremma, Mastiff, Pyrenean Mastiff, Pyrenean Mountain Dog,   Rottweiler, Tibetan Mastiff, and 15 other European herding breeds

The owners of these breeds must register with the stadt, and obtain a dog handling licence. Permission to continue to own one of these dogs will be granted if the dog has shown no evidence of aggression towards people, game, livestock, cats and other dogs for more than 3 years. The dog can only be exercised by a person over 18 years, and must wear a leash and muzzle at all times. Cat.1 dogs, and those who have shown aggression, cannot be bred from under any circumstances. My understanding of the regulations is that if you can show your dog is of no danger to the public, you may be exempted from the muzzle/leash requirement.

Cat.3) Any dog over 40cm/20kg. Cat.3 dogs should be on a leash in built up areas, and will be moved up to Cat.2 if they show any aggression.

If you need more info visit http://www.geocities.com/dogholocaust/

top of page

Holland

There is currently a ban on Pitbull terriers. However a proposal to include other breeds is currently going through the legal process and as yet has not been introduced we will notify you as soon as we know.

Spain

There are regulations pertaining to the importation and ownership of Pitbulls. Otherwise, all dogs must be on a lead in a public place. Southern Spain bans dogs from pretty much all the beaches. There are some laws relating to specific breeds that apply in Catalonia but these are under review to bring them into line with national laws.

top of page

Sweden

Swedish regulations are still fairly sensible. Dogs must be under control but not necessairly on a lead unless of course you are in an urban environment. However, between the 1st of March and the 21st of August, restrictions are quite tight to protect wildlife. For import regulations visit Swedish Board of Agriculture

United Kingdom

Pitbull's cannot be imported into the UK along with Japanese Tosa's and Fila Brasiliero's and Dogo Argentin. Other breeds are not under any restrictions except owners must maintain control of their dogs and owners whose dogs appear threatening or aggressive to a member of the public, may be liable to prosecution under the dangerous dogs act. All local bye-laws must be observed, such as on a lead in certain areas or prohibited from some parks etc. All dogs should have a collar and tag on with a contact number.

For import regulations visit MAFF

top of page

For the latest version of this
Pet Relocation & Transport
web page please visit:
www.cani-excel.com