Planning a trip with your Pit Bull? Relocating to a foreign country with your Rottweiler? You had better know the rules on entering a country with an breed of dog that may be classified as aggressive. The consequences for your pet could be pretty severe.

There is no disputing the fact that traveling with a dog has become a more popular trend in recent years. Countries that value tourism, as well as airlines that value additional revenue, have made it easier for pet owners to see the world with their pets. Yet, even with the emergence of in-cabin privileges, more careful cargo handling, and the avoidance of incidents, comes the increased enforcement of certain rules regarding the movement of aggressive types of dogs.

What dog breeds are generally classified as dangerous?

American Staffordshire Terriers top the list. Why? Because in studies where the number of dog bites was measured, this breed is almost always at the top. Does this mean that your Staffie is dangerous? No, this breed can be trained and properly socialized. But numbers being what they are, the breed is included in most, if not all, dangerous dog laws that are breed-specific.?

Other dog breeds that are generally classified as dangerous are Akita Inu, Barboels, Cane Corso, American Bulldog, Dog de Bordeaux, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, German Shepherd, Mastiff, Presa Canario, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tosa Inu.

UPDATE: The United Kingdom has added the XL American Bulldog to its Dangerous Dog legislation.

Also confusing is the term Pit Bull Terrier. Actually, this term includes several recognized breeds of dogs – American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier and may include the American Bulldog.

What countries ban dangerous dog breeds?

Many countries, provinces, counties, and cities ban the import of aggressive breeds of dogs and their mixes. Some examples are the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, China, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and many Caribbean countries, to name just a few.

We suggest you search for dangerous dog policies in your destination country. You can also contact the embassy of the country to which you are traveling to determine if your dog is acceptable for entry.

Know that if your dog even resembles one of these breeds or behaves in any way aggressively during the immigration process, there is a chance that your pet will not be accepted in your destination country.

DNA testing will not be accepted as proof of lineage as it is not performed at a government agency.

At a minimum, you should carry a strong leash and muzzle with you, as many countries will require this while you are in public places. Also, do not trust your children to hold the leash. Strong movements can happen suddenly in strange places.

What airlines ban aggressive dog breeds?

When countries ban aggressive breeds, it also means that the airlines that serve those countries must ban the breeds on routes to those countries. Airlines will not carry a pet into a country when the pet does not have the proper import forms or is on the banned breed list. The consequences of ignoring this list can be distressing at the least and disastrous at the worst. Should a dog on the banned breed list make it to immigration, in most cases it will be returned to the originating country at the owner’s expense; however, in some cases, the animal will be put down.

In recent years, commercial airlines have also initiated bans or restrictions on dog breeds classified as aggressive to limit their exposure to “incidents.”. No US-based airline will fly them. Other foreign-based airlines will (Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France, for example); however, they may require that your dog fly in a CR-82-compliant metal or wood pet crate.

If you are flying with your dog, be sure to arrange not to change airline companies along the way. Airlines will not interline pets. Arrangements must be made for you or an agent to get your pet, clear customs, and recheck your dog on the next airline.

More information on traveling with a dangerous dog…