International Travel with a Bull Terrier: Breed Restrictions, Country Rules and Airlines
Bull Terriers – with their distinctive egg-shaped heads and strong builds – are a breed that comes with genuine breed-specific restrictions in several countries. If you own a Bull Terrier (or a Miniature Bull Terrier) and are planning an international relocation, understanding which restrictions apply at your destination is the first step.
UK Regulations
In the UK, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits certain breeds. The Bull Terrier is not on the prohibited list in England and Wales – the four prohibited types are: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. A standard Bull Terrier or Miniature Bull Terrier can be owned and imported legally in the UK.
Germany
Germany’s breed restrictions are administered at the state (Land) level. The Bull Terrier appears on the restricted (Kategorie 1 or 2) breed list in some German states, including North Rhine-Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein, where it may be subject to a character assessment (Wesenstest) requirement and potential muzzle/lead requirements in public. In other states (Bavaria, Baden-Wurttemberg) the restrictions are different.
Confirm the specific rules for the German state where you will be living before importing a Bull Terrier to Germany. Some states also require mandatory liability insurance for dogs on the restricted list.
Other European Countries
- Denmark: Bull Terriers are on Denmark’s banned breed list. Standard Bull Terriers cannot legally be imported to Denmark. This is one of the strictest breed ban lists in Europe.
- Belgium: Some municipalities have restrictions; there is no national ban
- Netherlands: no national ban (legislation was repealed); no restriction on Bull Terriers
- France: France has a Category 2 (restricted) classification for Bull Terriers; owners must obtain a permit, have the dog sterilised and comply with specific handling rules
Outside Europe
Australia and New Zealand: No breed-specific restriction on Bull Terriers. Standard import protocol applies.
USA and Canada: No federal breed ban. Some municipalities and homeowner associations (HOAs) or landlords have Bull Terrier restrictions. This is a local/private issue rather than a national one.
Cabin or Cargo?
Adult Bull Terriers weigh 22 to 38 kg. They travel in the cargo hold for international flights. A Kennel 300 to 400 crate typically fits standard Bull Terriers; measure your individual dog. Bull Terriers are not classified as brachycephalic on most airline lists (their muzzle is not short enough to trigger snub-nosed restrictions on most carriers), but always confirm with the airline.
Miniature Bull Terriers (11 to 15 kg) also travel in cargo for most international routes, though a small Miniature Bull Terrier may qualify for cabin travel on routes with a 10 kg combined weight limit on some European carriers.
Documentation
Standard requirements apply: ISO microchip, vaccinations, government-endorsed health certificate, titre test where the destination requires it.
Sources: UK Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; Denmark Animal Welfare Act breed ban list; French Code Rural pet classification (Category 2); German Bundesland breed restriction lists.