Travelling with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier: car, crate and rules
Staffordshire Bull Terrier : A size M crate or a safety harness is enough for this compact frame. Given its muscle and enthusiasm, a well-fitted harness is more comfortable and secure than a plain collar.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Dog car seat belt with elastic shock absorber (€30.90) · the whole shop
An accessory from our shop for this use: Folding wire dog crate 24 in (61 cm), single door, with tray ($62.90, ships from the US) · the US shop
We don’t ship products to your country yet; our practical guide downloads anywhere: Raising Your Puppy: The First Six Months (€19)
In short: Small muscular dog, 36-41 cm at the withers (11-17 kg), smooth single coat, medium-to-high energy level. A compact little powerhouse famous for its overflowing affection towards people, children included. Its chewing power is wildly out of proportion to its 15 kg: plush and thin toys are shredded in minutes, and only extra-tough rubber survives.
In the car with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier
At 11 to 17 kg, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier travels in a rigid crate of about 70 cm placed in the rear footwell or strapped in, or an approved carrier bag for the lightest. An unrestrained dog of this weight becomes a projectile under braking — and a possible fine for distracted driving.
Trains, planes, holidays
Too big for the cabin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier flies in the pressurised hold in an IATA-approved crate — an ordeal to reserve for unavoidable trips. On trains, a muzzle and lead meet the rules. Tame the crate weeks ahead — open in the living room, seeded with treats — so that on the day, your Staffordshire Bull Terrier walks in by itself.
What the law says for this breed
A LOF-registered (pedigree) Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not a restricted breed in France: it is often confused with the American Staffordshire Terrier, but wrongly so. Without LOF registration, however, a dog of this type may be classed in category 1 on morphological grounds. Check with your local authority before adopting, and factor these obligations into every trip.
Frequently asked questions
What crate size for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
The rule: roughly 70 cm, i.e. room to stand and turn without contortion. For air travel, check the specific model’s IATA approval.
Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier subject to legal restrictions?
A LOF-registered (pedigree) Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not a restricted breed in France: it is often confused with the American Staffordshire Terrier, but wrongly so. Without LOF registration, however, a dog of this type may be classed in category 1 on morphological grounds.
The guides that apply to you
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- Anxious dog in the car: motion sickness or real fear of the ride?
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