Breed Restrictions
Two types of restriction. Both can stop a trip cold.
Airline restrictions affect whether your pet can fly with that carrier. Country-level bans affect whether they can enter the destination at all, regardless of airline.
Airline Restrictions
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds
Most major airlines restrict snub-nosed breeds in cargo due to respiratory risk at altitude. Restrictions may apply in-cabin, cargo, or both — check individual airline policies.
| Breed | Airlines with Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Bulldog (English) | Air Canada · Air France · British Airways · LOT · Lufthansa |
| French Bulldog | Air Canada · Air France · British Airways · Lufthansa |
| Pug | Air Canada · Air France · British Airways · LOT |
| Boston Terrier | Air France · British Airways · LOT · Lufthansa (cargo) |
| Boxer | Air France · British Airways |
| Shih Tzu | Air Canada · British Airways · LOT (cargo) |
| Pekingese | Air Canada |
| Persian (cat) | Air Canada |
| Himalayan (cat) | Air Canada |
| Pit Bull type | United (cargo) · Delta (in-cabin) · British Airways (cargo) · Emirates (cargo) |
“All brachycephalic breeds” clauses cover any breed not listed here as well. View individual airline policies →
Country-Level Bans
Entry bans by country
Country breed bans are independent of airline policies. A breed banned from entry cannot be transported to that country on any carrier.
United Kingdom
Dangerous Dogs Act 1991Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro
Germany
State-level legislation (Landeshundegesetze)Pit Bull, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier (varies by state)
Denmark
Executive Order No. 1850 (2020)Pit Bull, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro + 9 additional listed breeds
Singapore
Animals and Birds Act (scheduled breeds)Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Boerboel, Presa Canario + others
UAE
Ministry of Climate Change and EnvironmentPit Bull, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino
Australia
Federal import prohibitionPit Bull, Perro de Presa Canario, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa
Legislation changes; always verify with the destination country's relevant authority.
