Staffordshire Bull Terrier in Germany

[sarafdean]

Empty post (likely not intentional - probably an Internet Explorer issue!)

 

[sarafdean]

I'm wondering if anyone has had experience of taking their Staffordshire Bull Terrier on holiday to Germany – specifically Bavaria? I do know that this particular breed is listed as a dangerous dog in Germany, but I do have a letter from the German Embassy in the UK stating that as we would be a temporary visitor, we would be allowed to bring her into the country. My husband tends to be 'belt, brace and a piece of string, hence the post. Very interested in anyone's views. Many thanks, Sara

 

[otherclive]

Irrespective of what the embassy may say you might find real difficulty in getting campsites to accept your dog. It's a pity as a Staffie can be a wonderful dog but unfortunately the breeds reputation has been tarnished by irresponsible breeding and owners who have them as a cult dog. I would try the Staffy owners club to see if anyone has details of campsites that will take them.

 

[Damian]

I would be very worried about taking what is regarded as Dangerous Dog in Germany, into Germany at all, in fact I would not take the chance.
It only needs something to happen,and it does not need to be your fault, and you have lost the dog,and its not like the UK , the dog will be destroyed.

As has been pointed out, Staffies have got a reputation through bad breeding and even worse ownership, and that is what you are up against.

Please do not say "But my dog will never do anything " because every dog, regardless of breed WILL do something given the right trigger,just so far you have not found out what that trigger is.

 

[Lutz]

I have just checked German legislation. It lists certain dog breeds that may not be brought into the country. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is one of them.
Here is a link to the relevant text (which is, of course, in German, but you may be able to have it translated using the Google translator or something similar):
http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hundverbreinfg/BJNR053010001.html

 

[sarafdean]

Thanks everone for the input. We'll certainly have a think; however the German Embassy did confirm that since we would be visiting for less than 4 weeks, it was permissible to bring her in - perhaps we need to stay in Austria or Switzerland & do a flying visit!!

 

[Lutz]

In view of the fact that the information that I was able to dig up conflicts with the statement made by the German Embassy, I'd seriously recommend that you ask them to confirm what they said in writing before entering the country. Maybe it is possible, but it involves certain restrictions that they didn't specify when you spoke to them.

ps: Are you sure that the same doesn't apply to Switzerland and Austria, too?

 

[sarafdean]

Thanks again, Lutz. We are sure about Switzerland as we have already stayed there with 2 Staffies at Interlaken, Camping Aaregg (absolutely fabulous) and we were made very welcome everywhere. With regard to the German Embassy, yes we do have this in writing. Finally, Austria - I'm going to do a bit more spade work, but I think it may well be a bit of a long tow.