Fighting dogs and snub-nosed animals

Special rules and recommendations apply to fighting dogs and snub-nosed cats and dogs. Please read the following information carefully in case your pet belongs to any of these categories. In addition, transport in the hold is also subject to general information on the transport of animals on the aircraft.

To general information on the transport of animals on the aircraft

Information on the transport of fighting dogs

Dogs classified as fighting dogs may only be transported in the hold and only in specially-secured transport boxes. An exception applies to young fighting dogs aged 3 to 6 months: These may travel in commercial travel carriers. Whether transportation takes place in the cabin or in the hold depends on the general transportation policy for dogs.

For the transport of fighting dogs in the hold, please also refer to the Information on the transport of animals in the hold.

For the transport of fighting dogs aged 3 to 6 months in the cabin, please also refer to the Information on the transport of animals in the cabin.

  • American Bully (generally prohibited due to possible expression of the “snub-nosed” trait)
  • American Bulldog
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Kangal Shepherd Dog (Karabash)
  • Caucasian Ovcharka
  • Rottweiler

Please note: American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully and Bull Terrier are among the snub-nosed breeds and are therefore not accepted for transport in the hold.

Importation of the following breeds into Germany is prohibited. However, export is allowed:

  • Pitbull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Bull Terrier

Special travel carriers, which must comply with IATA regulations, are required for fighting dog breeds.

  • The cage must be made of wood, metal, synthetic materials (not plastic), welded mesh wire or mesh wire.
  • No part of the box may be made of plastic.
  • Additional design principles apply to the frame, sides, floor, top and opening flap.
  • The opening flap must be made of a heavy-duty wire mesh, metal or reinforced wood and must be provided with a secure lock that cannot be opened accidentally.
  • The openings on the container must be small enough that neither the animal nor any of the animal’s body parts can fit through and the container must ensure protection from bites or scratches by the animal.

Please note: The top of the cage must not be covered with mesh. However, air holes in the top of the cage are permitted.

Illustration of a transport box for fighting dogs

1. Sliding plate with 2 ventilation openings of 10 cm (4 in) diameter
2. Entrance/exit door
3. Mesh vents
4. Spacers with handle
5. Mandatory declarations: This way up; IATA Live Animals
6. Forklift Rails
7. Exterior access to food and water containers
8. Drip tray
9. Welded mesh

Information on transport of snub-nosed cats and dogs

Due to their anatomical characteristics, snub-nosed breeds of cats and dogs have narrowed airways, which can cause shortness of breath. Stress from transport and high temperatures at the departure, connection or destination location can also place strain on their circulatory system and increase the shortness of breath. This can lead to serious health problems – in the worst case, even the death of the animal during transport.

Discover Airlines therefore banned the transport of these breeds in the hold. Your pet can still be carried in the passenger cabin, provided the conditions for the transport of animals as extra carry-on baggage in the cabin are met.

  • Affenpinscher
  • American Bully (see also fighting dog breeds and mixes)
  • Bull Dog (all breeds except American Bull Dog)
  • Pug (all breeds)
  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Brussels Griffin
  • Bull Mastiff
  • Bull Terrier (Miniature Bull Terrier is considered neither snub-nosed nor a fighting dog)
  • Chow Chow
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Japanese Chin
  • Japanese Spaniel
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Pekingese
  • Pit Bull
  • Shar Pei
  • Shih Tzu
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Tibetan Spaniel

*These restrictions also apply to mixes of the stated breeds.

  • British Shorthair
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Himalayan cats
  • Persian cats
  • Scottish Fold

*These restrictions also apply to mixes of the stated breeds.