Support our educational content for free when you purchase through links on our site. Learn more
Snub Nose Dogs Airline Restrictions
Snub-nosed dog breeds, also known as short-nosed, or “brachycephalic”, have been know to be prone to respiratory problems, some circumstances. The risk of respiratory problems increases during air travel. Brachycephalic dogs are more prone to breathing problems because they still have to pack the same anatomical structures in their short noses as other breeds do [...]
Snub-nosed dog breeds, also known as short-nosed, or “brachycephalic”, have been know to be prone to respiratory problems, some circumstances. The risk of respiratory problems increases during air travel.
Brachycephalic dogs are more prone to breathing problems because they still have to pack the same anatomical structures in their short noses as other breeds do in their longer snouts. They have all the same parts as any dog does, but their nasal passages are just more compact, which sometimes creates more difficulty when breathing.
Types of Restrictions
Many Airlines have restrictions or regulations in place for the safe transport of snub-nosed dog breeds. This is for the safety and well-being of the animals. These restrictions or regulations take different forms depending upon the particular airline.
Larger Crates
On certain airlines, some snub-nosed animals can travel at any time of the year, but they are required to have a larger crate than they would normally be sized for. This gives the dog more room to move around and be comfortable during transit.
Temperature Restrictions
Some airlines instead make temperature restrictions. They require that pets only travel when the temperature is under 75 degrees Fahrenheit. There can even be additional restrictions on pet travel for particular breeds. Certain breeds, like bulldogs, are on embargo throughout the entire year, and has severe restrictions with pet safe airline programs. Other breeds, such as Pugs and Boston Terriers, cannot travel during the hottest months of the summer, typically May through September.
Snub Nose Dogs With Restrictions
Below is a list of dog breeds that are considered snub-nosed by at least one airline:
- Affenpinscher
- American Bully
- American Cocker Spaniel
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Bichon Frise
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Brussels Griffon
- Bull Terrier
- Cane Corso
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chihuahua
- Chinese Pug
- Chow Chow
- Dogo Argentino
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Dutch Pug
- English Bulldog
- English Toy Spaniel
- French Bulldog
- Japanese Chin
- Japanese Pug
- King Charles Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso
- Maltese
- Mastiffs
- Newfoundland
- Pekinese
- Pit Bull
- Presa Canario
- Pug
- Shar Pei
- Shih Tzu
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Yorkshire Terrier
Shar-Pei are NOT a snub nosed breed. Your information is incorrect
Thanks for your comment. Though Shar-Pei may not be as snub nosed as other breeds (like bulldogs or pugs), they do “have shorter-than-normal noses and are considered brachycephalic” (see https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/shar-pei ). Because of this, some airlines still restrict Shar-Pei by saying “following breeds and mixes of brachycephalic and snub-nosed dogs and cats will not be accepted for travel due to the risks associated with their hereditary respiratory issues”, to which Shar-Pei is included in the list: https://www.aacargo.com/learn/animals-policy-and-restrictions.html
I hope that extra info helps!