Breed restrictions in live animal cargo are one of the most common sources of confusion and airport rejections. The same breed may be accepted on one carrier and refused on another.
Brachycephalic breeds
Flat-faced dogs and cats are the most consistently restricted group. Common brachycephalic dogs include French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Common brachycephalic cats include Persians, Exotic Shorthairs and Himalayans.
Restrictions range from outright refusal to seasonal restrictions and larger container requirements.
Power breeds and reinforced container requirements
The 2026 LAR addendum introduced reinforced wooden kennel requirements (CR82) for certain breeds on specific carriers including Rottweilers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs on Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines.
How restrictions vary by carrier
- Cathay Cargo — accepts certain brachycephalic breeds only on specific routes during limited seasonal windows
- Air France — 2026 restrictions include American Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs requiring Product Engineer approval
- Lufthansa — power breed container requirements updated to require CR82 reinforced kennels for specified breeds
- KLM — applies IPATA requirements including specific breed management protocols
How to verify breed acceptance
Check the current LAR carrier regulations section and confirm directly with the airline's live animal desk before booking. AVIBooking verifies breed-level acceptance as part of every booking.