Moving Dog To London - Shar Pei/Lab Mix But Look Like a Pit Mix - Advice

Hello,

I'm moving to London in January and I'm aware of the Pets Scheme but what's not clear to me is how strict the rule is concerning mutts that look like they might have pit in them:  Do I chance trying to import the dog?  The papers for the dog say Shar Pei/Lab but I can't seem to find any specific information on what they take into consideration when evaluating a dog.  I was also thinking of getting a DNA test to determine or confirm my dog's lineage or mix of breeds.  Any advice on this question would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance to anyone responding.

Nick

I really don't know anything about this.. but I know calling DEFRA would be the best option! They will have all of the rules/guidelines.  In my own opinion I would say if you have paper to show his mix then that would be that but again that is only my own guess.. Most here only have info on the PETS Scheme itself but DEFRA should be able to help!  Let me know what you find out!!

Hi Nick,

I brought last yearto the UK my adopted mutt (boxer mix) with all the fears that they would think she had some pit bull in her. In the US people used to ask me if she was a pit bull, so that raised my concerns.

However, her vet said that eventhough Sasha could have some pit bull in her bloodline, she was mostly a boxer (body type, underbite, etc). All her paperwork said she was a boxer mix, and I attached also paperwork from the adoption center which stated the same thing.

She cleared customs without any problem, and (sadly and not recommended at all) spent some time in quarantine. Now she is doing fine and living a wonderful life. Sometimes there is people that look at her with some fear, but that's something that we will have to live with. As long as I can keep out of trouble, I don't think that's ever going to be an issue.

I don't know if you have tried this document from DEFRA's website, which has pictures and also have description of the main characteristics of each prohibited dog : http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/domestic/ddogsleaflet.pdf [nofollow]

If only I knew how to attach pictures here, I would send you a picture of my dog, so you can't judge how much PB she looks like, and you could compare with your dog.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Hello.  Thanks so much for your response.  That's what is confusing I looked at the pictures and guidelines posted on DEFRA and it's ridiculous that they would ban something that looks like a pit.  Anyway, my dog has distinct Shar Pei ears but it's muscular and the head looks very much like that of a pit (only smaller and not such a wide, wedge-shaped head).
At any rate, I'm hoping with the genetic test and adoption papers everything will be ok.  Did you try taking to anyone at DEFRA before taking your dog to the UK?

Thanks,

Nick