Travelling with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terriers - Staffies - are among Britain's most popular dogs, known for their loyalty, love of people, and characteristic "Staffie smile." These robust, affectionate dogs make wonderful travel companions, though breed perception issues mean some extra research when booking. This guide helps Staffie owners navigate holidays with their beloved companions.

Understanding Staffie Travel Needs

Breed Characteristics

What Makes Them Great Travellers:

• Loyal and devoted
• People-loving
• Robust and hardy
• Moderate exercise needs
• Adaptable
• Generally good in cars
• Affectionate companions

Important Considerations:

• Breed restrictions at some accommodation
• Dog-selectivity common
• Strong and powerful
• Can overheat
• Some insurance complications

The Breed Perception Issue

The Reality: Some accommodation providers have breed restrictions. This is frustrating but navigable.

What It Means:

• Some places won't accept Staffies
• Others welcome them warmly
• Extra research needed when booking
• Many wonderful options available

The Truth About Staffies: Well-raised Staffies are typically wonderful family dogs - loyal, affectionate, and good with people. Individual dogs vary, as with any breed.

Finding Staffie-Friendly Accommodation

Booking Considerations

When Booking: Always mention you have a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Don't hope it won't matter.

Questions to Ask:

• Do you accept Staffordshire Bull Terriers?
• Are there any breed restrictions?
• Any specific requirements?

Why Be Upfront:

• Avoids problems on arrival
• Finds genuinely welcoming places
• Builds trust
• Protects your holiday

See our Booking Accommodation guide and be explicit about breed.

Where Staffies Are Welcome

Generally Good:

• Many independent cottages
• Owner-let properties (often more flexible)
• Countryside accommodation
• Less corporate options

May Have Restrictions:

• Holiday park chains (policies vary)
• Some hotels
• Corporate booking platforms (check carefully)

Research Pays Off: Dedicated searching finds wonderful, genuinely welcoming accommodation.

Accommodation Types

Cottages: Self-catering cottages often more flexible. Owner-let properties can make individual decisions.

Holiday Parks: Variable policies. Check specific parks. See our Holiday Parks guide.

Hotels: Some dog-friendly hotels welcome all breeds. Check explicitly.

Camping: Camping and glamping often very welcoming.

Best Destinations

Staffie-Friendly Destinations

Beaches: Staffies often love beaches. Space, play, often swimming.

Northumberland's empty beaches offer wonderful Staffie territory. Norfolk provides year-round access and welcoming atmosphere. Cornwall and Devon offer variety.

Countryside: Rural areas often very welcoming.

Yorkshire, the Lake District, and Peak District offer great walking and generally welcoming communities.

Scotland: Often very dog-friendly regardless of breed.

The Scottish Highlands and Scottish Borders provide excellent adventures.

City Breaks

Manchester, Bristol, and Liverpool have good Staffie populations and generally welcoming attitudes.

Exercise Needs

Daily Requirements

Moderate:

• 1-1.5 hours daily
• Mix of walking and play
• Mental stimulation important
• Love interactive games

On Holiday: Staffies enjoy activities but don't need extreme exercise. Quality time together matters more.

Activity Ideas

Perfect Staffie Activities:

Beach Play: Many Staffies love beaches. Running, playing, some swim. See our Beach Holidays guide.

Interactive Play: Games, fetch, tug. Staffies love engaging with their people.

Varied Walks: Countryside exploration. Interesting terrain and smells.

Pub Visits: Staffies often settle well in pubs. Great companions for pub walks.

Heat Awareness

Staffies Can Overheat: Muscular build and exertion means heat management matters.

In Warm Weather:

• Early/late walks
• Plenty of water
• Shade access
• Don't overexercise in heat

See our Summer guide.

Managing Dog-Selectivity

The Reality

Many Staffies Are Dog-Selective: Not all, but many Staffies are particular about other dogs. This isn't aggression - it's selectivity.

What It Means:

• May not want to greet every dog
• May react to certain dogs
• Management often needed
• Doesn't make them bad dogs

Holiday Management

Strategies:

On Walks:

• Be aware of other dogs
• Give space when needed
• Keep on lead if necessary
• Choose quieter times/routes

On Beaches:

• Early morning or evening often better
• Watch approaching dogs
• Be ready to move away
• Communicate with other owners

In Accommodation:

• Enclosed gardens ideal
• Know escape routes
• Brief other owners if sharing space

For dogs requiring extra management, see our Reactive Dogs guide.

Social Aspects

With People

Generally Excellent: Staffies typically love people. Affectionate, sociable, known for being good with children.

The Staffie Smile: Their characteristic expression wins hearts.

In Public

Mixed Responses:

• Many people love Staffies
• Some have misconceptions
• Be prepared for varied reactions
• Your calm, well-behaved dog is the best ambassador

Being an Ambassador: Well-mannered Staffies change perceptions. See our Dog Etiquette guide.

Travel

Car Journeys

Generally Good: Most Staffies travel well.

Tips:

• Secure properly (crate, harness, or guard)
• Temperature management
• Regular breaks
• Water available

See our Travelling with Dogs guide.

Train Travel

Can Work Well: Staffies are manageable size for train travel. Usually settle.

Ferries

For Island Trips: Staffies welcome on ferries to destinations like Isle of Wight or Anglesey.

Health on Holiday

General Health

Robust Breed: Generally hardy dogs with few specific holiday concerns.

Watch For:

• Overheating (muscular dogs work hard)
• Skin sensitivity (some Staffies)
• Joint strain from too much activity

Know emergency vet locations - see our Emergency Vet guide.

Insurance Considerations

Pet Insurance

Check Your Policy: Some insurers have breed-specific clauses. Ensure your Staffie is covered.

Travel Insurance: Ensure any travel insurance covers your specific breed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do many places accept Staffies?

Yes, many do. Some have restrictions. Research and be upfront when booking. Plenty of wonderful, welcoming options exist.

Are Staffies good travel dogs?

Generally excellent - loyal, adaptable, moderate exercise needs. Extra research needed for accommodation.

What if a place refuses my Staffie?

Move on and find somewhere welcoming. Don't argue. Vote with your feet and spend money at welcoming places.

Should I mention my dog's breed when booking?

Yes, always. Prevents problems and finds genuinely welcoming places.

Best type of holiday for Staffies?

Beach holidays, countryside walks, anywhere with quality time together. They want to be with their people.

What about off-lead exercise?

Depends on individual dog. Many Staffies need secure spaces or on-lead walking due to dog-selectivity. Know your dog.

Adventures with Your Best Friend

Staffies deserve wonderful holidays, and with some extra planning, they can have them. These loyal, people-loving dogs bring joy to every adventure. Find welcoming accommodation, manage any dog-selectivity, and enjoy time together.

Luke respects the loyalty and affection of Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Their devotion to their families and characteristic smiles make them beloved companions.