Dear Forum of fellow dog lovers,
I sincerely appreciate your thoughts and recommendations on this issue. And thank you for reading my english! As I am not sure on best forum, perhaps I should also post to the bull terrier forum?
I am US citizen who works for Henkel Germany. I have been asked to take a 2 year expat assignment in Dusseldorf beginning this summer. I own a purebred pedigree miniature bull terrier with official papers by the American Kennel Club (AKC) showing his pedigree for at least past 3 generations. My dog's details: male, neutered, 4 years old, 38 pounds, 17" tall.
When I heard of a breed ban list for importing certain dogs into Germany, I inquired with German Customs (Zoll) who informed me that they only enforce laws and when they recognize him as a type of bull terrier they will ask the state vet where I plan to go and live whether he is a list dog that is banned from import or not. They referred me to NRW vet in Dusseldorf. That vet assured me miniature bull terriers are recognized as different breed and ok to import. However, once I sent over all his paperwork they came back and said he is NOT considered a miniature despite his pedigree as he is 17" tall and the FCI breed standard is height not greater than 14" (35.5cm). This despite his pedigree papers. I have tried to inform them that breed standards refer to ideal standards for show and breeding and not what breed he is. His breed is based on his line of purebred genes in him and his ancestors. Unfortunately, he is only "pet" quality, not "show" quality as he has grown a bit too tall and he is thinner in shape relative to his height (not built as thick and sturdy as he should be).
So now I am in bad situation. I love my dog as my child and will not be separated from him! Even tho I'd really love to spend time and experience in wonderful Germany, I will cancel my expat assignment ifI cannot find a solution.
Does anyone know of anyone or any rules / laws That might help me clarify Further to NRW officials on my dog's pedigree status? Also, some Henkel employees said to check if maybe situation would be better if I live in a nearby state that might be friendlier to my dog. They suggested maybe living in Rheinland Pfalz (Bad Neuenahr or Ahrweiler) and commute to work in Dusseldorf for the 2 years. Does anyone know if Rheinland Pfalz would be better situation for my dog? Where would I check further on this?
Thanks so much for advice!
Best Regards,
Mike
I sincerely appreciate your thoughts and recommendations on this issue. And thank you for reading my english! As I am not sure on best forum, perhaps I should also post to the bull terrier forum?
I am US citizen who works for Henkel Germany. I have been asked to take a 2 year expat assignment in Dusseldorf beginning this summer. I own a purebred pedigree miniature bull terrier with official papers by the American Kennel Club (AKC) showing his pedigree for at least past 3 generations. My dog's details: male, neutered, 4 years old, 38 pounds, 17" tall.
When I heard of a breed ban list for importing certain dogs into Germany, I inquired with German Customs (Zoll) who informed me that they only enforce laws and when they recognize him as a type of bull terrier they will ask the state vet where I plan to go and live whether he is a list dog that is banned from import or not. They referred me to NRW vet in Dusseldorf. That vet assured me miniature bull terriers are recognized as different breed and ok to import. However, once I sent over all his paperwork they came back and said he is NOT considered a miniature despite his pedigree as he is 17" tall and the FCI breed standard is height not greater than 14" (35.5cm). This despite his pedigree papers. I have tried to inform them that breed standards refer to ideal standards for show and breeding and not what breed he is. His breed is based on his line of purebred genes in him and his ancestors. Unfortunately, he is only "pet" quality, not "show" quality as he has grown a bit too tall and he is thinner in shape relative to his height (not built as thick and sturdy as he should be).
So now I am in bad situation. I love my dog as my child and will not be separated from him! Even tho I'd really love to spend time and experience in wonderful Germany, I will cancel my expat assignment ifI cannot find a solution.
Does anyone know of anyone or any rules / laws That might help me clarify Further to NRW officials on my dog's pedigree status? Also, some Henkel employees said to check if maybe situation would be better if I live in a nearby state that might be friendlier to my dog. They suggested maybe living in Rheinland Pfalz (Bad Neuenahr or Ahrweiler) and commute to work in Dusseldorf for the 2 years. Does anyone know if Rheinland Pfalz would be better situation for my dog? Where would I check further on this?
Thanks so much for advice!
Best Regards,
Mike