Driving with large dogs across Mexico

[Maery Clarity]

Hey y'all!

Looking around this forum I see many people discussing their experiences with bringing their smaller dogs or cats, but I haven't run across any mention of large dogs.

I have three really large dogs that will be travelling by road with me and my husband, two Mastiffs and a Bouvier. Does anyone have any thoughts as to how folks will react to these dogs? Are giant breed dogs like this even something that are often seen in Mexico?

When last I was there 15 years ago most dogs seemed to be lap dogs or small cur types...I know the large bully breeds are thought of as "tough" dogs in the USA, but ours are just big babies, although not very happy to meet strangers...

The Bouvier is a big fluffy love bundle that never met anyone he didn't like, so I'm hoping he can be my "ambassador" dog.

I'm also wondering about the quality and availability of dog kibble in Mexico, and if I'll be allowed to bring a stock of kibble into the country with us.

Any thoughts or advice appreciated! My dogs are family, and I don't want this move to be stressful for them, or for our new neighbors in Mexico to think we're loco with the giant monster dogs!

-Me

[conklinwh]

There a number of fairly large pit bulls around that may go 30kg or so. We have two medium large dogs in the 20kg range. Are you planning to overnight in your truck or look for hotels. Not too many hotels are dog friendly but expect no tell motels would work.
You had said Yucatan but not specific. There is certainly a better range of dog foods in the bigger cities.

[beachbaby]

My husband and I drove through Mexico in May 2009 with our two medium dogs. We found bed/breakfasts were much more willing to allow us to bring our dogs in our room - but not most other hotels/posadas. The smaller the place - the more mom/pop run the place - the more likely the dogs could come inside with us.

The no-tell hotels are frequently called "Auto Hotel" as part of the name on the sign. We didn't actually stay in one, but have friends who have frequented them as a convenient, inexpensive, and nicely appointed rooms. Many are on the outskirts of town and right on the highway - so no so good for walking dogs. But the plus side is that you drive into a garage, the door is closed and you walk into your room. Maximum stay is 12 hours - so you need to make sure that you don't pull in to early in the afternoon, or you will have to leave way too early. Plus, walk the dogs before you pull in.

As far as attitudes by Mexicans about large breeds - I lived in a town with all sizes of breed dogs including Mastiffs, Dogue de Bordeauxs, Bouviers, St. Bernards, shepards, etc. If your dog is well behaved - no one cares. If you pick up after your dog - no one cares. You may get a lot of people wanting to take photos when you are out with your dogs because it would be unusual to see 3 large dogs at once - but I don't think anyone will be fearful as long as your dogs are not barking, growling or lunging at the end of the leash towards people or animals. Well behaved dogs make excellent citizens no matter where they travel.

Dog Food: You can typically find something like Science Diet at a vet's office. In the grocery store - you will usually find Purina products. You will likely spend quite a bit more for dog food down here due to the shipping/import costs associated with dog food - and especially since your dogs must go through a lot of food compared to my medium size dog that eats one tuna can scoop of kibble twice a day.

[edgeee]

there does seem to be one big upside to the situation.

where ever the five of you go, you shouldn't be hounded by street vendors and urchins.

[conklinwh]

Originally Posted by edgeee

there does seem to be one big upside to the situation.

where ever the five of you go, you shouldn't be hounded by street vendors and urchins.

No, only territorial dogs.

[terrybahena]

There's a website for dog friendly hotels; I was trying to find it before I replied- of course I'll find it after but then I'll repost. We drove thru Mexico with a 100lb lab, some places were fine, some not. The reall problem was that he got so hot. After aout 3 days he was struggling, we had to stop much more often and finally rearranged our small truck so he could ride inside with the ac. He didn't eat much on the trip, and was kinda pokey for 4-5 days after we arrived, but then perked by up into his old self.

Lots and lots of water, frequent stops. As for food, as was said above the larger cities have a better selection, but everywhere has dog food.

Our dog, like yours is super friendly. However people are very wary or openly afraid of him at first. We say he is muy tranquilo. Usually when they see him run into the ocean and get a stick, as well as have no interest in them, they calm down. Now everybody here loves him, but there's always vacationers who get worried...
my 2 cents
Oh I found it! The website is called Gringo Dog for pet friendly hotels in Mexico! buena suerte

[Maery Clarity]

Thanks for all the great advice, y'all!

Does anyone have any experience with bringing dog kibble into the country? I would love to bring a couple month's supply with us, to give me time to find a good source once we're in country...in an emergency I can cook people food into meals for them but that would get very expensive and time consuming...but I can't seem to find any clear mention of this anywhere.

We are going to talk to the consul in Atlanta before we hit the road, but I'm curious now!

These dogs are very spoiled, we bottle fed them from birth...I'm an animal caregiver (veterinary assistant, groomer, pet care professional) and that's how we wound up with all these dogs.

I would say that the Bouvier is VERY well behaved, I would allow children to tug his ears or crawl under him, the Bouvier breed is a bit difficult but truly awesome if you get a good one and then raise it properly. Nothing bothers him, I plan on using him as the dog that can handle being touched by people and to fend off territorial dogs. He refuses to believe that any dog is not playing with him...it's hilarious to watch him dodge dogs that want to fight...he is very quick...and keep adopting the play bow until the other dogs is just confused about what's happening, and stops being agressive.

The two Mastiffs are the ones that I'm more concerned about. I hope that there is no part of the process where anyone wants or expects to be allowed to handle the dogs, or that at least if this is necessary that they will be veterinary professionals. If border guards need to touch my dogs there may be problems. They are not aggressive...I will be able to walk them with other people and animals nearby and they will remain calm...but they are not good for casual contact with strangers. If you are five feet away from us it's fine but if you come closer they will growl or bark.

I would like to mention that I will absolutely have these dogs under my control and that I am also not dealing with any dogs that I would call high damage dogs, that is the sort that would grab hold of a person or animal and inflict a lot of harm on them by biting down and tearing at them (like a German Shepherd or a pit bull type).

These Mastiffs are NOT that kind of dog. Their mode is to warn something and then push it away with their feet if it tries to come too near...they are wrestlers, not killers. I would not have a dog that I thought would actually seriously harm other people or animals.

Still no one likes it much if they get growled at by a giant dog and we will be doing our level best to avoid all populated areas, or get way off to the side, and to avoid contact with people as much as we can along the way. It's mostly any checkpoints that I'm concerned about, I can certainly offload the dogs but I hope no one but animal professionals might request officially to touch them.

They are no problem at the vet, it's only people who don't know dogs that I'm concerned about. I will be obtaining good walking muzzles for them before we go, but in my experience those things freak out non-dog-people worse than no muzzle, they immediately think KILLER CRAZY DOG when they see that muzzle, and it's more like, courtesy preventative measure, it is far better to KNOW that your dog can't bite accidentally than to simply assume they won't.

We are going in by way of Brownsville to Merida in a box truck that we've modified into an RV, so they'll have air conditioning along the way and we plan to stay only in campground or places that will allow us to stay in the vehicle. It'll be so much easier that way...

Thanks for the heads up about Gringo Dogs, it's very helpful!

...hope everyone has a wonderful day!

[tepetapan]

Why not tell us what you are feeding the dogs and then people can advise you of availability of that product in Mexico. There have been instances where the customs agent frowns upon large amounts of dog food being brought in and wants an import tax imposed.

[RVGRINGO]

At the border crossing, you may have your dog food confiscated, especially if it isn't in original packaging. So, I would suggest that you don't plan on crossing with dog food. Instead, make a stop at a large grocery store, veterinary store or big box store inside Mexico. They'll have a lot of choices and various sizes of bags for you to chooose from.
Generally speaking, dogs are not as frequently seen as 'pets' in Mexico, but rather as protective dogs, even 'roof dogs'. As such, those are not walked, allowed to run free and certainly never taken on trips. The majority of hotels, motels and even campgrounds may reject you. By all means, always have them on a leash and muzzled if they do tend to growl at people or other dogs.
On the other hand, Mexican 'street dogs' tend to lie about on the sidewalsk and allow you to stp over them without notice. They may or may not have 'owners' but may have 'favorite places'. They can be territorial with each other, but never bother people. If they do, the police shoot them.
Once settled in, you will want to be sure that your dogs aren't considered a threat to your neighbors, nor become 'barkers'. Poisonings often occur in those situations.
So, from your own description of your dogs, you may have some further training to do, as well as planning for your trip and your final destination. Remember also; pets are illegal in restaurants, many parks, etc. You will need your own land.

[TundraGreen]

Originally Posted by Maery Clarity

...
I will be obtaining good walking muzzles for them before we go, but in my experience those things freak out non-dog-people worse than no muzzle, they immediately think KILLER CRAZY DOG when they see that muzzle, and it's more like, courtesy preventative measure, it is far better to KNOW that your dog can't bite accidentally than to simply assume they won't....

The attitude toward muzzles maybe different in the US than in the rest of the world. In Europe, dogs are required to be muzzled on public transit and it is very common to see muzzled dogs. It is less common in Mexico but you still see them occasionally.

You mention that your dogs get protective if anyone gets too close. My concern as a fellow pedestrian would be whether you are able to control them, given there size and weight. I can't remember how many times I have had a dog owner tell me not to worry, his dog is friendly, when the dog is clearly out of control. Even if the owner thinks the dog is friendly, I have no interest in being approached by strange dogs.