As proud owners of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier ourselves, we don't agree with blanket breed bans. We don't think where a dog was born or what it looks like should determine whether it gets to run off-lead in a secure field.
But we're a business with insurance, and the insurance comes with conditions. To comply, and to keep this safe space open for owners of exempted breeds — including XL Bullies — we welcome them under straightforward guidelines.
If your dog is on the IED (Index of Exempted Dogs), is neutered, microchipped, and has its own public liability insurance, you're welcome at The Field. The rules below explain what we need from you and what you can expect.
The "different households" rule is the main one to flag. If you're sharing the field with dogs from another household, your banned breed stays muzzled and on a lead the whole time, with a dedicated 1:1 adult handler. This is non-negotiable — it's how we stay insured to take banned breeds at all. We get that it's a hard pill to swallow, and we'd rather not have to ask, but it's that or we can't offer this at all.
Owner requirements
The following must all be in place before your booking:
- 1. IED registered. Your dog is on the Index of Exempted Dogs. A copy of the life certificate must be provided to us in the event of a claim.
- 2. Public liability insurance. The dog has its own valid public liability cover. A copy of the certificate must be provided to us in the event of a claim.
- 3. Neutered — in line with government rules.
- 4. Microchipped — also in line with government rules.
Field transition rules
These apply on every visit:
- 5. The Field is private property with no public access, provided you've locked both gates — already in the standard T&Cs.
- 6. The Field is securely fenced — check you're confident in the fenceline before un-leading and unmuzzling, as per the standard T&Cs.
- 7. Muzzled and on lead through the carpark and until the smaller field gate is locked behind you on entry.
- 8. Muzzle and lead back on before opening the smaller field gate to leave.
- 9. Muzzle and lead can come off once inside the secured field — all gates locked, fenceline checked.
Single-household vs. mixed-household rules
- 10. Same household — multiple dogs from one household, including the banned breed, can all come into The Field together with at least one adult handler. Leads and muzzles can come off once inside, including the banned breed's.
- 11. Different households — if dogs from different households are sharing the field, the banned breed remains muzzled and on a lead at all times, with its own dedicated 1:1 adult handler. The other dogs need a separate handler. This is the non-negotiable insurance condition.