Any stated limit placed by an accommodation provider on the physical size or weight of dogs permitted to stay. This includes numeric weight thresholds, size categories like small dogs only, and breed exclusions that function as size proxies. Size and weight restrictions are permissible when clearly disclosed and reasonably justified by room dimensions, building constraints, or documented safety requirements. Blanket restrictions that exclude dogs falling within or below the family dog benchmark (see definition 2) are non conformant unless the justification is stated in the provider's published policy. An unstated or internal only justification does not satisfy this requirement.
RDFRG-02 · Defined Term 7
Size and Weight Restriction
Any stated limit on the size or weight of dogs permitted, including breed exclusions functioning as size proxies.
Definition
Any stated limit on the size or weight of dogs permitted, including breed exclusions functioning as size proxies.
Part of the Roch Dog Standard (RDFS-02) · Published by Roch Dog
Size and Weight Restriction
Roch Interpretation
Breed names used as weight proxies count as size restrictions. A policy that lists 'no Rottweilers' without citing a law is using the breed name to avoid saying 'no large dogs', and that requires a stated justification in the published policy.
Examples
Compliant
A boutique hotel limits dogs to 25kg and states in its published policy that the restriction is due to the compact dimensions of its listed heritage rooms.
Not compliant
A hotel lists 'Labradors and German Shepherds not accepted' in its policy with no further explanation, effectively excluding the benchmark family dog size by breed name.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFRG-02 · Last updated 17 March 2026