travel on buses with large dog

These are the rules of the RATP:

Le transport des animaux domestiques est autorisé, dans les transports en commun RATP, sous certaines conditions. Concrètement : tout dépend de la taille de vos compagnons et du mode de transport que vous aurez choisi.

Sur nos réseaux bus et tramway comme sur le réseau métro, les animaux de petite taille peuvent être transportés gratuitement dans un panier spécial ou un sac réservé à cet effet, sauf cas particulier (les chiens-guides d'aveugle par exemple).

Les animaux de plus grande taille sont acceptés uniquement dans l'enceinte du « métro » ou « réseau ferré » à condition d'être muselés et tenus en laisse.

Les autres chiens tenus en laisse et muselés uniquement dans le RER et le métro.

https://www.ratp.fr/question/puis-je-emprunter-les-transports-en-commun-avec-mon-chien-mon-animal

Specifically in your case, the key elements are rather clear; "Large animals are accepted only on the métro/RER and must be muzzled and on a leash. You have read the rules correctly.

You are.
It states quite clearly that small dogs in bags/carriers are allowed on buses, trams and metro.
Larger dogs can only go on the rail or metro, if muzzled and leashed.
I'm afraid your lab can't go by bus!

Quel dommage. I wonder why they allow larger dogs on the metro (which is often more crowded) and not on the buses. Ah well, French bureaucracy. Peter

Ah well, French bureaucracy. Peter

No Peter, it's not French bureaucracy. It's societal group needs over individual wants.

"Ah well, French bureaucracy. Peter"

"No Peter, it's not French bureaucracy. It's societal group needs over individual wants."

But if it is societal group needs over individual wants, why would the same societal need not apply to larger dogs in the metro. That is what I do not understand. Why are larger dogs permitted in the one mode of transportation but not the other? Peter

Buses are much less roomy -- there is no obvious place for a big dog to stand; metros have open spaces and accommodate bulky things including dogs more easily.

You haven’t been on a Paris bus lately if you have an idea of them as not crowded.

Yes, I suspect it's because buses are smaller and likely to be even more crowded. Also if people have a phobia of dogs it's harder for them to move away on the bus.

Do be careful to keep your furry friend's paws and tail away from the doors.

Pets on public transportation in the land of the free.
https://www.bart.gov/guide/pets

I was once walking through a restaurant in Switzerland when a dog, sitting at its owners feet, lunged out and bit me. The owners were oh so upset and kept claiming, "he's never done anything like that before." While not "afraid" of dogs, I do my best to keep my distance from strange ones. I can understand why there are regulations because even if you think your dog "would never bother anyone", they can surprise you.

Dog owner here....I cannot imagine imposing and exposing my dog on public transportation, especially if it was a large dog. People could be allergic to or frightened of dogs, and I agree with the posters who refer to societal group needs over individual wants. With pet ownership comes responsibility to others. I remember a friend who claimed her small dog was an emotional support animal to bring her along on vacation on the plane. She admitted she did it for her own convenience. I think it was very selfish of her to think that way, and she should consider the possibility of there being someone with allergies on the plane. To this day I look askance at pets on planes, unless the traveler has followed the rules regarding under seat pet carriers. And don't get me started on snakes and peacocks!
Believe me, every dog we have had has been a member of our family, but they were/are not human. We take them on long car trips, and we welcome family members and their pets who stay with us. We just don't impose them on a group of people flying at 30,000 feet in a long silver tube, or on a bus or subway. True guide dogs/medical assistance dogs are in a different category, of course, and beloing with their humans wherever they go.

To be honest, in fifty years riding that Metro pretty regularly, I can barely remember any dog that didn’t fit in someone’s purse or a carrier. Maybe a tough guy with a muzzled dog. The Metro floor and platforms are filthy.

On the other hand, a friend of my DIL recently moved to my city with her adorable, large dog. While we were taking a tram home after a long hike, I had to ask her to move the dog away from a man clearly showing his discomfort. The man was from an ethnic group that considers dogs unsanitary.

Not everyone are dog lovers. Personally, I was mauled by a family member’s dog and do not like to be around any dog, especially in a confined space. And I am sure I am not the only person who feels this way.

BTW, even if large dogs are permitted on the metro, that doesn't make it a good thing. The crowdedness may be frightening for the dog, as well as some of the passengers. Just because something CAN be done, doesn't mean it SHOULD be done. And it is true about the filth on the floors in the metro stations. I wouldn't necessarily want my dog walking on many of them. Yes, I know he is a dog....but still.....
Mes deux centimes.

Putting aside for a moment where a 70-pound lab is supposed to park himself while on a bus— consider if there was an emergency while you were on board and everyone needed to evacuate. Would it be easier to evacuate a metro train carriage with a dog aboard— or a bus that has one narrow aisle that everyone has to use to get out— including the dog.
That is one reason why large dogs are not allowed on buses—it’s simply not safe for the dog or the passengers.

My wife and I will be in Paris (actually Neuilly) for an extended time (up to a year)
( from another post by OP)

At least that answers why you would bring the dog.

You have researched what hoops and hurdles you need to navigate to import a dog? You have status to stay more than the standard 90 day tourist limit?

The OP has been working on this for a while. I imagine all those pesky hoops have been dealt with.

Frankly, adodd, most people here are coming for a week to 89 days without their animals. You need to ask your questions in Paris expat groups found on FaceBook since you’ll be living there. That's where you'll find local animal owners, others who have or are studying French in Paris, and other experiences you’ll encounter as a resident.
Try key words: expats, moving, Paris, living
Also Strictly Legal France, Driving in France and a group for Carte de Séjours et Visas, among others.

You need to ask your questions in Paris expat groups found on FaceBook.

Really? Are we to believe that RATP rules about dogs on public transportation are somehow different when posted on Facebook?

We lived in Italy with our 90lb dog for 2 1/2 years and did a lot of traveling on public transportation with him. Can’t answer about France as we had a rental car that trip. But here’s some advice.

We attached muzzle around Barley’s neck, so was always available to use if needed. Get an EU pet passport upon arrival as that might be required after your health papers expire. We were only denied twice with a dog. Once on a tram in Perugia dogs were not allowed so took bus instead. And after returning a car rental we wanted a taxi to the train station. The driver of a large van took one look at Barley, said no, and drove away. Ended up taking a bus.

One last piece of advice, if you are traveling for longer than the amount of dog food you can carry, plan ahead and either order a small bag, or figure out where a pet food store is that carries same brand. Changing dog food cold turkey would have been BAD for us