First verdict: a compact stroller that makes transitions easier
Royal Tails Florence Standard has been most useful for the parts of an outing that are not really a walk. Louie is a small Yorkshire Terrier who does not enjoy very long walks, yet he still needs a place to rest between short stretches of exploring. We also live in a condo, so every outing starts with an elevator ride where we may meet neighbours, delivery staff, or other dogs.
For us, the stroller is not a replacement for walking. It is a contained travel space for elevator rides, busy entrances, warm pavement, shopping stops, and the point when Louie has had enough of being on the ground.
Why I chose a compact stroller
I already owned a larger stroller with bigger wheels. It handled curbs more easily, but it took up more space and felt less convenient for quick condo outings. I chose the Florence because I wanted something lighter for elevators, pavements, building entrances, and short car trips.
The cabin gives Louie enough room to sit, turn, and watch outside. For one small dog, it feels roomy without becoming difficult to handle.
What I use most often
Easy steering, simple brakes
The stroller is easy to steer on ordinary city paths, and the brake is quick to engage. That matters when waiting near a building door or elevator, where I want Louie to have a settled place rather than standing close to passing people or dogs.
Folding for car travel
I mainly fold the Florence for the trunk. The lock releases by moving the slide control while holding the button, then the frame folds as one unit. A liner can prevent a fully closed fold, so I remove the liner before storing it in the car.
Storage that earns its place
The detachable bag holds the items that accumulate during an outing: water, treats, a small towel, waste bags, wipes, and Louie’s basics. The cup holder and phone holder are also helpful. A larger phone can pull the rubber part loose during use, but I still prefer having the holder to carrying my phone in one hand.
Where the Florence needs more attention
| Feature | How it felt in daily use |
|---|---|
| Small wheels | They keep the stroller lighter, but curbs and uneven pavement need a slower, more careful approach. |
| Short tethers | Louie likes to place his front paws on the edge and look ahead, so the built-in tether felt short. I use an extension carefully rather than allowing extra movement. |
| Higher price | It is not a budget stroller. The value depends on whether you will actually use its compact size, folding, storage, and handling. |
| Rain and sun accessories | The water-resistant finish and parasol are helpful for brief weather changes, but I still avoid long outings in heavy rain, heat, or strong sun. |
Louie’s real response
Louie is not a dog who naturally stays still in a stroller. He wants to look ahead and often tries to lead. Even so, he appeared more stable in the Florence than in the larger stroller we used before. I do not use a stroller to manage reactivity or teach calm behaviour. It simply helps us pause and create distance when an elevator or busy area is not a good place for him to walk on the ground.
Who may like this stroller
The Royal Tails Florence Standard may suit a toy-breed or small-dog guardian who lives in an apartment or condo, uses elevators often, puts the stroller in a car trunk, or wants a compact resting space during city outings. It may be less suitable for routes with frequent high curbs, rough paths, or long walks on uneven ground, where larger wheels could matter more.
Final verdict
For Louie, the Florence is worth the higher price because it fits our actual routine: elevator first, short walking time, frequent pauses, and occasional car transport. The small wheels and short tethers are real limitations, but the lighter frame, organised storage, and easy handling make it a successful stroller for the environment we use most.