Banned dog breeds in the UK (2024)

FAQs

Are any dog breeds illegal in the UK? ›

Dogs currently banned under the law

Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) bans the ownership of four different types of dogs including some traditionally bred for fighting: Pit bull terrier. Japanese Tosa. Dogo Argentino.

After a number of fatal attacks in England and Wales by Pit Bulls on humans between 1981 and 1991 – the UK government decided to take action and ban the breed in 1991 under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Size: Medium-sized dogs, with males weighing around 13 to 36 kilogrammes. Height: 19 inches.

Are pit bulls allowed in Scotland? Pit bulls are also subject to breed-specific legislation in Scotland, similar to XL Bully dogs. Are there breed restrictions in Scotland? Yes, Scotland has implemented breed restrictions, including the recent ban on XL Bully dogs.

London — A ban on American XL bully dogs came into effect Thursday in England and Wales after a spate of violent attacks. Owners now must apply for an exemption, which requires proof of neutering and liability insurance, if they want to keep their pets.

On December 31, 2023, the United Kingdom and Wales implemented a ban on all Xl bully breeds of dogs under the name “The Dangerous Dog Act.” Dogs affected by this act include the American Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, Cane Corso, the American Staffordshire Terrier and any other breed of dog crossed with a Pit Bull ...

The XL Bully breed was introduced to Britain in the 2010s. It is a cross of several breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier. The dogs' size and strength have made them a target for those taking part in illegal dog fighting.

Rules you must follow if you own an XL Bully dog. It is a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption.

Originally bred for dog fighting in Japan, the Japanese Tosa is known for its size and strength. The ban reflects concerns over its fighting lineage and its potential to harm if not managed by a responsible and experienced owner.

Regulations in the UK

At the moment there is no requirement to muzzle your dog in the UK. However, a list of breeds has been composed that includes dogs that are not allowed at all in the UK. These breeds include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanse Tosa, Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro.

The XL Bully can be a mix of a variety of breeds, including Pitbulls, American Bulldog, English Bulldog, Presa Canario, and Cane Corso. In the UK it's not a defined breed which makes it harder to distinguish which dogs fall into the XL Bully category.

Why are XL bullies so aggressive? ›

Over decades, the pit-bull terrier developed the ability to attack suddenly, and sustain grave injuries without retreating. This genetic history is present in the XL Bully. “These dogs, being bred for aggression, are likely to inherit aggression,” says David Sargan, a geneticist at Cambridge Veterinary School.

The game's title was changed from Bully to Canis Canem Edit in the United Kingdom, although an update - Bully: Scholarship Edition - was subsequently released.

Dog breeding law

It requires a breeder to be licensed if they produce more than three litters a year and sell at least one puppy in a 12 month period. In Scotland, a breeder is required to be licensed if they produce more than five litters a year. This is covered by the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999.

Alaskan Malamutes are not banned in the UK. However, the UK has strict regulations regarding certain breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which includes the prohibition or restrictions on ownership of specific breeds such as Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.

Breeding Pit Bulls is illegal, and if a cross does not have the physical characteristics of a Pit Bull, it is unlikely to be seized by police or other officials.

In England, Scotland and Wales, the first such regulations must prohibit the import of dogs or cats below the age of 6 months, more than 42 days pregnant, or which have been subject to mutilations (cropped ears, docked tails or declawed).