List of countries that banned breeds

Who here likes to travel? Packing your bags to prepare for an exciting adventure in a land you’ve never seen before is a fun way to spice up your time off. Sometimes, staycations in the cities are just not cutting it! But what happens when you have a furry friend with you?

Sure, you can let them stay in some pawsome pet hotels for the duration of your getaway. But what if you want them to join in on the fun? MyFriend has covered different essentials you need when you’re bringing your furry friends on vacation, but we’d also like to give you a heads-up. Some countries have specific regulations and restrictions on certain breeds of pets. So Forbidden Furry Friends: Most Banned Dog Breeds Revealed!

Thailand 🇹🇭

  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Pit Bull breeds include
    • American Pit Bull Terrier,
    • American Bully,
    • American Bullets, and
    • Staffordshire Bull Terrier

While owning these breeds within Thailand is not illegal, their importation is prohibited as well due to concerns about their potential for harm based on past incidents.

Australia 🇦🇺

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Peso Argentino
  • Perro de Presa Canario or Presa Canario
  • Fila Brasileiro

Australia believes that implementing bans on certain pet breeds serves as a means of safeguarding the public from physical and emotional harm, including potential fatalities. With its diverse and abundant wildlife, restricting these breeds is seen as a measure to prevent serious injuries or deaths to smaller animals that inhabit the country.

United Kingdom 🇬🇧 

The United Kingdom has enacted a law called the Dangerous pets Act 1991, which bans four specific types of pets:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Peso Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro

These breeds are prohibited from being imported, bred, or sold in the UK. Moreover, it is illegal to own these breeds without a specific exemption certificate issued by the authorities. The ban was implemented as a response to concerns about pet attacks and public safety.

New Zealand 🇳🇿 

  • Brazilian Fila
  • Peso Argentino
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Perro de Presa Canario
  • American Pit Bull Terrier

New Zealand had restrictions on the importation of certain breeds of pets breeds, but it did not have a comprehensive nationwide ban on specific breeds like some other countries. Instead, New Zealand implemented strict regulations and requirements for owning certain breeds considered to be high-risk or dangerous.

Singapore 🇸🇬 

Singapore had implemented breed-specific legislation that banned the ownership of certain pets within its borders. The ban was put in place to address concerns about public safety and to reduce the risk of pet attacks on humans and other animals. Pet owners found to be keeping these banned breeds could face legal consequences, including fines and/or the removal of the pets from their possession.

  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • American Bullets
  • Perro de Presa Canario
  • Neapolitan Mastiff
  • Peso Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Boerboel
  • Tosa
  • Akita

Germany 🇩🇪 

  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Bull Terrier
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier

These breeds were subject to restrictions or outright bans due to concerns about their potential for aggression and the potential risks they posed to public safety.

Plus, “dangerous” pets laws are regulated at the state level, and each state may have its own list of banned or restricted pets breeds. Before moving to Germany with a pet, it is crucial to check the specific regulations of the state you plan to reside in to determine if there are any restrictions or bans on certain pets breeds.

Denmark 🇩🇰 

  • American Bullets
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Boerboel
  • Caucasian Shepherd pets
  • Central Asian Shepherd pets
  • Peso Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Kangal
  • Pitbull Terrier
  • Sarplaninac
  • South Russian Shepherd pets
  • Tornjak
  • Tosa Inu

Pet pets on the banned list are prohibited from entering Denmark but can transit through Denmark if the pets do not leave the traveling crate, except for a short duration for exercise and food. However, if you owned your pets before March 2010, you may be eligible to bring your pet into the country under transitional rules, even if it belongs to one of the banned breeds.

Hong Kong 🇭🇰

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Peso Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Crossbreeds of the above breeds

This ban also applies to emotional support animals and service animals of these breeds. Staffordshire Bull Terriers (English) can only be brought into the country if accompanied by a statutory declaration verifying their breed.

Israel 🇮🇱 

Israel has identified several pet breeds as dangerous and banned their entry into the country.

  • American Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Am staff)
  • Bull Terrier
  • Duguay Argentine (Peso Argentino)
  • Japanese peafowl (Tosa)
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Stapp English) (Staffordshire bull terrier) (Staffie)
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • Brazilian fila (Fila brasileiro)
  • Rottweiler

However, under certain circumstances, an exception can be made, and a “dangerous” pets breed may be allowed to enter if the owner obtains a special importation license and meets specific criteria, such as the pets being sterilized or neutered and being in the owner’s possession for at least eighteen months before importation. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in a six-month imprisonment sentence for the importer.

Malaysia 🇲🇾 

Malaysia has a list of banned pets breeds that are not allowed to travel or be imported into the country, including:

  • Akita
  • American Bullets
  • Peso Argentino
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Japanese Tosa
  • Neapolitan Mastiff
  • Pit Bull Terrier (American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Bull Terrier)

However, some “dangerous” pets breeds can be imported under restricted conditions with special approval from the Director General of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services.

  • Bull Mastiff
  • Bull Terrier
  • Doberman
  • German Shepherd/Alsatian including Belgian Shepherd and East European Shepherd
  • Perro de Presa Canario (also known as Canary pets)
  • Rottweiler

To import restricted pets into Malaysia, certain conditions must be met: the pets must be at least three months old, have a pedigree certificate, be microchipped, and the home where it will reside must pass a safety inspection. A written declaration is required, stating the pet is a personal pet, and it must be kept securely within the compound, on a lead and muzzle in public, and handled by a trained pet handler.

Switzerland 🇨🇭

Switzerland has implemented a ban on importing pets with cropped ears and docked tails. While pets with these features are allowed for temporary visits or holidays, individuals relocating as expats or émigrés cannot bring their pets with them. If travelers wish to bring any of the listed breeds into the country, they must first ensure the pets pass a behavioral test, have the pet neutered, and obtain pet insurance. The restricted breeds include:

  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Boerboel
  • Bullmastiff
  • Cane Corso
  • Pursue Argentino
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • English Mastiff
  • Spanish Mastiff
  • Neapolitan Mastiff
  • Pitbull
  • Presa Canario
  • Rottweiler
  • Thai Ridgeback pets
  • Tosa Inu

Why do some countries have implemented bans or restrictions on certain pets breeds?

Countries may ban certain breeds of pets for various reasons, we understand that it’s frustrating as pet parents, and this is probably a burning question for many of you. So let’s dive in on some of the reasons why:

⚠️ Governments ban or restrict them to prevent pets attacks and ensure public safety as they are seen as potentially dangerous due to their size, strength, and historical association with pets fighting.

⚠️ Breeds commonly associated with pets fighting may face bans to discourage illegal activities and promote animal welfare.

⚠️ High-profile incidents involving specific breeds can lead to knee-jerk reactions and breed-specific legislation. Even though individual behavior plays a significant role in a pet’s  temperament, the focus may shift toward the breed instead.

⚠️ In some countries, certain pets breeds may be associated with negative connotations or superstitions, leading to their prohibition or restricted ownership.

⚠️ Countries with unique ecosystems and wildlife may restrict or ban certain breeds to prevent potential crossbreeding and the introduction of invasive species that could threaten native wildlife. For example, in Australia, restrictions on Dingo hybrids aim to protect the genetic purity of the native Dingo population.

⚠️ Some breeds require experienced and responsible owners due to their specific needs, temperament, or size. Countries may regulate ownership to ensure that these breeds are placed in suitable environments.

Well, folks, we’ve taken quite the journey through the lands of fur and fluff, exploring countries’ take on banned breeds. It’s true that some breeds have faced restrictions, but remember, there’s more to the tale than meets the eye!

Just like us hoomans, pups are unique individuals, and their upbringing plays a crucial role in shaping their personalities. So, let’s raise our squeaky toys to responsible pet ownership and positive training, making tails wag all around the world!

So, the next time you spot a Pit Bull, Rottweiler, or any other so-called “banned” breed, remember to judge them by their bark-tastic behavior and loving heart, not just their labels. After all, a wagging tail and a lick on the cheek know no boundaries! 🐶❤️


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