Rottweilers have a complex history in the UK, and it's not entirely banned. In fact, the breed is recognized by the Kennel Club, the UK's largest dog welfare organization.
The breed's origins date back to ancient Rome, where they were used as guard dogs and draft animals. Today, Rottweilers are still used as guard dogs, police dogs, and family pets.
Despite their strong reputation, Rottweilers are not inherently aggressive. In fact, the breed is known for its loyalty and affection towards its family. However, they do require proper training and socialization to ensure they behave well in public.
The UK's Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 does impose certain restrictions on the breed, but it's not a blanket ban.
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UK Dog Breed Laws
The UK has strict laws in place regarding certain dog breeds, and it's essential to understand what's allowed and what's not. The Dangerous Dogs Act in the UK makes it illegal to own, breed, abandon, give away, or sell certain breeds.
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The breeds that are currently banned in the UK include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. If your dog is a crossbreed of these breeds or displays similar physical characteristics, it may also be denied entry.
The ban applies to dogs in transit in the UK on their way to another country. If you're planning to bring your dog into the UK, it's crucial to check if it's on the exemption list for non-aggressive dogs.
Only dogs that already reside in the UK can be considered for exemption, and you can't apply for exemption when importing your dog. If your dog is already on the exemption list and returning to the UK, it can enter the country provided all import regulations are met.
Here are the banned dog breeds in the UK:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
The XL Bully will also be banned in the UK by the end of the year due to its link to several attacks.
UK Ban on Specific Breeds
The UK has a ban on certain dog breeds, which are considered to be fighting breeds. These breeds include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
If you own one of these breeds, the police can take it off you, even if your dog is well-behaved and has received no complaints. This is because the ban applies to any dog that displays the physical characteristics of a banned breed.
The ban also extends to dogs that are crossbreeds of these breeds or similar in appearance. You cannot apply for an exemption when importing a dog into the country, but dogs already residing in the UK may be considered for exemption if they are non-aggressive.
There are currently five illegal dog breeds in the UK, with American XL Bully dogs set to be added to the list after recent attacks. The Dangerous Dogs Act focuses on the type of dog rather than the act, which has been criticized by animal charities as being ineffective.
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Here is a list of the banned breeds in the UK:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- XL Bully (to be banned by the end of the year)
The ban on these breeds has not reduced the number of dog bites, and animal charities argue that the focus should be on the deed not the breed.
Flaws in the Dangerous Dogs Act
The Dangerous Dogs Act is often misunderstood, but it's actually flawed in some key ways. There's no robust research to demonstrate that certain breeds or types of dogs are any more aggressive than others.
Aggressive behaviour in dogs is influenced by factors such as breeding, upbringing, and life experiences, not just their breed. Breed isn't a reliable way to predict a dog's risk of aggression.
In the past 20 years, dog bites have increased by a staggering 154%, from 3454 to 8775.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rottweilers on the Dangerous dog List?
No, Rottweilers are not inherently considered a "dangerous breed" due to their long history as guard dogs and working dogs. However, their breeding history and strength require responsible ownership and training.
Sources
- Banned dog breeds in the United Kingdom (petraveller.com.au)
- gov.uk/guidance (www.gov.uk)
- Banned Dog Types | Breed Specific Legislation (rspca.org.uk)
- If you own an XL BULLY here’s what you need to know to prepare (www.gov.uk)
- Dangerous Dogs Act (legislation.gov.uk)
- A List of Banned Dog Breeds by Country (animalcorner.org)
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