Dog Breed Banned Across the World

The Pit Bull breed has been banned in several countries due to its reputation as a fighting dog. This ban has led to the euthanization of many Pit Bulls in shelters, as they are often mistaken for fighting dogs.

In the United States, the breed was once widely popular but has since been associated with dog fighting. The American Temperament Test Society has reported that Pit Bulls have a passing rate of 86.8%, which is higher than many other breeds.

The breed's strength and agility make it a popular choice for dog fighting, but this has led to its ban in many places. The American Kennel Club has recognized the breed since 1936, but its popularity has declined due to the negative stigma surrounding it.

Breed-specific legislation has been implemented in many countries to prevent the ownership of Pit Bulls, but this has been met with controversy and debate.

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In England and Wales, owning certain dog breeds is heavily restricted. You can't own an XL Bully dog unless it has a valid Certificate of Exemption.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is the law behind these restrictions. It banned owning, trading, or breeding four specific types of dog: Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.

The law doesn't care if your dog has been aggressive or not; it's about whether your dog has the characteristics of one of these banned breeds. Pit Bull Terriers are the most common of these four, and the law focuses on the "type" rather than the official breed.

If the police suspect your dog is a prohibited breed, they can seize it and take it to approved kennels for assessment. An expert will examine the dog's characteristics, including its behavior, to determine if it's a banned breed.

The burden of proof falls on the dog owner to prove their dog is not a banned breed. This can be challenging, especially if the dog has developed characteristics that resemble a prohibited breed as it matured.

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Here are the four breeds banned by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991:

It's essential to understand that the law considers "type" rather than official breed, so even if you bought your dog as an American Bulldog or Staffordshire Bulldog, it could still be typed as a Pit Bull and be banned.

If you've got a banned dog, there's a chance you might be eligible for a Certificate of Exemption.

This certificate lets you keep your dog, as long as it doesn't behave dangerously and you follow certain rules. The certificate is valid for the life of your dog.

Your dog must be neutered, fitted with a microchip, and kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public. It must also be kept in a secure place so it can't escape.

As the owner, you must take out insurance against your dog injuring other people, be aged over 16, and show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or council dog warden. You must also let the Index of Exempt Dogs know if you change address or your dog dies.

Here are the key requirements for a Certificate of Exemption:

And as the owner, you'll need to:

If you have a banned dog, the police or local council dog warden can take it away and keep it, even if it's not acting dangerously or there hasn't been a complaint.

The police may need permission from a court to do this, and a police or council dog expert will judge what type of dog you have and whether it's a danger to the public. Your dog will then either be released or kept in kennels while the police (or council) apply to a court.

You're not allowed to visit your dog while you wait for the court decision. If you have a valid Certificate of Exemption for your dog and it's not been acting dangerously, you may be able to keep it.

There are four prohibited dog breeds in the UK, as listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. The law doesn't consider whether the dog has acted aggressively to other dogs or people, just whether it has sufficient characteristics to be identified as one of these breeds.

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The police have the power to seize a suspected banned breed dog and take it to approved kennels for assessment. If the report determines the dog has enough characteristics to be identified as a banned type, the owner could be charged under s.1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Here are some banned breeds that are commonly restricted or banned in certain areas:

If the dog owner is charged with owning a prohibited type of dog, the burden of proof falls on them to prove the dog is not a banned breed.

Australia and Argentina have a lot in common when it comes to banned dog breeds. Both countries have a similar list of breeds that are no longer welcome.

The Dogo Argentino, a breed originally from Argentina, is banned in both countries. It's interesting to note that this breed was bred for hunting, but now it's no longer allowed due to its strength and powerful build.

Fila Brasileiro, the Brazilian mastiff, is also banned in both Australia and Argentina. This breed is known for its aggressive nature and powerful jaws.

The Japanese Tosa is another breed that's banned in both countries. This breed is known for its fighting skills and is often associated with dog fighting.

Here's a list of banned breeds in Australia, Argentina, and Denmark:

It's worth noting that Denmark has a more extensive list of banned breeds compared to Australia and Argentina.

If a person is found guilty of owning, trading, or breeding a banned dog, the maximum sentence is 6 months' imprisonment, but a custodial sentence is unlikely in most cases.

A fine or Community Order is more likely, which can be a more suitable outcome for some dog owners.

The consequences for the seized dog are much more serious, with a Destruction Order being the usual outcome.

This means the animal will be put down by a vet, unless the defendant can persuade the Court that the dog is not a danger to the public.

If the Court accepts this, it will impose a Contingent Destruction Order, which requires the owner to comply with specific rules.

Here are the rules that must be followed under a Contingent Destruction Order:

If the Magistrates’ Court initially orders the dog to be put down, the owner can appeal against this decision before the Crown Court.

Pit Bull Terriers are among the most commonly banned breeds due to their strong build and history of aggression.

They include American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and face breed-specific legislation in many cities and regions worldwide.

Rottweilers are subject to bans in certain areas due to their size and strength, although not as commonly banned as Pit Bulls.

Responsible ownership and proper training are crucial for managing these breeds effectively and reducing the likelihood of incidents.

Breed-specific bans have sparked debates regarding their effectiveness and fairness, making it essential to understand local regulations before bringing a dog home.

Pit Bull Terriers and Rottweilers are powerful breeds that require careful consideration and attention from their owners.