UK Dog Breeds Banned and What You Need to Know

In the UK, some dog breeds are considered a risk to public safety and are banned from being kept as pets. The Pit Bull Terrier is one such breed, known for its strong instincts and potential to be used for fighting.

The Pit Bull Terrier is often misunderstood, but its history as a fighting dog cannot be ignored. This breed was originally bred for bloodsports in the 19th century.

The law surrounding banned dog breeds in the UK is strict, with owners facing penalties for keeping a prohibited breed. The Dogs Act 1991 is the legislation that governs the ownership of certain dog breeds, including the Pit Bull Terrier.

If you're considering getting a dog, it's essential to research the breed thoroughly to ensure you're making an informed decision.

For more insights, see: Fighting Dogs Breeds

The UK has strict laws regarding certain dog breeds that are deemed to be a danger to the public. The breeds that are currently banned include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.

Broaden your view: Dogs Breeds That Start with B

If you own one of these breeds, you may be subject to having your dog taken away by the police or local council dog warden, even if it's not acting dangerously. The police or council will assess whether your dog is a banned breed, and if so, you may be able to keep it, but only if it has a valid Certificate of Exemption.

The Dangerous Dogs Act in the UK makes it illegal to own, breed, abandon, give away, or sell these banned breeds. This ban also extends to dogs that are similar in appearance to the banned breeds, even if they're crossbreeds.

Here is a list of banned dog breeds in the UK:

If your dog is deemed to be a banned breed, it will be held in kennels while being assessed, and you won't be allowed to visit it until the court makes a decision. You can give up ownership of your dog, but you can't be forced to, and if you do, your dog could be destroyed without going to court.

If you're a dog owner with a banned breed, you'll need to follow certain rules to keep your dog. If you have a Certificate of Exemption, you can keep your dog as long as it doesn't behave dangerously and you follow the rules.

To get a Certificate of Exemption, you'll need to meet specific requirements. Your dogs must be neutered, fitted with a microchip, and kept on a lead and muzzled in public. They must also be kept in a secure place so they can't escape.

You'll also need to take out insurance against your dog injuring others, be over 16, and show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or council dog warden. If you change address or your dog dies, you'll need to let the Index of Exempt Dogs know.

Here's a summary of the key requirements:

If your dog is taken away due to being a banned breed, it will be held in kennels while being assessed. This can be a stressful process for the dog, and many find it difficult to cope.

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.

Your dog will be held in kennels, away from you, while a police or council dog expert assesses what type of dog it is and whether it's a danger to the public.

A police or council dog expert will judge what type of dog you have and whether it is (or could be) a danger to the public.

If your dog is deemed a banned type, you won't be allowed to visit it while you wait for the court decision.

You can give up ownership of your dog, but you cannot be forced to. If you do, your dog could be destroyed without you even going to court.

Many dogs find the assessment process very difficult to cope with and can result in undesirable changes in health and behaviour.

Related reading: Breeds of Police Dogs

Some dogs may be released, while others will be kept in kennels while the police or council apply to a court.

Here are the possible outcomes for your banned dog:

You cannot apply for a Certificate of Exemption for your dog. You'll only have one if a court gave you one or you applied for one in the past.

If you have a Certificate of Exemption for your dog, you're allowed to keep a banned dog as long as it doesn't behave dangerously and you follow certain rules.

Your dog must be neutered and fitted with a microchip. You'll also need to keep your dog on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public.

You must keep your dog in a secure place so it can't escape, and you'll need to take out insurance against your dog injuring other people.

You must be aged over 16 to have a Certificate of Exemption, and you'll need to show the certificate when asked by a police officer or council dog warden.

Here are the key things you need to do with your Certificate of Exemption:

You'll also need to report a dog that's out of control to the authorities.