What Dog Breeds Are Banned in the UK
Why Are Certain Dog Breeds Banned In The UK?
The Dangerous Dog Act 1991 was created to ensure that criminal penalties applied to owners and canines who were deemed to be acting out of control in public spaces. This includes attacks and generally threatening behaviour. This act was then further amended in 2014 to cover indoor and privately owned spaces also.
The rules cover all aspects of a dog being deemed out of control, such as bad behaviour, attacks, and damaging property. While some cases are met with a fine or small prison sentence, a certain number of dog breeds were deemed too dangerous to even be covered by those factors.
As a way to prevent the worst attacks, the government established a list of banned breeds that UK owners are not allowed to own. This was developed based on statistics from committed offences and the general background of a certain breed. The latter is important to consider as some dog breeds are naturally going to have unfavourable personality traits, which can lead to them becoming a greater risk to the public, including both humans and other animals.
Additionally, criminal records are categorised into “spent” and “unspent” convictions, with spent convictions no longer requiring disclosure after a specified period.
What Dog Breeds Are Banned In The UK?
As of 2024, there are five banned dog breeds in the UK. These are outlined below:
Pit Bull Terrier – Banned upon the launch of the DDA in 1991
A collection of Pit Bull Terrier attacks were reported before the launch of the DDA in 1991, meaning they were one of the first breeds to be included. Traditionally bred as fighting dogs, the breed was still being used for illegal fighting even after laws had been made to prohibit such events.
As the breed was originally bred as a fighting dog, it has those personality traits which can make it dangerous to people and animals. Although other dogs have also been added to this list, the Pit Bull Terrier is the breed that many people think of when asked what dogs are banned in the UK.
The traditional Pit Bull and other associated breeds are still allowed in the UK, and the breed is known for being a great family dog.
Japanese Tosa – Banned upon the launch of the DDA in 1991
The Japanese Tosa is another dog that has been bred for fighting hence why it was announced as another early name on the DDA banned list. Also known as the Tosa Inu or the Japanese Mastiff, originated in the late 19th century. The breed is a cross between Bulldogs, German Pointers and Mastiffs making them a stocky and strong breed.
Whilst, like most dogs, the breed does stand a chance at being trained, due to a string of incidents and the specialist type of education needed, it was added to the list as the risk was deemed too high.
Doga Argentino – Banned upon the launch of the DDA in 1991
The Doga Argentino tends to be a lesser known breed within the UK as it comes from a mix of Spanish breeds. Originally bred as a hybrid between a working and hunting dog, the breed was added to the ban list due to its strength and ability to cause vast damage.
Also known as the Argentine Mastiff, the breed is a mix of a Great Dane, Spanish Mastiff and Cordoba Fighting dog, with the latter being the main reason the breed is normally feared. The breed was intended to hunt fast-land animals such as pumas, giving a good idea of these animals’ agility. This breed tends to be characterised by an angry personality, meaning it’s constantly ready to fight.
Fila Brasileiro – Banned upon the launch of the DDA in 1991
Also known as the Brazilian Mastiff or Brazilian Fila, they are one of the most placid breeds on the list, with many choosing them across the world as family pets. However, their loving dementors mean they are fiercely protective, which can lead to aggression when their spaces or owners are approached. This natural instinct means that many cases have been recorded of the Fila causing extreme damage to life, meaning it’s now on the list of banned UK dog breeds.
American XL Bully – Banned in 2023
Lastly is a breed you will likely know about even if you are not a dog lover. The ban of the American XL Bully made headlines across the UK in recent years as the government went through a lengthy period of determining where or not to add them to the list. However, stories of the breed destroying whole fields of livestock sealed the deal as they were deemed too dangerous.
As a mix of American Staffordshire Terrier, Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier, the breed was already highlighted as a risk due to the other breeds already banned. This blend of breeds means the animals are incredibly strong and protective. Although the latter point makes them brilliant pets to have around, the natural protective instincts like the Fila can lead to instances of violence.
Are There Are Rules Which Allow Banned Dog Breeds To Be Kept In The UK?
Although these breeds are all banned in the UK, there are a few instances in which they are allowed. To ensure this is managed properly, we recommend seeking legal support as you will likely be asked to provide official paperwork on many occasions.
The rules for keeping a banned dog breed in the UK are as follows:
Exemption Certificate
The government can produce an exemption certificate which includes an official certificate that is recognised by legal stakeholders. This requires owners to meet a certain amount of criteria as to the reason for keeping and the conditions they will implement to meet the DDA ban and overall safety rules.
Muzzled And Lead Rules
Any banned breed must always be muzzled and kept on a secure lead when walked in a public place. This even means the time it takes to get from a garden gate to a car can be enough to get caught out if the proper considerations have not been made.
Insurance
Should an accident still occur with the banned breed, full insurance must be in place to offer financial support to either humans or animals that have experienced an injury. You will also need to show this when requested so it’s best to keep a copy close by.
How Can JD Solicitors Support With The Dangerous Dog Act?
Do you have a dog breed that is banned in the UK? If so, you should ensure that the correct legal boxes have been ticked; otherwise, you will likely receive a fine and lose your dog.
Our team are experts in managing the rules around banned dogs ensuring you are given the best support possible. Whether you need help with the early stages of an infestation when a police officer may need to access your phone or during court dates, we are available for you.
Contact us now to learn more.
