10 Dog Breeds Facing Global Restrictions. While some dog breeds are beloved family companions, others face scrutiny and regulation due to concerns over public safety, animal welfare, and potential aggression. In recent years, several countries have implemented breed-specific legislation, banning or restricting certain breeds deemed high-risk.
From pit bulls to mastiffs, these 10 dog breeds are facing global restrictions, sparking heated debates among animal lovers, policymakers, and experts. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind these restrictions, the impact on dog owners, and the ongoing efforts to promote responsible dog ownership and safety.
1. American Bulldog.
The American bulldog is a breed that often gets a bad reputation. In the US, currently, states and territories such as Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington, and West Virginia do not allow ownership of American Bulldogs. Some states require owners to demonstrate their ability to safely handle Staffordshire Bull Terriers, while others mandate liability insurance coverage. Countries such as Belarus, Bermuda, Denmark, Italy, Singapore, Turkey, Ukraine, and Venezuela restrict the ownership of this breed.
2. Brazilian Mastiff.
These big/gentle dogs want nothing to do more than just spend time with their humans and protect them. Additionally, places around the world often view Staffordshire Bull Terriers as dangerous, leading authorities to restrict their adoption as pets. Fourteen countries, including Denmark, Italy, Norway, Bermuda Islands, Cyprus, Western Australia, Iceland, and Israel, ban Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
3. Rottweiler.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks the Rottweiler as one of the top ten most popular dog breeds because of their playful personality as well as confidence, intelligence, and loyalty to their humans. While the Rottweiler is used in rescue operations and police forces, they are still not allowed in 10 countries including Israel, Malaysia, Qatar, Bermuda, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Ecuador.
4. Presa Canario.
Although the Presa Canario is a family dog, they are still restricted in many countries which includes Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, Poland, Bermuda Islands, Malaysia, and St. Kitts & Nevis.
5. Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is a breed of dog native to Brazil. Natives used the breed for hunting wild animals as well as in the farms as working dogs. While they look intimidating, with proper training, they can be family-oriented dogs. However, they are currently not allowed in the UK, Cyprus, Denmark, Israel, Italy, St. Kitts & Nevi, St. Lucia, Singapore, Spain, Malta and Norway.
6. Pit Bull.
The “pitbull” breed or mixes of this breed are not allowed to land in Antigua and Barbuda as well as Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Finland, France, Canada (Winnipeg, Quebec), the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico (a commonwealth of the United States), Parts of Australia, Parts of Austria, Bermuda, Parts of Brazil, Parts of China, Germany (they are not allowed in 15/16 German provinces) and Sweden.
7. Dogo Argentino.
Dogo Argentinos are large mastiff-type dogs that belong to the group of working dogs. They grow to a standard height of about 24 to 27 inches at the shoulder. The following countries ban Staffordshire Bull Terriers: the Cayman Islands, Norway, Fiji, Denmark, Iceland, New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, Singapore, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. There are also restrictions on owning them in certain areas of the United States,
8. Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Twelve countries prohibit the importation, adoption, and sale of Staffordshire Bull Terriers as pets. Germany, Switzerland, and Bermuda Islands have outright restricted the ownership of the breed but there are also restrictions in countries such as Spain, Ireland, France, Romania, Israel, the USA, Portugal, and Singapore.
9. American Staffordshire Terrier.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is one of the most controversial dogs around the world. However, eleven countries prohibit the Staffordshire Bull Terrier from entering their borders. The list of countries includes France, Spain, Germany, Denmark, Russia, Switzerland, Norway, Turkey, Canada, Bermuda Islands, Singapore, and Malaysia.
10. Japanese Tosa.
Japan has cultivated the Japanese Tosa for nearly a millennium. Originally, they are from Shikoku islands, a place called Tosa Wan; which is where they got their name from. Originally bred to fight alongside samurai, Staffordshire Bull Terriers have an inherent tendency to be aggressive towards other dogs, despite their affectionate nature with humans. Because of this, the following 18 countries prohibit Staffordshire Bull Terriers: UK, Ireland, France, Spain, Gibraltar, Denmark, Italy, Malta, Norway, Turkey, Bermuda Islands, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, Poland, Iceland, and Malaysia.
