In the UK, Breed Specific Legislation was introduced in 1991 as part of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and prohibits or restricts certain types of dogs.
What dog breeds are banned in the UK?
- XL Bully
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
It’s also against the law to:
- sell a banned dog
- abandon a banned dog
- give away a banned dog
- breed from a banned dog
Newly banned in 2023 - XL Bully
- On 14 November 2023, the Government announced that the XL Bully would be added to the list of banned dog breeds in Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. This means that:
- On 31 December 2023, it became illegal to sell, give away and breed from an XL Bully. It also became illegal to abandon an XL Bully or allow one to stray.
All XL Bully’s, when in public places, must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle. - On 1 February 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a Certificate of Exemption.
How to report a banned dog
The Police are responsible for confirming / typing (identification) of banned dogs and are responsible for any breaches of the legislation.
If you believe someone is keeping an banned breed without a 'Certificate of Exemption', you should report them to the Police by calling 101 or report online.
Please note; as the XL Bully was recently banned these cannot be reported until after 1 February 2024, to give owners time to apply for an exemption.
Report online on the Cornwall & Devon police website
Would my dog be considered an XL Bully type?
If you are in doubt, the Government are advising owners to check their dogs against the official definition of an XL Bully dog.
Official definition of an XL Bully dog
You do not need to send your dog away to be checked.
Your dog’s height should be the first thing you check.
- Measure from the feet to the top of the withers (top of the shoulder blades, behind the neck).
- If your dog meets the minimum height measurements (20in/51cm for adult male and 19in/48cm for adult female) and displays a substantial number of the listed physical characteristics, it could be considered an XL Bully type dog even if it was not sold as an XL Bully.
Further information can be found on the gov.uk website.
Government XL Bully dogs guidance page
If your dog meets the criteria in the official definition, and you are still unsure then you should apply for a 'Certificate of Exemption' and adhere to the conditions imposed.
The Government guidance acknowledges that other breeds, recognised by the UK Kennel Club, may fit some of the criteria. These are not covered by the ban.
How to apply for an exemption
In order to be granted a 'Certificate of Exemption' you must:
- Get third party liability insurance cover for your dog.
- Permanently neuter your dog through castration (male) or spaying (female)
- Your dog must be microchipped. You’ll need to provide the microchip number during the application process.
- Pay the Exemption Fee
