In the UK, certain dog breeds are banned under a law called the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. This law was created to protect people and other animals from dangerous dog breeds that were considered more likely to cause harm, especially in public places.
This guide explains: the UK banned dog breeds list, how the Dangerous Dogs Act works, how dog breed specific legislation defines an XL Bully dog.
Snapshot: The Banned Types in 2025
As of 2025, the UK bans the ownership, sale, and breeding of five dog types unless they are officially exempt. These are not always purebred dogs but certain types that match specific traits. The law applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, though rules may vary slightly by country.
1. Pit Bull Terrier
This breed was originally bred for dog fighting and is often associated with aggressive behaviour. Even if your dog isn’t a full pit bull, it may still be classed as a pit bull type if it has similar physical traits.
2. Japanese Tosa
Banned for its dangerous dog history, the Japanese Tosa was also bred for fighting in Japan. It's a large, muscular dog with a strong bite.
3. Dogo Argentino
This breed was created in Argentina for hunting large animals and guarding. It’s banned in several other countries too due to its strength and higher risk profile.
4. Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
Bred to protect property and hunt big game, this Brazilian mastiff has a strong guarding instinct and is banned due to concerns over its temperament.
5. XL Bully Dog
Added to the banned list in 2024, the American Bully XL was banned after several high-profile dog attacks. Owners had until 31 January 2024 to apply for a valid certificate to legally keep their dog.
How Does the Dangerous Dogs Act Work?
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 gives the police and local authorities the power to seize dogs that are seen as a risk to the public or that match the banned dpg breeds.
The law doesn’t focus on breed papers. Instead, it uses the dog’s looks and build. If your dog looks like a pit bull terrier or XL Bully, it may be classed as a banned type.
Key points:
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It is illegal to own, sell, dog breed, or give away a banned dog.
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A dog that is acting dangerously or has injured someone can be seized and put to sleep, even if it’s not a banned type.
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Police can enter private property to seize the dog if there’s a threat to public safety.
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You could face an unlimited fine, up to 6 months in prison, or both.
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You may have to appear in court and plead guilty to owning a banned type.
If your dog is taken, the court may decide to let you keep it under strict conditions, as long as you meet safety rules.
Would My Dog Be Considered an XL Bully Type?
Many owners ask this after seeing headlines about XL Bully dog rules. The answer rests on the official definition, which looks at body size, head shape, chest, and overall build. It is not about kennel club papers or DNA tests.
If your dog has the following traits, it could be considered a banned type:
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Large, muscular body
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Blocky head and short muzzle
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Short coat
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Heavier than 20kg
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Over 20 inches tall
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Deep chest and thick tail
Even if your dog is mixed with a Cane Corso, American Bully, or other large dog breed, it could still match the standard. It’s decided on a case by case basis, usually with a police officer or breed assessor doing measurements.
If your dog fits the standard, it’s classed as a banned dog unless you already have a certificate of exemption.
If you’re still unsure:
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Speak with your vet.
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Contact your local council dog warden.
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Call 101 and ask for a Dog Legislation Officer.
Act early. The rules are strict, and not knowing is not a defence in court.
The 2024 XL Bully Ban: What changed?
From 1 February 2024, it became a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully dog in England and Wales without a valid Certificate of Exemption. You cannot sell, give away, breed, rehome, or have an XL Bully in a public place without a muzzle and lead. Registration windows have closed; now, new exemptions happen only by court order. Owners who already hold an exemption certificate must keep third-party insurance, keep the dog in a secure place at home, and produce their certificate within 5 days when asked by a police officer or council dog warden. Missing neutering or insurance deadlines can make the certificate invalid. For measurements and looks, authorities use the official definition (conformation standard), not DNA. If you’re in Scotland or Northern Ireland, similar XL Bully safeguards apply under nation-specific rules. Check the latest requirements before you travel.
How to Report a Banned or Dangerous Dog
If you see a dog that’s dangerous or may be one of the banned dog breeds in the UK, it’s important to report it. This helps protect people, other animals, and keeps your neighbourhood safe.
When to report:
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A dog looks like a banned type (such as an XL Bully dog or pit bull terrier) and is off the lead or not wearing a muzzle in a public place.
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A dog is showing aggressive behaviour, such as barking, lunging, chasing, or trying to bite.
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Someone is breeding, selling, or owning a banned dog without a valid certificate.
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A dog has injured another dog, a person, or is acting dangerously.
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You are unsure but worried about public safety.
Who to contact:
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Call 999 right away if someone is in danger or a dog attack is happening.
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If it’s not an emergency, call 101 to report the dog or ask for a Dog Legislation Officer.
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You can also report it online through the police or on GOV.UK.
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For local problems like strays or repeat nuisance, contact your council dog warden.
Helpful tips:
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Share clear details: where and when it happened, what the dog looked like (size, colour), and what it was doing.
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If it’s safe and legal, take a photo or video as evidence.
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Never try to catch or confront the dog yourself.
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You can report anonymously if you prefer.
Reporting a dangerous dog is not about blaming owners—it’s about following the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and helping stop future dog attacks.
How to apply for an exemption
If your dog matches the official definition of a banned type, you may still be able to keep it under a certificate of exemption—but only if it is not considered a danger to the public.
You must:
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Prove your dog is not a threat (a case by case basis assessment).
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Keep the dog in a secure place at home to prevent escape.
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Have it neutered, microchipped, and insured.
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Make sure it is always muzzled and on a lead in public.
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Apply before the government announced deadline, or the court must approve a late exemption.
For XL Bully owners, the deadline was 31 January 2024. Exemptions now require court approval.
A one-time fee applies, and you’ll receive an exemption certificate if approved. If you change address, you must notify DEFRA. Only exempted dogs are legally allowed to stay with their owners under strict conditions.
Responsible Ownership: Staying Compliant and Safe
Being a responsible dog owner means more than just following the law—it’s about protecting your dog, your community, and others around you.
Here’s what UK owners can do:
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Know the law
Learn which dog breeds are banned and how the Dangerous Dogs Act works. Even non-banned dog breeds can be seized if they’re acting dangerously in public. -
Secure your home
Keep your dog in a safe, secure place at all times. Preventing escapes helps avoid legal problems and dog bites. -
Train and socialise early
Training reduces the risk of aggressive behaviour and dog attacks. Socialisation teaches your dog to stay calm around other animals and strangers. -
Muzzle and lead in public
If your dog is exempted, it must always wear a muzzle and stay on a lead. These are strict conditions of the law. -
Vet visits and insurance
Regular checkups help spot health or behaviour changes. All exempted dogs must have third-party insurance in case of incidents. -
Avoid targeting specific breeds
Focus on deed not breed—even large or misunderstood dog breeds can be safe with proper care. Breed alone is not always a measure of danger.
Understanding your responsibilities protects your dog and supports public safety.
What To Do If You’re Unsure About Your Dog’s Type
It’s normal to feel worried if your dog is large, strong, or part of a certain breed. With the XL Bully dog ban now active, more owners are unsure if their dog is at risk.
Here’s what you can do:
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Check the official definition
Use the UK government conformation guide: GOV.UK – XL Bully Definition -
Speak with a vet or trainer
A professional can assess your dog’s build and suggest what steps to take. Many offer case by case assessments for banned dog breeds. -
Contact your council dog warden
They deal with dangerous dogs in your area and can advise if your dog is likely to be classified as a banned type. -
Act quickly
If your dog matches the banned description, apply for an exemption certificate immediately (if still allowed) or prepare for a legal challenge. -
Don’t wait for a seizure
Police may remove your dog from your home if they believe it poses a risk. Early action protects your dog from being taken or worse.
It’s better to ask than assume. Knowing your dog’s status now could save them later.
FAQs
What is the list of banned dogs in the UK?
UK law bans certain types: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. In England and Wales, XL Bully dogs are also banned without a certificate of exemption. Whether a dog is banned depends on how it looks, not its pedigree.
Are Cane Corso dogs banned in the UK?
No, Cane Corso is not currently one of the banned dog breeds in the UK. However, if a Cane Corso shows aggressive behaviour or is found acting dangerously, it can still be dealt with under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Why is Belgian Malinois banned in the UK?
It isn’t. Belgian Malinois is not on the banned list. However, like all dogs, if a Malinois is dangerously out of control or dog injuring someone, action can be taken under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Training and secure management are vital for high-drive breeds.
What dogs are under the Dangerous Dogs Act UK?
All dogs are covered by Section 3 (dangerously out of control). Section 1 names the banned dog breeds (types) above, and England/Wales also restrict the XL Bully. Penalties range up to an unlimited fine and prison; courts can order destruction or allow strict exemption conditions.
Conclusion
For banned dogs UK law, remember three things. First, the Act targets specific breeds by type, not DNA; a crossbreed can be a banned type if it fits the official definition. Second, the XL Bully rules add stricter controls—without a valid certificate, ownership in England and Wales is a crime. Third, responsible dog ownership is your best defence: muzzle and lead in public, keep your dog in a secure place, use insurance, and be proactive with training. If in doubt, check the conformation guide, speak to your vet, and contact your council dog warden or police via 101. For emergencies, call 999. The law may evolve, but your next step is clear: learn the rules, follow them, and keep people and other animals safe.
