Restricted breeds
Restrictions on the type of dog you can keep
A number of dog breeds have been classified as prescribed breeds. This means that additional responsibilities and special conditions apply to owning these dogs and that high penalties apply for breaches.
The following dogs are classified as prescribed breeds:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Fila Braziliero
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentina
- Presa Canario.
Keeping a prescribed breed dog
Special conditions apply to prescribed breeds of dog. All prescribed breed dogs must:
- be desexed
- be muzzled
- be confined to the premises of the person responsible for the control of the dog
- be kept on a lead no longer than two metres long when in a place other than the responsible owner’s premises
- not be sold or given away
- not be advertised.
Find out more about restricted breeds.
Responsible ownership
We encourage owners of prescribed breed dogs to act responsibly at all times to meet the requirements of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.
Severe penalties apply for breaches of the Act. Fines for general offences committed by these breeds are significantly higher than for other dogs.