Dogs are beloved globally for their loyalty, playfulness, and endearing nature. Despite this, some breeds have earned a negative reputation for being more aggressive or troublesome than others. To make sure you know what to look out for, here are 17 dog breeds that have been banned in different countries around the world.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers are beautiful dogs renowned for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. However, like many other large, protective breeds on this list, they have garnered somewhat of a bad reputation for aggressive behaviors. According to PetHelpful, they are banned or restricted in parts of China, Brazil, Germany, Ireland, Romania, Malaysia, and several other countries.
German Shepherd
As their name implies, German Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs in Germany. While they are mostly known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility as working dogs, they have been banned and restricted in some parts of the world due to their association with aggressive behavior.
Pit Bull Terrier
The Pit Bull Terrier has been banned in several countries due to their perceived aggressiveness. According to the World Population Review, 47 different countries have banned Pit Bulls, either across the whole country or in specific regions. Despite being a controversial breed, it’s important to remember that many Pit Bulls are good dogs who have simply gotten a bad name from their improper training and socialization.
Japanese Tosa
Japanese Tosas are another breed that has been banned in many countries because of their aggressive tendencies. As their name suggests, they originated from Japan and were first bred for dog fighting. They have a strong, muscular build and prey drive that can make them dangerous in the wrong hands.
Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentinos are powerful dogs that were bred for big-game hunting and guardianship. Unfortunately, because of their strength and size, they can pose a risk to humans and other dogs when handled incorrectly. This is why they are banned in countries such as Australia and the UK.
Fila Brasileiro
Fila Brasileiro is a strong, brave breed that was originally bred in Brazil for guarding plantations and hunting jaguars. As you can imagine, a dog capable of taking down jaguars can be pretty dangerous in the wrong hands. This is why Fila Brasileiro ownership is prohibited or restricted in many regions.
American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is an iconic American breed that has unfortunately gained a bad reputation for being aggressive and dangerous. Recently, a variant of the breed known as the XL Bully has caused a stir after being responsible for several attacks. This has caused several regions to take steps to ban or restrict the breed.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are spirited dogs that originated in England and were first bred for bull-baiting. They are famous for their strong prey drive, strength, and muscular build. Because they are known to be dangerous when handled improperly, their ownership is restricted in some parts of the world.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are big, beautiful dogs that have sadly been banned and restricted in certain areas because of concerns about their aggression. However, they have many positive natural qualities, including strength, loyalty, and a protective instinct. Most Rottweilers will never harm another dog or human, and those who do have usually been subjected to improper training.
Perro de Presa Canario
“Perro de Presa Canario” translates to “Canarian catch dog” and is the name of a Spanish breed originally bred for herding and guarding. Unfortunately, these impressive dogs have become infamous for their aggressive tendencies, leading several countries to ban or restrict their ownership.
Argentine Dogo
Argentine Dogos originated from Argentina, where they were bred for big-game hunting. While they are known for many positive traits, including loyalty, courage, and protective instincts, they can also become aggressive and dangerous when people aren’t mindful with their training.
Boerboel
The Boerboel is a South African guard and farm dog famous for its strength, loyalty, and protective tendencies. However, according to the AKC, countries such as Denmark and Singapore have decided to ban the breed due to concerns about aggression.
Canary Mastiff
Canary Mastiffs are big, beautiful dogs who originated from the Canary Islands. Originally bred as herding and guard dogs, Canary Mastiffs are loved for their strength, courage, and protective, territorial nature. However, because their great size and strength can make them dangerous in the wrong situations, some countries have banned or restricted the breed.
Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux is a bulky, muscular powerhouse famous for its strength, loyalty, courage, and protective nature. The breed originated in France, where it was commonly used for hunting and guarding. However, because they can pose a threat to humans when training and socialization are neglected, they are banned in some parts of the world.
Wolfdog
As you may have guessed from the name, a Wolfdog is a crossbreed between a wolf and a domestic dog. While they are more intelligent, athletic, and prey-driven than many other breeds, their “wild” nature can also lead to unpredictable behavior, leading several countries to ban or restrict the breed.
Bandog
The Bandog is a cross between several different mastiff-type dogs, making them popular among those who love big, powerful breeds. However, their ownership is often subject to breed-specific regulations, as they can become aggressive and dangerous in the wrong hands.
Alano Español
Did you know that the Alano Español was once thought to be extinct? These big, powerful dogs were first bred in Spain for hunting and bull-baiting. However, their numbers decreased in the 1900s until they were on the brink of extinction. Their numbers have since recovered, but sadly, some countries have banned or restricted their ownership because they can become aggressive and territorial in certain situations.