List of Banned Dog Breeds UK (2025) remains one of the most debated topics in British dog legislation. Introduced under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) bans certain dog breeds deemed to pose a risk to public safety. However, critics argue that BSL is outdated and unfair, punishing dogs based on appearance rather than behaviour. As of August 2025, here is the updated list and what it means for dog owners.
As of August 2025, here is the updated List of Banned Dog Breeds in the UK and what current laws mean for dog owners.
List of Banned Dog Breeds UK (2025)
According to the official UK government list of banned dogs, these breeds remain illegal to own.
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- XL Bully – Illegal to own without a Certificate of Exemption since 1 February 2024
For more details on specific breeds, see Are Pitbulls banned in the UK?
Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, it is unlawful to:
- Sell, give away, abandon, or breed any banned dog
- Own a banned dog without an exemption
- Import or advertise a banned breed
For full details on owner responsibilities, refer to the broader UK dog control laws.
How Are Dogs Classified as a Banned Breed?
BSL does not rely on genetic testing. Instead, dogs are judged on whether they physically resemble a prohibited type. This means a dog with no history of aggression may still be seized if its appearance matches the characteristics of a banned breed.
Breed assessments are carried out by trained experts who compare the dog against a set of physical standards, often creating uncertainty for crossbreeds and rescue dogs.
Control measures apply regardless of breed — understanding dog leash laws in the UK is essential for all owners.
What Happens If You Own a Suspected Banned Breed?
If authorities believe your dog is a prohibited type:
- Police or local authority dog wardens can seize the dog, even from private property
- The dog is held and assessed by a qualified expert
- A court decides whether the dog is a banned type
Owners may face:
- Criminal charges
- Substantial fines
- A potential prison sentence
- A destruction order, unless an exemption is granted
In some cases, dogs can remain with their owners during assessment, but this is not guaranteed. In serious situations, owners or witnesses may need to know how to report a dangerous dog.
Exemptions and Lifelong Restrictions
If a dog is placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs (IED), the owner must follow strict conditions for the dog’s lifetime, including:
- Neutering
- Microchipping
- Being muzzled and kept on a lead in public
- Being kept in a secure home environment
- Maintaining third-party insurance
- Ensuring the owner is 16 years or older
- Informing authorities of any change of address or ownership
Failure to comply with any condition can result in the exemption being revoked.
A secure setup is essential — see dog harness vs collar for safety to choose appropriate equipment
Does Breed Specific Legislation Work?
Despite more than 30 years of BSL, UK dog bite statistics continue to rise:
- Between 1999 and 2019, dog bite incidents increased by 154% (from 3,454 to 8,775 cases).
- Between 1989 and 2017, there were 48 fatal dog attacks; however, 53 out of 62 dogs involved were not on the banned list.
These figures raise serious concerns about whether BSL effectively reduces incidents involving dangerous dogs. Many experts suggest that focusing solely on breed fails to address the root causes of dog aggression. Animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA position is that BSL is ineffective
Alternatives to BSL: What Experts Recommend
Organisations, animal behaviourists, and veterinary professionals often advocate for replacing BSL with more effective approaches, such as:
✔ Behaviour-Based Legislation
Assessing a dog’s behaviour rather than its breed type.
✔ Responsible Ownership
Encouraging proper training, early socialisation, and secure handling.
✔ Stronger Enforcement of Existing Laws
Targeting irresponsible owners who encourage aggression, mistreat dogs, or allow unsupervised roaming.
Experts, including the Kennel Club guidance on dog control laws, recommend behaviour-based legislation. Countries such as Italy, the Netherlands, and several regions in Germany and the United States have already repealed or reformed breed-specific bans in favour of modern, evidence-based dog control policies.
The Push to End BSL in the UK
A growing movement, supported by charities and canine welfare organisations, is calling for the repeal of Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Campaigners argue the law is outdated, discriminatory, and unsupported by scientific evidence.
Proposed reforms focus on:
- Better owner education
- Mandatory training schemes
- Early behavioural intervention
- Stricter penalties for irresponsible ownership
With political pressure increasing, many hope the UK will eventually follow international examples and replace BSL with fairer, more effective legislation.
Organisations such as Battersea’s campaign to end BSL continue to call for fairer, evidence-based dog laws.
Conclusion
As of 2025, the UK still enforces the List of Banned Dog Breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Although the legislation remains unchanged, evidence continues to show that breed-based bans do not significantly reduce dog attacks.
For now, owners must stay informed, follow current legal requirements, and support calls for more modern, behaviour-focused laws. Responsible ownership, education, and early intervention remain the most effective ways to keep both dogs and the public safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dog breeds are banned in the UK in 2025?
As of 2025, the dog breeds banned in the UK under the Dangerous Dogs Act are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and the XL Bully (illegal to own without a Certificate of Exemption since 1 February 2024). These restrictions apply to owning, breeding, selling, gifting, or abandoning any of these dogs unless an exemption is granted by the court.
What dogs are under the Dangerous Dogs Act UK?
The Dangerous Dogs Act covers both specific banned breeds and any dog dangerously out of control, regardless of breed. This means authorities can take action if any dog injures someone, acts aggressively, or causes a person to feel threatened. The Act also includes rules about dogs in public, private property, and how owners must keep their dogs under control.
Are Cane Corso going to be banned in the UK?
There is no ban on Cane Corsos in the UK and no confirmed plans from the UK Government to add them to the prohibited breeds list. While large guardian breeds often appear in public discussions about dog control, any future breed bans would require changes to the Dangerous Dogs Act—and no such changes have been announced for Cane Corsos. Responsible ownership, training, and proper socialisation remain the key focus for this breed.
Can you own a banned dog in the UK with an exemption?
Yes. Some banned dogs can be legally owned in the UK if the court grants a Certificate of Exemption. These dogs must be added to the Index of Exempted Dogs (IED) and follow strict lifelong rules, including being neutered, microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled in public, having third-party insurance, and being kept securely at home. Owners must be at least 16 and notify authorities of any address changes.
What happens if your dog is reported as a banned breed in the UK?
If a dog is reported as a suspected banned breed, the police or local authority can seize the dog for assessment, even if it has not shown aggression. A qualified expert compares the dog’s physical characteristics to the banned breed standards. A court then decides whether the dog is prohibited. Owners may face fines or prosecution unless an exemption is granted. In some cases, the dog may be allowed to stay at home during the process, but this is not guaranteed.
