Dog bites aren’t just a personal injury issue—they’re reshaping laws worldwide. With 4.5 million incidents reported annually in the U.S. alone, the fallout has created a maze of breed-specific restrictions that stir fierce debate over fairness and public safety.
The following 13 breeds bear the brunt of these controversial bans. But do these laws address the root causes, or are they sidelining the role of responsible ownership and training?
1. Pit Bull Terrier
This breed faces some of the most widespread restrictions globally, with varying bans in numerous countries including the UK, Germany, and parts of the US. (ref) Their powerful build and historical connection to dog fighting have made them a primary target of breed-specific legislation, despite many advocates arguing for their gentle nature when properly trained.
Pit Bulls were originally bred in the 1800s for blood sports, but their role evolved significantly over time. In recent decades, these dogs have become increasingly stigmatized, with insurance companies often refusing coverage to Pit Bull owners and many housing complexes banning them outright.
2. XL Bully
The most recent addition to banned breed lists, XL Bullies was prohibited in England and Wales in 2024 following several high-profile incidents. This breed accounted for approximately half of all fatal dog attacks in the UK in the year leading up to the ban.
The ban requires existing XL Bully owners to obtain exemption certificates and follow strict guidelines, including muzzling their dogs in public and maintaining special insurance. Without proper certification, ownership became illegal as of February 1, 2024. (ref)
3. Rottweiler
Rottweilers face restrictions in multiple countries, including Ireland and Spain, where they must be muzzled in public spaces. Their powerful build and protective nature have led to increased scrutiny from lawmakers and insurance companies.
Despite their reputation as excellent guard dogs and loyal family companions, Rottweilers consistently appear on insurance companies’ restricted breeds lists.
4. Japanese Tosa
This rare fighting breed from Japan faces bans in numerous countries, including the UK, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. Their historical breeding for fighting purposes has made them a target for restriction, despite their rarity outside Japan.
The Tosa’s impressive size and strength, combined with their fighting heritage, have led to strict controls on ownership. In countries where they are permitted, owners often must obtain special licenses and maintain specific security measures.
5. Dogo Argentino
Originally bred for big game hunting, the Dogo Argentino is prohibited in several countries including the UK and various European nations. Their powerful build and hunting instincts have led to concerns about public safety.
These dogs require experienced handlers and extensive training, which has contributed to their inclusion in breed-specific legislation. Despite their loyal and protective nature with family members, their strength and determination have made them a target for restrictions.
6. Fila Brasileiro
This Brazilian Mastiff faces bans in multiple countries due to its naturally protective and territorial nature. Their intense loyalty to family members and suspicion of strangers has led to concerns about their adaptability to urban environments.
The breed’s size and protective instincts require careful training and socialization from an early age. Many countries have determined that these characteristics make them unsuitable for general pet ownership.
7. American Staffordshire Terrier
Often grouped with Pit Bulls in legislation, American Staffordshire Terriers face similar restrictions worldwide. Their muscular build and relation to fighting breeds have led to increased scrutiny, despite their reputation as loving family pets.
These dogs have become caught in the crossfire of breed-specific legislation, often facing restrictions even though many owners and experts argue they are gentle and affectionate when properly trained and socialized.
8. Caucasian Shepherd
This massive guardian breed faces restrictions in several countries due to its protective nature and impressive size. Their historical role as livestock guardians has made them challenging to adapt to urban environments.
These dogs require extensive training and socialization, and their protective instincts can make them inappropriate for inexperienced owners. Many jurisdictions have implemented specific requirements for ownership, including special permits and mandatory training.
9. Wolf Dogs
Wolf-dog hybrids face strict regulations or outright bans in many regions due to their unpredictable nature and wild animal heritage. Their complex care requirements and potential for aggressive behavior have led to increased scrutiny.
These animals appear on 93% of insurance companies’ banned breed lists and face restrictions in numerous countries. (ref) Their unique needs and behaviors make them particularly challenging as domestic pets.
10. Cane Corso
This Italian Mastiff breed faces increasing restrictions worldwide due to its size and protective nature. Their powerful build and guardian instincts have led to concerns about public safety, particularly in urban areas.
Recent legislation in several countries has included Cane Corsos among restricted breeds, requiring special permits and training for ownership. Their inclusion in banned breed lists has grown as the breed has gained popularity.
11. Akita
Both Japanese and American Akitas face restrictions in several countries, particularly in Ireland and parts of Spain. Their independent nature and potential for dog aggression have led to increased regulation.
These dogs require experienced handlers and extensive socialization, leading many jurisdictions to implement specific ownership requirements. Their powerful build and protective instincts have contributed to their inclusion in breed-specific legislation.
12. Presa Canario
This powerful Molosser breed from the Canary Islands faces restrictions in multiple countries due to concerns about its strength and guardian temperament. Their muscular build and protective nature have led to increased regulation, particularly following several high-profile incidents.
These dogs require experienced handlers and extensive socialization from an early age. Many jurisdictions have implemented specific ownership requirements, including mandatory training programs and special permits for breeding and ownership.
13. Boerboel
This South African Mastiff faces increasing restrictions worldwide due to its size and protective nature. Their powerful build and guardian instincts have led to concerns about public safety in urban environments.
The breed requires experienced handling and extensive training, leading many jurisdictions to implement specific ownership requirements. Their inclusion in banned breed lists has grown as awareness of the breed has increased internationally.
While these bans aim to reduce incidents and protect communities, the debate continues about their effectiveness. Many animal behaviorists argue that responsible ownership, proper training, and individual dog assessment are more crucial than breed-wide restrictions.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.