🐶 Banned Dog Breeds in Australia: What You Need to Know in 2025

Australia has some of the world’s strictest animal import and ownership laws, especially when it comes to certain dog breeds considered a risk to public safety. If you’re planning to own, adopt, or import a dog in Australia, it’s essential to know which breeds are banned or restricted under federal and state law.

In this guide, we break down the banned dog breeds in Australia, explain the reasons behind these restrictions, and provide crucial advice for staying compliant in 2025.

Why Are Certain Dog Breeds Banned in Australia?

Australia enforces breed-specific legislation (BSL) to reduce attacks from aggressive dogs and protect the public. These laws are based on breed characteristics such as:

• Aggressive tendencies
• History of dog attacks or fighting use
• Strong physical build and bite strength
• Incompatibility with urban or family environments

The bans are enforced under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and various state-level Dangerous Dog Acts.

List of Banned Dog Breeds in Australia

As of 2025, the following breeds are banned from importation and ownership in most Australian states and territories:

• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
• Japanese Tosa
• Pit Bull Terrier (American Pit Bull Terrier)
• Perro de Presa Canario (Presa Canario)
• Wolfdog hybrids (including Saarloos Wolfhound and Czechoslovakian Wolfdog)

🔒 These breeds are classified as dangerous dogs and cannot be imported, bred, sold, or transferred.

Each state or territory may have additional restrictions or conditions for dogs that resemble these breeds.

Importing Dogs to Australia: What’s Allowed?

Australia has a strict quarantine and biosecurity system, and importing a banned breed is illegal under the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).

Key Import Requirements:

• Only non-restricted breeds are permitted
• Dogs must come from approved countries
• Health certifications and microchipping are mandatory
• All dogs must undergo quarantine in an approved facility (minimum 10 days)

Consequences of Importing a Restricted Breed:

• Immediate confiscation and euthanasia
• Fines or legal prosecution
• Permanent ban from importing pets

State-by-State Overview of Dog Breed Bans in Australia

Dog breed bans are enforced differently across Australian states and territories. Here's how each jurisdiction handles banned breeds:

✅ Tip: Even mixed-breed dogs may be subject to evaluation if they resemble banned breeds. Local councils have the authority to classify and regulate such dogs accordingly.

Legal Ownership of Restricted Breeds in Australia

In rare cases, restricted dogs that were owned before bans took effect may be allowed under strict legal conditions. These typically include:

• Mandatory registration: Must be registered with the local council.
• Sterilisation: Dogs must be desexed to prevent breeding.
• Muzzling: Required when in public spaces.
• Secure housing: Owners must provide escape-proof enclosures.
• Liability insurance: Some states require public liability coverage.
• Warning signage: Signs must be displayed at the property indicating a restricted dog is present.

Failure to comply with these conditions can result in:

• Fines
• Dog seizure
• Issuance of destruction orders

Controversy Around Breed-Specific Laws in Australia

Animal welfare advocates and dog behavior experts argue that breed-specific legislation (BSL) is outdated, unfair, and ineffective. Common arguments against BSL include:

• Aggression is shaped by environment and training, not solely by genetics.
• Mixed-breed dogs are often wrongly labeled as dangerous due to appearance alone.
• Laws punish responsible owners and well-behaved dogs simply based on breed.

Organizations like RSPCA Australia and the Animal Justice Party advocate for a shift toward behavior-based regulations and improved owner accountability instead of blanket breed bans.

Safe and Legal Dog Breeds for Families in Australia

If you're looking for a safe, family-friendly dog breed that’s legal across all states, consider these popular and well-loved options:

• Labrador Retriever
• Golden Retriever
• Border Collie
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier (often confused with Pit Bulls, but legal and known for being affectionate with families)
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Australian Cattle Dog
• Whippet
• Beagle

Always purchase from reputable breeders or rescue organizations that comply with local regulations to ensure the health, temperament, and legality of your new pet.

🐾 Top Tips for Choosing a Responsible Breeder

Finding a responsible breeder is essential to ensure you bring home a healthy, well-socialized dog. Look for breeders who:

• Prioritize health and temperament over appearance or size.
• Conduct health screenings for common genetic conditions in the breed.
• Allow visits to meet the puppies and parents in a clean, caring environment.
• Provide proper vaccinations and deworming records.
• Offer ongoing support and are willing to take the dog back at any stage of its life.
• Register their dogs with the state or national canine council (e.g., Dogs NSW, Dogs Victoria).
• Avoid puppy mills or online sellers who don’t allow in-person visits or offer too many breeds.

Choosing responsibly helps prevent overbreeding, supports ethical practices, and ensures your new companion starts life on the right paw!

📝 Conclusion

Breed-specific legislation in Australia exists to protect public safety, but it also sparks ongoing debate around fairness, effectiveness, and animal welfare. While banned breeds cannot be legally owned or imported, many safe, friendly, and family-oriented breeds remain available to responsible owners.

Whether you're adopting, buying, or importing a dog, always prioritize ethical breeding, legal compliance, and proper training. With the right care and awareness, every dog—regardless of breed—can become a valued and safe member of your household.

Stay informed, stay responsible, and enjoy the lifelong companionship that comes with being a dog owner in Australia!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)