Comprehensive Global Pet Breed Bans & Restrictions (BSL)

Navigating international breed-specific legislation (BSL) is arguably the most critical step in pet relocation. One misstep can lead to entry refusal, seizure, or worse. This guide summarizes countries with known breed bans (no entry) and those with strong ownership restrictions (entry possible, but complex licensing required). For my practical advice on moving abroad with dogs, read the post Relocation Abroad with Pets: Breed Bans & Entry Rules.

❗ CRITICAL DISCLAIMER

Breed regulations are subject to frequent change, often without public notice. This resource is for guidance only.

You MUST confirm your dog's specific breed or "type" status with the relevant country's official government source (embassy, ministry of agriculture, or the specific city/local authority) immediately when planning your move.
If your dog is a mixed breed resembling a banned or restricted type, seek professional verification before booking flights.

I. Absolute Import BANS (Do Not Fly/Transit Here)

These countries prohibit the entry of the listed breeds, often including layovers. If your dog is a mixed breed that resembles these types, do not risk travel.

Country	Banned Breeds (Core List)	Notes on Legislation
Australia	Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Perro de Presa Canario.	Importation of any of these breeds (and their crosses) is strictly prohibited.
Cyprus	Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro.	Prohibited from being brought into the Republic of Cyprus.
Denmark	Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, South Russian Shepherd Dog, Tornjak, Sarplaninac.	13 breeds are banned from importing and breeding.
France	Category 1 "Attack Dogs" (No Pedigree): Pit Bull types, Boerbull types, Tosa types.	Entry is strictly prohibited for Category 1. Even layovers are dangerous.
Germany (Federal Law)	Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier.	Importation and transit of these four breeds (and their crosses) are banned nationwide.
Iceland	Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, English Bull Terrier.	Certain dangerous breeds are banned from importation.
Ireland	American XL Bully (since Oct 2024).	Import is banned. Existing dogs require a Certificate of Exemption. Moving from the US with a newly acquired XL Bully is generally illegal.
Norway	Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, Wolf hybrids.	Forbidden to import, sell, or breed.
Singapore	Pit Bull (includes Amstaff/Staffie types), Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, Perro De Presa Canario.	These breeds (and their crosses) are not allowed to be imported.
Turkey	Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro.	Import and ownership restrictions apply to these breeds.
United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, N. Ireland)	Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, American XL Bully.	These are banned "types" under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Entry is illegal without special, non-transferable government exemption.

II. Ownership Restrictions (Licensing & Muzzling Required)

These countries allow entry but classify the dogs under Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) or Potentially Dangerous Dog (PPP) laws, requiring extensive paperwork, insurance, and compliance checks.

Country	Classification / Core Law	Commonly Restricted Breeds (Beyond Banned)	Key Requirements (Post-Entry)
Austria (State-Level)	Varying state laws (e.g., Vienna, Upper Austria).	Dogo Argentino, Mastino Napoletano, Fila Brasileiro, Bullmastiff, Bull Terrier, Rottweiler (depending on the region).	Mandatory training courses for owners, liability insurance, and muzzling in public.
France	Category 2 "Guard Dogs" (Pedigree required).	Pedigree Tosa Inu, Pedigree American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler (Pedigree & Non-Pedigree).	Requires municipal license, socialization test, owner permit, neutering/sterilization, public muzzle/leash.
Germany (State-Level)	Varies by state (Länder).	Common Additions: Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Bullmastiff.	Keeping requires an official permit, mandatory liability insurance, and passing a character test to potentially waive muzzle/leash rules.
Ireland	Restricted breeds	Bullmastiff, Doberman, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, and their crosses.	Must be securely muzzled and kept on a short leash in public.
Portugal	Raças Potencialmente Perigosas	American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier.	Requires license, registration, criminal record check, mandatory liability insurance, muzzling, and non-retractable leash.
Spain	Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos (PPP)	Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.	Requires owner license, psychological exam, liability insurance (€120,000+), public muzzling, and short leash. NOTE: Regions like Valencia add Doberman, Bullmastiff, and Presa Canario.

The Exception: Italy

Italy does not maintain a national BSL list. Their focus is on the individual dog's behavior and the owner's responsibility. As of now, all breeds may enter if standard EU health requirements are met.

Remember: If your dog falls under a restricted category, the first step after landing is registering with the local town hall (Ayuntamiento in Spain) to begin the licensing process immediately.