Dog breed bans by country: restricted and banned breeds

Prepared by the Animals Productions editorial team. See about us and our editorial standards.

Two different rules can affect your dog: country breed legislation (which bans or restricts certain 'dangerous' breeds) and airline breed policies (which restrict snub-nosed breeds for health reasons). Both can stop a trip, so check both before you book.

Country breed bans

Several countries restrict or ban breeds commonly grouped as 'pit bull type', and others such as Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa and certain mastiffs. The exact list and whether it's a full ban or a muzzle/registration requirement varies a lot. The UK's Dangerous Dogs Act and various EU member-state lists are the most cited examples.

Airline restrictions

Separately, many airlines limit brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds — bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Persian cats — because flattened airways raise the risk of breathing trouble in flight. This applies even where the country allows the breed.

How to check

• Read the destination country's breed rules (our country pages flag listed breeds).
• Confirm your airline's brachycephalic and breed policy.
• If your breed is restricted, look at ground transport or a specialist pet-relocation service.

See breed notes per destination on our country pages.

Banned dog breeds by country: quick reference

Two systems can stop your dog: national breed law and airline policy. On the national side, the UK restricts the Pit Bull Terrier type, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila Brasileiro under the Dangerous Dogs Act; several EU member states restrict similar “type” breeds, sometimes allowing them only with registration or a muzzle.

Separately, most airlines restrict brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds — bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers and similar — for safety in flight, even where the destination country permits the breed. Always check both the destination's breed list and your airline's policy before booking; our country pages flag listed breeds per destination.

FAQ

My dog is a 'pit bull type' — can I still travel?

It depends on the destination. Some countries ban the type outright; others allow it with registration or muzzling. Check the specific country's law first.

Why do airlines ban snub-nosed breeds?

Flattened airways make breathing harder under stress and at altitude, so airlines restrict them for safety — independent of country breed law.

How do I confirm my breed is allowed?

Check the destination country's breed list and your airline's policy. If either restricts the breed, plan an alternative route.

Which countries ban pit bulls?

Several, including the UK (Dangerous Dogs Act) and various EU member states. Rules range from outright bans to registration or muzzle requirements — check the specific country.

What dog breeds are banned for flying?

Airlines commonly restrict brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds such as bulldogs and pugs for safety, separately from any country's breed law.

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