Top 10 Most Restricted Dog Breeds

In the late 1980s, a rise in attacks by Pit Bull-type dogs and other similar breeds resulted in widespread restrictions. In 1991, the United Kingdom's Parliament banned the ownership of Japanese Tosa Inus, Argentine Dogos, Fila Brasilieros, and Pit Bulls, with many other nations soon following their lead. Even in places where these breeds are still legal, it can be nearly impossible for owners to secure liability insurance for them.

10 American Bulldog

Banned in Denmark, Singapore, and various localities, the American Bulldog has roots in the American South, where it was originally used as a farm dog. Its primary role was catching wild hogs, which can weigh hundreds of pounds and have dangerous tusks. These ferocious animals can be brutal when cornered, requiring a dog with exceptional strength and agility to subdue them, holding them down until the hunter arrives. Due to this, American Bulldogs are known for their incredibly high pain tolerance. They typically weigh between 70-120lbs, although many can grow even larger.

9 Bandog

The name ‘bandog’ has been in use since the Middle Ages, referring to a large dog that was unleashed at night to protect its owner’s property. The modern bandog is not a specific breed, and its creation involves combining various breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers and different types of mastiffs. The goal is to create a dog with the powerful size of a mastiff and the tenacity of an APBT. The breed gained some attention in the late 1960s when veterinarian John Swinford began breeding them. His most notable dog was Bantu, a fierce and strong dog known for its combat skills. Weights can range greatly, but typically fall between 80 and 150lbs. Bandogs are often banned wherever their parent breeds are restricted.

8 Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff, also known as the Neo, originates from Italy, where it was once used as a gladiator dog in the bloody battles of the Coliseum. They were also employed as war dogs by the Roman legions. Today, they are primarily known as loyal protectors of the home. With a striking appearance, the largest males can exceed 200lbs and are characterized by loose, wrinkled skin and drooping jowls. A Neapolitan Mastiff famously portrayed Hagrid’s pet, Fang, in the Harry Potter films. These dogs are banned in Singapore, and in Romania, ownership requires psychological certification.

7 Wolfdog

Several well-known breeds combine wolves and domestic dogs, such as the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (a cross between a German Shepherd and the Carpathian wolf) and the Saarloos Wolfhound (a mix of German Shepherd and Mackenzie Valley timber wolf). The most famous wolfdog, perhaps, is Jack London’s fictional White Fang. Due to their mixed genetics, wolfdogs are highly unpredictable, responding to different situations in ways that can be both canine and wolf-like. They also have a very strong prey drive, making them unsuitable as pets. Numerous attacks, especially on small children, have been reported, with the dogs often seeing them as prey. Ownership of wolfdogs is illegal in Norway.

6 Boerboel

The Boerboel hails from South Africa and bears a strong resemblance to a more agile Bull Mastiff. Its name, derived from Dutch, roughly translates to “farm dog.” This breed was created by combining various native African dogs with guard dogs, introduced to the region by European settlers, particularly the Dutch. In the late 1920s, De Beers, the diamond company, brought Bull Mastiffs to South Africa to protect their mines, and these dogs played a key role in the development of the Boerboel. Known for being excellent home protectors without unnecessary aggression, they are also fond of children. Weighing in at over 150lbs, they are banned in Denmark.

5 Dogo Argentino

Originally bred in Argentina in 1928, the Dogo Argentino descends from the now-extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog, which was crossed with several other breeds, such as the Great Dane, Dogue de Bordeaux, and Irish Wolfhound. Breeder Antonio Nores Martinez created this dog as a big game hunter, designed to take on dangerous prey like mountain lions. Although not initially bred for it, the Dogo was later used in fighting rings. Typically weighing just under 100 pounds, the Dogo is solid white and bears a striking resemblance to a larger Pit Bull. The breed is banned in at least 10 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Portugal.

4 Presa Canario

The Presa Canario is a giant fighting dog from Spain’s Canary Islands, often weighing over 100 pounds. With roots in various mastiff breeds, this dog gained notoriety in 2001 when two Presa Canarios, Bane and Hera, attacked and killed 33-year-old lacrosse coach Diane Whipple in a San Francisco apartment building. The dogs had been bred for an Aryan Brotherhood fighting ring. Their owner, Marjorie Knoller, was convicted of second-degree murder, a landmark case at the time, and is now serving a 15-years-to-life prison sentence. Presa Canarios are banned in Australia and New Zealand.

3. American Pit Bull Terrier

No dog breed is more controversial than the Pit Bull. Often misunderstood, the Pit Bull was originally bred by crossing Bulldogs and Terriers for the purpose of dog fighting, where it excelled. Once a cherished family pet (such as Petey from The Little Rascals), the breed began to gain negative attention in the 1980s. Valued for its strength and gameness (a quality marked by a relentless willingness to fight, regardless of the cost), Pit Bulls became an urban symbol of criminal toughness. Unfortunately, poor breeding and training have led to many attacks on humans, some of which have been fatal. This paints a picture that contradicts the breed’s original nature, as Pit Bulls were never bred to be aggressive towards people. In the past, dog fighters would bathe their dogs before matches to remove poison, and any dog showing aggression towards humans would be culled. Whether regarded as loving companions or dangerous beasts, they are prohibited in Miami-Dade County, Florida; Ontario, Canada; and many countries worldwide.

2 Japanese Tosa Inu

The Tosa Inu can weigh anywhere between 80 and 200 pounds. This breed is a cross of native Japanese dogs and several Western breeds, including the Mastiff and Bull Terrier. Like many other fighting dogs, the Tosa is known for its combat skills, though the Japanese approach to dog fighting is quite unique. Tosa matches are highly ritualistic and resemble sumo wrestling, with the finest champions reaching the esteemed rank of 'Yokozuna.' The Tosa is characterized by its remarkable stoicism, as the breed is expected to fight without making a sound—no growling or whining. Ownership is banned in Denmark, Malta, Norway, and several other countries.

1. Fila Brasiliero

The Fila, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, is a massive dog originally bred for hunting wild boar and jaguars, and even used to track down runaway slaves. With roots in Mastiff, Bulldog, and Bloodhound breeds, the Fila is one of the most unyielding dogs on this list and is particularly known for its aggressive nature. This trait, called 'ojeriza,' translates from Portuguese to 'distrust.' The Fila has an intense aversion to strangers, so much so that Brazilian dog show judges are advised against touching it, and the breed's standards actually tolerate a level of ferocity in the ring. It is prohibited to own a Fila in the United Kingdom.