UK Favourite Dog Breeds Which Are Banned in Other Countries

This may come as a surprise but some of the UK’s most popular and in-demand dogs aren’t so welcome in other countries around the world.

Whilst we see them as intelligent, devoted, strong, energetic and loving other countries see them as dangerous and for this reason, they are banned or restricted in many countries.

Be prepared to be shocked as we reveal some of the most loved UK dog breeds that are banned in other countries.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are excellent dogs, they’re courageous, intelligent and do well in search-and-rescue operations and drug detections well as far as us in the UK are concerned. In other countries such as Ukraine, Bermuda, Belarus and the US they consider German Shepherds to be a dangerous dog breed.

In Ukraine, they believe they have an aggressive and protective nature and therefore forbid citizens from owning them. The same goes for Bermuda and in 2011 the German Shepherd breed was moved from the unrestricted list to restricted. Belarus and the Maldives are other countries that have banned the ownership of Alsatians.

They are also restricted in the following countries:

• Ireland
• UAE
• Romania
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Iceland

Dalmatian

Dalmatians are playful, active, protective, gentle dogs that make fantastic pets for many households in the UK. They’re patient and generally good with children too so make the perfect family dogs. However, China doesn’t agree.

In 2003, Beijing passed the overall regulation on dog breeding and when the rule took effect it stated that ‘large and vicious dogs as well as dogs of maturity height over 35 centimetres’ were no longer allowed in key management areas in the city aka the districts that make up the heart of the capital. This included Dalmatians amongst some other very popular dog breeds.

Rottweiler

Rottweilers are affectionate, loyal, good with children and other dogs and protective of their family but some countries have taken a different point of view.

Ecuador and the Bermuda Islands have both banned Rottweilers as pets because they deem them to be territorial and potentially dangerous.

Other countries such as Ireland, Portugal, Romania and Singapore have also placed restrictions on the ownership of this breed.

Akita Inu

The Akita originates from the mountainous regions of northern Japan and are bold and wilful dogs with an affectionate and playful nature. They are noble and loyal to many families in the UK but according to other countries they have a reputation for being aggressive.

The Bermuda Islands and Singapore have both banned the ownership of this dog breed whilst there are also restrictions in the following countries:

• Spain
• Ireland
• USA
• Ukraine

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffies make great family pets, they are gentle, affectionate dogs that absolutely adore people and add happiness to many households around the UK. But just like any dog in the wrong hands or with a bad experience they can become troubled or aggressive and because of that many countries have restricted or banned the ownership of this breed.

Germany, Switzerland and Bermuda Islands have outright banned the ownership of the Staffie breed but there are also restrictions in countries such as:

• Spain
• Ireland
• France
• Romania
• Israel
• USA
• Portugal
• Singapore

To find out more about banned breeds. Check out Which Dog Breeds Are Banned in China?