Certain dog breeds are restricted or banned in some countries under 'breed-specific legislation' — laws that remain hotly debated among experts.
Here's a fact-checked look at breeds that commonly appear on such lists, and the controversy around these laws.
'Breed-specific legislation' (BSL) refers to laws that ban or restrict certain dog breeds, and its effectiveness is widely disputed by veterinary and animal-welfare organizations.
The Pit Bull-type dog is the breed most frequently targeted by bans and restrictions worldwide.
The United Kingdom's Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 restricts several types, including the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.
The XL Bully was added to the UK's list of restricted types, with rules phased in from late 2023 into 2024.
The Japanese Tosa, a large fighting breed, is banned or restricted in numerous countries.
The Dogo Argentino, bred in Argentina for big-game hunting, faces restrictions in the UK and elsewhere.
The Fila Brasileiro, a powerful Brazilian guardian breed, is restricted in several countries due to its protective temperament.
The American Bulldog and certain mastiff-type dogs appear on restricted lists in some jurisdictions.
The Presa Canario (Perro de Presa Canario) is restricted in parts of the world after high-profile incidents.
The Wolfdog (wolf-dog hybrid) is banned or tightly regulated in many places because of unpredictable wild behavior.
Major bodies such as the American Veterinary Medical Association have concluded that breed alone is a poor predictor of aggression, and favor breed-neutral approaches focused on owner responsibility.
Laws vary enormously by country, state, and city, and they change frequently, so a breed legal in one place may be banned nearby.
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