If you're looking for information on dog breeds banned in the United Kingdom, you might like to check out the government’s list of banned dog breeds. These breeds are often referred to as fighting or dangerous dogs and are classified as potentially dangerous. It's important to note that the possession of these breeds is subject to special conditions and restrictions, which owners should be aware of before acquiring such a dog.
Some of the banned dog breeds in the UK include the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. It's worth noting that not all dogs on the list are inherently dangerous but rather have been classified as such due to their potential to cause harm.
Since 1991, the UK has had legislation surrounding certain dog breeds. This is sometimes called breed specific legislation. Later amended in 1997 and called the Dangerous Dog Act, this legislation does not allow people to own particular breeds of dogs first bred for fighting. The Dangerous Dogs Act also means it’s illegal to breed, sell, gift, or abandon one of these former fighting dogs. On top of this, the Act makes it a criminal offence to allow dogs of one of the banned dog breeds in the United Kingdom to be “dangerously out of control” in a public area or other places they shouldn’t be.
What’s more, the police have the power to seize dogs on the list of banned dog breeds if the dog injures a person. Penalties include a potential ban on keeping dogs or a personal sentence.
It seems harsh just to blacklist a group of dogs. However, the list of banned dog breeds was first put into place in 1991 as a response to a rise in unprovoked attacks on humans by these specific breeds of dogs. Sure, it’s nature over nurture - if you have a so-called “dangerous dog”, they may be perfectly fine around you and your family and children. Nonetheless, you must remember that dogs on the list of banned dog breeds in the United Kingdom were first bred as fighting ones. With their physical traits and instincts, these dogs can do great harm when they do attack people.
There are just four banned dog breeds in the United Kingdom. These dog breeds are the Dogo Argentino, the Japanese Tosa, the Pit Bull Terrier, and the Fila Brasileiro. Other dogs may physically resemble these dangerous ones, but these dogs are not on the list of banned dog breeds.
If you own a dog on the list of banned dog breeds, your dog may be well-behaved. However, unfortunately, the police can still take your dog off you - at least for a while - even if your dog has never bitten anyone or caused an incident. What’s more, if the police convict you of owning a banned or mixed-banned breed dog, you may receive a fine, get a six-month prison sentence, or even both.
The sentence you could receive reflects the seriousness of your offence. You can also apply for a certificate of exemption. You can keep it if you can prove your dog is safe. However, you must be over 16, take out special insurance and keep your dog on a muzzle in public.
When discussing dogs and their potential risks, it is important to note that the classification as a dangerous dog, or a banned breed, only plays a secondary role.
It is crucial to remember that aggression in dogs is almost always caused by human behaviour. Rather than focusing solely on a dog’s breed, it is essential to properly train and socialise all dogs to prevent any potential risks. So, when considering what a dangerous dog breed in the UK is or what are the illegal dog breeds in the UK, it is vital to approach this topic with an understanding that breed alone does not determine a dog's behaviour - you should also look at the other end of the leash if you see aggression.
When owning a dog, it's essential to understand that breed alone does not determine a dog's behaviour. While dogs are generally not naturally aggressive, there can be significant differences in their temperament based on breed.
Before adopting, it's crucial to consider whether a particular breed is suitable for beginners. For instance, while breeds like the Golden Retriever are known for their eagerness to please their owners, other breeds require more experience and consistent training.
It's important to note that the list of banned dog breeds in the United Kingdom is also not the only factor to consider when choosing a dog, as other breeds that do not come under breed-specific legislation or the Dangerous Dogs Act may still require a more experienced owner. Even the placid, obedient Golder Retriever still has loads of energy, for example!
Therefore, it's essential to be honest about whether they are up to owning a dog and whether their chosen breed is suitable for beginners. For more information on dangerous dog breeds in the UK, you can research "What is a dangerous dog breed in the UK?" or "What are the illegal dog breeds in the UK?" in addition to consulting the list of banned dog breeds.
As you can see, despite their bad reputation, banned dogs are not inherently dangerous. As long as the owner trains their dog sensibly with practical training and appropriate activities, practically any dog can become a reliable and peaceful companion.
The classification of being on the list of banned dogs only plays a small role in a dog’s personality. Instead, what matters most is the experience and knowledge of the owner, who is responsible for training their dog in a way that does not threaten others.
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