Dangerous and restricted dog breeds
By law, dangerous and restricted breed dogs must be desexed and microchipped, other than guard or attack trained dogs.
New and updated laws
From 30 September 2011, the Domestic Animal Act 1994 will be updated to better protect the community.
From 30 September 2011, the Domestic Animals Act 1994 states that the only restricted breed dogs that can be kept or registered are those that were:
- in Victoria prior to 1 September 2010, and
- registered (as any breed) prior to 30 September 2011.
Read more about restricted dog breeds in Victoria on the Department of Primary Industries website.
Restricted Breed Dogs
A ‘restricted breed dog’ is defined as a breed whose importation into Australia is prohibited under the Commonwealth Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956.
The following dogs are restricted breed dogs:
- Pit Bull Terrier Breeds (including the American Pit Bull Terrier)
- Dogo Argentino (Argentinian fighting dog)
- Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian fighting dog)
- Japanese Tosa, and
- Perro de Presa Canario.
Of these, the Pit Bull Terrier and the Perro de Presa Canario are the only breeds currently known to exist in Australia. Importantly, a restricted breed dog can include any dog of a mixed breed that visibly contains any of the above prohibited breeds.
For keeping of Restricted Breed Dogs refer to Domestic Animal Act 1994
You may be fined:
- if you do not declare you have a restricted breed dog, or
- for giving false information in a restricted breed dog declaration.
