UAE Updates List of Banned Dog Breeds

The UAE is known for its strict regulations on dog breeds and owners, which means that there are a few specific dog breeds that are generally not allowed in the country. In this article, we list the banned dog breeds in the UAE so that you can be aware of them and make sure that your dog doesn’t fall into any prohibited categories.

Breeds of dogs that are not allowed in UAE

There are a few breeds of dogs banned in the UAE. These breeds were banned by the government for various reasons, including how they may pose a threat to public safety. Some of these breeds include the Pitbull, Mastiff, Japanese Tosa and others.

As pet owners, you need to be updated with the current rules and regulations in the UAE especially when it comes to dog breeds that you can keep in the country.

Recently, the UAE released an updated list of dog breeds that are now banned in the country with some exceptions if they are:

1. Service animals
2. Emotional support animals
3. For other medical purposes.

The new breeds included in the banned list: Pit Bull, Argentinian Mastiff, Tosa Inu, Brazilian Mastiff and Otterhound.

The four main dog breeds listed by MoCCAE

The updated list prohibits the possession and circulation of these dogs for individuals and commercial establishments.

Banned Dogs in UAE

1. Pit Bull: Staffordshire terrier, American Pit Bull, American Bully Pit Bull

2. Mastiff: Brazilian, Argentine, Tibetan, South African, Italian, Indian, Bullmastiff

3. Japanese Tosa dogs

4. Perro de Presa Canario (the Spanish breed of Mastiff)

The law does not completely ban the possessions of these dog breeds because there are exceptions that permit the ownership of Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, and Japanese Tosa dogs.

Bear in mind that fines for owning a banned would range from Dh10,000 to Dh700,000. It may also lead to a jail term and the confiscation of the animal.

Read our guide on how to adopt a dog in Dubai

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