
Australia is known for its pet-friendly culture and has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. However, the country also has strict regulations regarding the importation of certain dog breeds to protect public safety and prevent dog attacks. These banned breeds are prohibited from importation, breeding, and ownership across the country, with regulations enforced by state and territory governments. This includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Perro de Presa Canario. These breeds are often associated with aggression and attacks, and some have a history of being bred for fighting. The ban aims to reduce the risk of incidents and protect the community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Breed | American Pit Bull Terrier |
| Japanese Tosa | |
| Dogo Argentino | |
| Fila Brasileiro | |
| Perro de Presa Canario | |
| Domestic and non-domestic dog hybrids |
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What You'll Learn

American Pit Bull Terriers
Australia is known for its pet-friendly environment, with pets being allowed in most public spaces. However, the country has strict laws prohibiting certain dog breeds to protect the public and other animals from potentially dangerous dogs. One of these prohibited breeds is the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog breed that originated in the 19th century when bulldogs were crossed with terriers for dog fighting and other blood sports. This breed is banned in Australia due to its classification as an aggressive breed specifically bred for fighting. The ban on American Pit Bull Terriers in Australia includes not only purebred dogs but also mix breeds and dogs that display any visible characteristics of the breed.
The importation of American Pit Bull Terriers into Australia is prohibited, and the breed is considered a ""restricted breed." This means that owning, breeding, or importing these dogs is not allowed or is heavily regulated. The laws and regulations regarding American Pit Bull Terriers can vary across different states and territories in Australia, with some areas imposing a complete ban on the breed while others may have specific conditions in place for ownership.
If you are planning to relocate to Australia with an American Pit Bull Terrier, it is important to research the specific regulations in your intended state or territory. In some cases, you may need to obtain approval from local authorities and comply with certain conditions to own this breed in Australia. It is worth noting that the dog must be a descendant of an existing pit bull already in the country.
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Japanese Tosa
Australia is known for its pet-friendly culture and has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. However, to protect the safety of the public and other animals, there are several dog breeds that are prohibited in the country. One such breed is the Japanese Tosa, a large and powerful dog breed that was originally bred for dog fighting in Japan.
The Japanese Tosa, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, is a rare breed that originated in Tosa, Shikoku (present-day Kōchi). The breed was developed by crossing the native Shikoku-Inu with various European dog breeds, including the Old English Bulldog, English Mastiff, Saint Bernard, German Pointer, Great Dane, and Bull Terrier. The goal was to create a larger and more powerful dog for dog fighting competitions. The heyday of Tosa breeding was between 1924 and 1933, when there were said to be over 5,000 Tosa breeders in Japan. Today, the Tosa is the only dog legally allowed for fighting in Japan, and it is also used as a watchdog.
The Japanese Tosa is known for its strength, fighting ability, and aggressive behaviour towards other dogs and strangers. They can weigh anywhere from 36 to 91 kilograms and stand up to 82 cm tall, making them difficult to control when they are aggressive due to their gigantic size. Their short and smooth coats are often red, brindle, fawn, or black in colour. While they can be loyal and affectionate companions, their fighting history and capability to cause serious injuries have led to bans and restrictions on their ownership in several countries, including Australia.
In Australia, the Japanese Tosa is banned from importation, breeding, and ownership across the country. This ban is enforced by state and territory governments to ensure compliance and protect the public. Similar restrictions are in place in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, where ownership is regulated under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and in Trinidad and Tobago, where it is regulated under the Dog Control Act 2014.
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Dogo Argentino
Australia is known for its pet-friendly culture and has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. However, the country has strict laws regarding the importation of certain dog breeds to protect the public and other animals from potentially dangerous dogs. One of these prohibited breeds is the Dogo Argentino, also known as the Argentinian Mastiff.
The Dogo Argentino is a large, muscular breed of dog that was originally bred in Argentina for hunting large game such as wild boar and pumas. The breed was developed in the early 20th century in Córdoba, Argentina, by Antonio Nores Martinez and his brother Augustin Nores Martinez. They aimed to create a dog with the fighting qualities of the Old Cordoba Fighting Dog but with greater size and strength. The Dogo Argentino is known for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature, but it can also be stubborn and requires early socialization and training.
Due to its history and incidents of attacks on humans and other dogs, some of which were fatal, Australia has banned the importation, breeding, and ownership of the Dogo Argentino across the country. The breed is considered a ""restricted breed dog"" and is allowed to be bred only in special conditions. This ban is enforced by state and territory governments to ensure compliance.
The Dogo Argentino is not suitable for first-time dog owners and is best left to experienced handlers. It requires plenty of exercise and is best suited to homes with at least an average-sized yard. While it can be kept inside for part of the time, it needs early obedience training, socialization, and consistent handling. The breed is prone to certain health issues, such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD) and congenital eye disorders, and its fast-growing nails require frequent clipping.
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Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, is a large, mastiff-type dog that originated in Brazil. It is a working breed that was used for protection, cattle herding, and big-game hunting. The breed is known for its loyalty, bravery, and protective nature. They are quiet, confident, and form deep bonds with their family.
The Fila Brasileiro has a strong guarding instinct and a natural wariness of strangers. They are powerful and athletic, which, when coupled with their aggression, makes them difficult to control. This dog breed has a history of attacking people and livestock. Due to their aggressive behaviour and powerful physique, the Fila Brasileiro has been banned in several countries, including Australia. The ban in Australia applies to the importation, breeding, and ownership of the breed.
The Fila Brasileiro is believed to have descended from European dogs brought to Brazil during the Colonial period. The breed was first recognised in the 1600s when they were used by early Brazilian cattle ranchers and plantation owners. The name "Fila" comes from the Portuguese word "filar," meaning "to hold, arrest, or grab," indicating their role as catch dogs.
The breed was further developed in the 1940s by Dr Paulo Santos Cruz, who is considered the "father of the breed." Today, there are three main standards for the Fila Brasileiro proposed by three separate clubs in Brazil: the CBKC (affiliated with the FCI), CAFIB (Fila Brasileiro's Enhancement Club), and AMFIBRA (World Association of Dog Breeders of Fila Brasileiro).
The coat of the Fila Brasileiro is smooth and short, and the breed comes in a variety of solid colours, including cream, fawn, yellow, tan, red, mahogany, and black. White markings are allowed but should not exceed 1/4 of the coat surface area.
In terms of health, the Fila Brasileiro is susceptible to dental disease, obesity, and various bacterial and viral infections. They are also more prone to parasitic infestations, including fleas, ticks, and ear mites, as well as internal worms.
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Perro de Presa Canario
The Perro de Presa Canario, or Presa Canario, is a banned dog breed in Australia. This ban includes restrictions on the importation, breeding, and ownership of the breed across the country.
The Presa Canario is a medium-sized, mastiff-type dog that originated in the Canary Islands, Spain. The breed is known for its robust and muscular physique, standing 61-66 cm for males and 57-62 cm for females, with males weighing between 45-57 kg and females between 40-50 kg. The head is broad and square, and the coat is short. The name translates to "canary catch dog" in Spanish, and the breed was derived from the Bardino Majorero, which was once found throughout the Canary Islands.
The Presa Canario was traditionally used as a guard dog for livestock and as a herding dog for cattle and sheep. They were also used for dog fighting, which was legal in Spain until 1936. The breed is known for its intelligence, courage, and physical resistance, as well as its strong protective instincts. While they can be calm, affectionate, and obedient with proper training, they are also highly suspicious of strangers and may act aggressively towards unknown people or animals.
The Presa Canario's large size and powerful build, combined with their natural guarding instincts and potential for aggression, have likely contributed to their banned status in Australia. The country has strict regulations in place to protect the public and other animals from potentially dangerous dog breeds.
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Frequently asked questions
The following dog breeds are banned in Australia: Japanese Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Perro de Presa Canario. These breeds are prohibited from importation, breeding, and ownership across the country.
The ban on certain dog breeds in Australia is primarily based on concerns surrounding public safety and the potential risk of dog attacks. These breeds are often associated with incidents of aggression and attacks on people and other animals.
The Japanese Tosa is a large and powerful dog breed that was originally bred for dog fighting. American Pit Bull Terriers are known for their muscular build and strong prey drive. They have a history of being bred for dog fighting and are often associated with territorial behaviour. The Dogo Argentino is muscular and athletic with a high prey drive. They are loyal and protective but can be aggressive towards other animals and children. The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, is a large, powerful, and athletic breed known for its loyalty and protective nature. However, they have a reputation for aggressive behaviour and are hard to control if they become aggressive. The Perro de Presa Canario, also known as the Presa Canario, is a large, mastiff-type dog with strong protective instincts. They can be very aggressive if not properly trained or socialized.
Yes, Australia also restricts the importation of domestic and non-domestic dog hybrids, such as wolf crosses. When importing a dog to Australia, the owner must declare the breed and sign a statement confirming that the dog is not on the banned list.








































