
Australia has a ban on certain aggressive dog breeds that were specifically bred for fighting. These laws may differ according to state and territory, but some breeds are fully or partially banned across the country. The banned breeds are prohibited from importation, breeding, and ownership, with strict regulations enforced by state and territory governments to ensure compliance. So, which dog breeds are banned in Western Australia?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of banned breeds | 6 |
| Breed | American Pit Bull Terrier |
| Breed | Japanese Tosa |
| Breed | Dogo Argentino |
| Breed | Fila Brasileiro |
| Breed | Perro de Presa Canario |
| Breed | Any hybrids of the above |
| Reason | Aggressive behaviour |
| Reason | History of attacks on people and other animals |
| Reason | Protective instincts |
| Reason | Strong prey drive |
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What You'll Learn

American Pit Bull Terriers
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog breed that is banned in Australia. This breed originated in the 19th century when bulldogs were crossed with terriers for dog fighting and other blood sports. They are not generally considered a brachycephalic breed and are not typically affected by BOAS.
The ban on aggressive dog breeds in Australia is in place to safeguard the public and other animals. This ban extends to mixed breeds of the American Pit Bull Terrier and dogs that display any visible characteristics of the breed. It is illegal to import or breed restricted breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, and owners may face heavy regulations and restrictions.
While some people in Australia do own American Pit Bull Terriers, these dogs are not common due to the restrictions in place. It is important to note that the regulations aim to protect the public and other animals from potentially dangerous dogs, and it is the responsibility of dog owners to ensure proper training and socialization of their pets.
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Japanese Tosa
The Japanese Tosa, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, is a breed of dog originating from Tosa, Shikoku, Japan. It is considered a rare breed. The breed was developed by crossing native Shikoku-Inu dogs with various European breeds, including the Old English Bulldog, English Mastiff, Saint Bernard, and German Pointer. The resulting offspring were then crossed with Great Danes and Bull Terriers to create an even larger and more powerful dog. The Japanese Tosa was specifically bred for dog fighting and is the only dog breed that is legally allowed for this purpose in Japan.
The breed is known for its strength, fighting ability, and aggressive behaviour, particularly towards other dogs and strangers. Due to its fighting history and capability to cause serious injuries, the Japanese Tosa is banned in Australia, along with other dog breeds with a similar history. The ban includes restrictions on the importation, breeding, and ownership of these dogs, with strict regulations enforced by state and territory governments to ensure compliance.
The ownership of Japanese Tosas is legally restricted in several countries and jurisdictions due to their classification as a dangerous breed. In the United Kingdom, for example, ownership and importation are regulated under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, and a specific exemption from a British court is required to own and import them legally.
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Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a breed of dog that originated in Argentina and was bred for hunting. They are described as muscular, highly intelligent, and loyal, with protective instincts towards their family. However, they can also be stubborn and require early socialisation and training to ensure they grow into well-behaved adults.
In Western Australia, the Dogo Argentino is prohibited from importation, breeding, and ownership. These strict regulations are enforced by state and territory governments to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of attacks. The specific laws and restrictions regarding banned dog breeds may differ across Australia's states and territories.
It is important for potential dog owners to be aware of these laws and to choose a breed that suits their lifestyle and experience level. Understanding the restrictions on certain breeds can help prevent legal issues and ensure the safety of the community and other animals. It is also crucial for current owners of restricted breeds to follow the necessary protocols and regulations to avoid penalties and keep their dogs and the community safe.
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Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro, or Brazilian Mastiff, is a large, mastiff-type dog that originated in Brazil. It is a powerful and athletic breed, known for its loyalty and protective nature. The breed is also characterised by its strong guarding instinct and wariness of strangers.
The Fila Brasileiro was developed as early as the 1600s by Brazilian cattle ranchers and plantation owners. The breed was used to track, hold and protect cattle from large predators. The name comes from the Portuguese word "filar", meaning "to hold". In addition to cattle herding, the Fila Brasileiro was also used for big-game hunting and as a guard dog. In the 18th century, when slavery was still legal in Brazil, the breed was used to return escaped slaves to their owners.
The Fila Brasileiro is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 9-11 years. However, they are susceptible to certain health issues, such as dental disease, obesity, and bacterial and viral infections. They are also more prone to parasitic infestations, including fleas, ticks, and ear mites.
The Fila Brasileiro has been banned in several countries, including Australia, due to its aggressive behaviour and history of attacks on people and livestock. The ban in Australia applies to the importation, breeding, and ownership of the breed. The Fila Brasileiro is considered a dangerous dog in some jurisdictions, requiring specific exemptions from a court to own.
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Perro de Presa Canario
The Perro de Presa Canario, also known as the Presa Canario, is a breed of dog that is banned in Western Australia. This breed is a medium-sized, mastiff-type dog that originated in the Canary Islands, Spain. The name of the breed is Spanish, translating to "canary catch dog", and refers to its traditional use as a guard dog and herding dog for cattle.
The Presa Canario is a robust and muscular dog with a strong protective instinct. They are highly suspicious of strangers and can act aggressively towards people or animals they don't know. They are also quite calm and confident, making them suitable for home security. They are a quiet breed, which is appealing to some owners.
The Presa Canario has an interesting history, almost becoming extinct in the 1960s. The breed was influenced by dogs from the British Isles, brought over during the colonial period and the influx of British residents in the 19th century. By the 1940s, dog fighting was prohibited, which contributed to a decline in the number of Presa Canario dogs as people became more interested in other breeds.
Despite their aggressive reputation, when properly trained and socialized, the Presa Canario can be docile, devoted, and obedient. They are a good fit for experienced dog owners who can provide the necessary training and care, including regular exercise and grooming.
The Presa Canario is banned in Australia due to its classification as an aggressive breed that was historically bred for fighting. This ban aims to protect the public and other animals from potentially dangerous dogs, with strict regulations enforced by state and territory governments.
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Frequently asked questions
The following dog breeds are banned in Western Australia:
- American Pit Bull Terriers
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
- Perro de Presa Canario (Presa Canario)
These dog breeds are banned due to their aggressive behaviour and history of attacks on people and other animals. The ban aims to protect the public and other animals from potentially dangerous dogs.
Yes, when bringing a dog into Western Australia, you must declare and confirm the breed of your dog, stating that it is not on the banned list.











































