For many different reasons, including dog-fighting and blood sports, there are several banned dog breeds in the UK. It is worth noting these if you are looking to adopt a dog, so you can be sure you are adopting a dog that is not only legal, but safe for your family. If you own an illegal dog then you are committing a criminal offence, and putting you and others in danger. If the breeder you are buying from is willing to sell banned breeds, then you cannot be sure what else they are capable of.
The Pit Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Types
The Pit Bull Terrier is the most notably banned breeds, originally bred within England, and used for the aforementioned blood sports such as bear baiting. These horrific sports saw packs of dogs in a pit against larger animals, like bears, for fights. Whilst the sports were banned and made illegal in 1835, dog-fighting still exists, as it is much harder to police.
Pit Bull-types are also banned, which include American Staffordshire Terriers, Irish Staffordshire Terriers, Irish Blue or Red Nose. This does not include Staffordshire Bull Terriers, these breeds are legal to own in the UK.
Japanese Tosa
Another type of fighting dog is the Japanese Tosa, which, as the name suggests, originated in Japan. This unregulated breed can weigh up to 200lbs, which led to its use in fighting, with attacks being common. They are known to fight silently, without growling, which makes it a very unusual breed of dog. These dogs are also banned in several other countries for the same reasons.
Dogo Argentino
This dog was first bred in Argentina, as a mix of the Cordoba Fighting Dog which is now extinct and other breeds such as Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds. They are lighter than the Tosa, normally under 100lbs, and appear similar to the Pit Bull Terriers, but quite a bit larger. They have been used for fighting but also big-game hunting due to their stamina and fearless nature, which is what led to their ban in the UK.
Fila Brasileiro
The Fila Brasileiro is also known as the Brazilian Mastiff. Developed in Brazil as a large working dog, it is known for its aggressive temperament and hunting ability. These large dogs can weigh up to 110lbs, which as a naturally very protective dog, makes it difficult to handle. Unlike the Dogo Argentino which was bred to be socialised in large groups, the Fila Brasileiro is known for its extreme wariness around strangers. Extensive socialising from a young age would have to be carried out, but still is not a dog to be left with strangers. This paired with its protective nature is why it was banned in the UK, as its temperament was too dangerous and unpredictable.