Restricted Dog Breeds
Ban on XL Bully dogs
From 1st October 2024, new regulations will ban the import, breeding, selling, and rehoming of XL Bully dogs in Ireland. By February 1st, 2025, owners must apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep their dogs legally.
The application process requires documentation including a valid dog licence, microchipping certificate, and proof of neutering.
From the 1st October 2024, applications can be submitted through local authorities, and non-compliance may result in fines or seizure of the dog.
Visit gov.ie for full details.
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 impose additional restrictions on the following breeds of dog or on strains or crosses of these breeds which have been designated as “Restricted Breeds”.
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Bull Mastiff
- Doberman Pinscher
- English Bull Terrier
- German Shepherd (Alsatian)
- Japanese Akita
- Japanese Tosa
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bandog
These dogs or crosses of them are subject by law to the following restrictions when in a public place:
- must be securely muzzled
- must be led on a sufficiently strong chain or leash not greater than 2 metres in length by a person over 16 years of age, who is capable of controlling the dog
- must have a collar bearing the name and address of the owner (applies to all dogs)
These restrictions do not apply to dogs used by the Gardaí, Harbour Police, Airport Police, Customs & Excise Service, Rescue teams or Guide Dogs for the Blind.
