Guide · educational

Banned dog breeds in Ireland

By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026

Ireland bans one type of dog outright: since 1 October 2024 regulations prohibit importing, breeding, selling and rehoming XL Bully dogs, and since 1 February 2025 owning one without a Certificate of Exemption is illegal. Ten more breeds and the Bandog are restricted: in public they must be muzzled and on a strong lead no longer than 2 metres, held by someone over 16.

The XL Bully ban

The Department of Agriculture states that regulations introduced on 1 October 2024 prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully dogs, and that since 1 February 2025 it has been illegal to own an XL Bully without a Certificate of Exemption.

For a mover the first of those is the decisive one: an XL Bully cannot be brought into Ireland. The Department adds that, as a cross of restricted breeds, XL Bully dogs are also subject to the restricted-breed rules below.

Source: gov.ie, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Dog control, read 16 October 2026.

The restricted list

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 apply extra controls to these 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

The same rules cover every dog of the type known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog), and every other strain or cross of any breed on the list. A German Shepherd cross is inside the rule, not outside it.

Source: Irish Statute Book: S.I. No. 442/1998, Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, read 16 October 2026.

What restricted means in practice

Restricted breeds are not banned, but they are controlled in public. The regulations require the dog to be securely muzzled and led on a sufficiently strong chain or leash not exceeding two metres, by a person over the age of sixteen who is capable of controlling it.

The rule applies in any public place, so a muzzle and a short lead are part of moving with one of these dogs.

Source: Irish Statute Book: S.I. No. 442/1998, Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, read 16 October 2026.

Rules for every dog

Whatever the breed, the Department states that if you own a dog you must get a dog licence and have your dog microchipped, and that you must clean up after your dog in a public place.

This guide is general information from official sources, not legal advice. Rules on dogs change, so confirm the current position with the Department before you book your dog's transport.

Source: gov.ie, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: Dog control, read 16 October 2026.

Common questions

Is the XL Bully banned in Ireland?

Yes. The Department of Agriculture says regulations from 1 October 2024 prohibit importing, breeding, selling and rehoming XL Bully dogs, and that since 1 February 2025 owning one without a Certificate of Exemption is illegal.

Which dog breeds are restricted in Ireland?

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 list the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, plus the Bandog and every strain or cross of them.

Do restricted breeds have to wear a muzzle in Ireland?

Yes, in a public place. The regulations require the dog to be securely muzzled and led on a strong chain or leash no longer than two metres, by someone over sixteen who can control it.

Can I bring a German Shepherd or Rottweiler to Ireland?

Yes. Both are restricted rather than banned, so the dog can come, but in public it must be muzzled and on a short strong lead held by someone over sixteen. Every dog in Ireland also needs a licence and a microchip.