Banned dog breeds in Malaysia

The DVS import regulations list these as banned breeds, which cannot be imported:

• Akita
• American Bulldog
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro (spelled “Fila Braziliero” in the regulation)
• Japanese Tosa
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Pit Bull Terrier / Pit Bull, which the regulation says is also known as the American Pit Bull, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier

That last line catches people out. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is on Malaysia's banned list under the pit bull entry.

Source: Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia: Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats (non-scheduled countries, 2026 notice), read 16 October 2026.

These breeds can be imported, but only with prior written approval:

• Bull Mastiff
• Bull Terrier
• Doberman
• German Shepherd / Alsatian, including the Belgian Shepherd and East European Shepherd
• Perro de Presa Canario (Canary Dog)
• Rottweiler

The approval comes in writing from the Director General of the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS), and it has to be in hand before you apply for the import permit.

Source: Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia: Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats (non-scheduled countries, 2026 notice), read 16 October 2026.

The regulations attach conditions to that approval. The dog must:

• be at least 3 months old at import;
• have a pedigree certificate from an approved organisation in the exporting country;
• carry an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, with the code recorded on the pedigree certificate.

The Director inspects the premises where the dog will live, including the kennel, the size of the compound and how the dog will be secured and controlled. You also sign a declaration that the dog is a personal pet and not for sale, that it will be kept secured within the compound at all times, and that it will be leashed and muzzled at all times in public areas.

Source: Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia: Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats (non-scheduled countries, 2026 notice), read 16 October 2026.

Breed is only one gate. The same regulations require an import permit for every dog, a pet passport or certificate identifying the animal, an ISO microchip, and a veterinary health certificate from the exporting country's government veterinary authority, including rabies vaccination. Check the version of the regulations for your departure country, because DVS publishes separate rules for different groups of countries.

Source: Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia: Regulations for the importation of dogs and cats (non-scheduled countries, 2026 notice), read 16 October 2026.

We arrange international health insurance for people, not animals, so nothing on this page is something a Regency policy covers. Rules on dogs change, so confirm the current position with the authority named above before you book your dog's transport. This guide is general information from official sources, not legal advice.