Banned dog breeds in Malta: the bully-type rule

Subsidiary Legislation 439.28, in force from 6 December 2024, targets one group: non-pedigree bully-type dogs. These are dogs that show the physical characteristics typical of bully breeds but have no formal pedigree or registration with a recognised kennel club.

The regulation names twenty breeds whose characteristics define the bully type, and their crossbreeds:

• American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier, American Bully
• Bullmastiff, Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier
• Old English Bulldog, American Bulldog, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier
• Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, Presa Canario, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, South African Boerboel

A pedigree French Bulldog with kennel-club papers is outside the rule. A cross of the same look, without papers, is inside it.

Source: legislation.mt: S.L. 439.28, Prohibition of Breeding and Keeping of Non-Pedigree Bully Type Dog Regulations, read 16 October 2026.

The regulation sets out four prohibitions for non-pedigree bully-type dogs:

• Breeding them, by anyone.
• Keeping one born after the regulations came into force.
• Advertising them.
• Selling them.

If the Director responsible for animal welfare has reasonable cause to believe a dog is not pure-bred, he may require a DNA test from an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, at the keeper's expense if the suspicion is confirmed.

Source: legislation.mt: S.L. 439.28, Prohibition of Breeding and Keeping of Non-Pedigree Bully Type Dog Regulations, read 16 October 2026.

The regulation carries a specific proviso for dogs arriving from elsewhere in the EU. A non-pedigree bully-type dog entering Malta from another Member State must have been in its keeper's possession for at least six months, and must be registered to that keeper under the Electronic Identification of Dogs Regulations within 30 days of arrival.

The proviso speaks only of dogs coming from another Member State. If your dog is coming from outside the EU, ask the Animal Welfare Directorate before you travel rather than assume the same route applies.

Source: legislation.mt: S.L. 439.28, Prohibition of Breeding and Keeping of Non-Pedigree Bully Type Dog Regulations, read 16 October 2026.

Malta also has Owning and Keeping of Dangerous Animals Regulations, which list wild canids such as wolves, jackals and dingoes. They state that the domestic dog is exempt, so a pet dog of any breed does not need registering as a dangerous animal.

Source: legislation.mt: S.L. 439.19, Owning and Keeping of Dangerous Animals Regulations, 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.