Top 7 Most Dangerous Dog Breeds in the World? Ranked by number of bans

Ever wonder which dog breeds face the most restrictions worldwide? While opinions on “dangerous dogs” may vary, some breeds consistently find themselves on restricted lists more than others. Let’s break down which breeds face the most bans globally and understand what’s behind these regulations.

Think of this as your guide to understanding which dogs often need a bit more paperwork (or might be completely off-limits) depending on where you live. Whether you’re planning to move, adopt, or just curious about canine legislation, knowing these restrictions can be super helpful. Just remember – any dog’s behavior depends way more on training and care than breed alone!

Let’s dive into which breeds top the “restricted” lists around the world and are considered the most dangerous dog breeds! 

1. Pit Bull Terrier

Full-body view of an American Pit Bull Terrier with a lean, muscular frame, floppy ears, and an alert expression, highlighting its athletic build.
  • Outright banned or with major restrictions in 37 Countries as of 2025: Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Argentina, Bermuda Islands, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, China, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Fiji.

The Pit Bull Terrier is one of the most polarizing dog breeds in the world. Known for their strength and loyalty, they’ve also become a symbol of fear in many communities, leading to bans and restrictions in numerous countries. Concerns about safety, fueled by reports of aggression and bite incidents, have made the breed a frequent target of breed-specific legislation (BSL).

Adding to their controversial reputation is their history as fighting dogs, which has led some to believe they retain dangerous instincts. Public fear, often amplified by sensational media coverage, has further solidified the perception of Pit Bulls as inherently aggressive.

Proponents of these bans often cite the breed’s tenacity and perceived genetic traits, such as insensitivity to pain, which can lead to prolonged attacks. However, critics argue that BSL doesn’t address the root causes of aggression—like poor training or irresponsible ownership—and instead unfairly punishes the breed as a whole. They also point out the unintended consequences of these laws, such as family pets being confiscated and thousands of adoptable Pit Bulls being euthanized in shelters.

Ultimately, the debate reflects deeper issues about public safety, animal welfare, and how society approaches dog ownership and training. While the breed’s powerful nature is undeniable, advocates insist that with proper care and responsible ownership, Pit Bulls can be loving and gentle companions.



Fun fact: Canada’s take on Pit Bulls varies dramatically. In Ontario, they’re treated like public dangers, while other provinces practically roll out the red carpet for them. It’s a stark reminder of how subjective “danger” can be.

And another fun fact: Pit Bulls were once called “nanny dogs” because of their gentle and protective nature with children, showing how loving and loyal they can be when raised correctly!

2. Dogo Argentino

Dogo Argentino with a strong, muscular build and white coat, standing alert on grass, showcasing the breed’s confident and athletic traits.
  • Banned or restricted in 32 countries as of 2025:
    Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Israel, Singapore, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji.

If your can imagine a dog built for hunting boars and pumas, then you’ll most likely end up with the mental image of the Dogo Argentino. Bred in Argentina to handle large game, these dogs have a natural confidence that borders on fearless.

While they’re not born troublemakers, their strength and hunting instincts need a firm hand and lots of training. Known for its incredible strength, protective instincts, and hunting prowess, is a breed that commands respect—and sometimes fear. However, its sheer power and assertive nature have made it a target of breed-specific legislation (BSL) in many countries.

The bans and restrictions on the Dogo Argentino are primarily due to concerns about its potential for aggression if not properly trained and socialized. Its history as a working and fighting dog, combined with incidents of attacks in some regions, has led lawmakers to categorize it as a “dangerous breed.”

Fun Fact: The Dogo Argentino was bred by a surgeon! Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez created the breed in Argentina during the 1920s, blending 10 different breeds to develop a fearless and loyal hunting dog capable of taking on big game like boars and pumas.

3. American Staffordshire Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier standing on grass, a breed often included on banned dog breed lists due to its strong build and protective instincts

  • Banned or restricted in 44+ countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, China, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, Fiji, France, Germany, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom, Venezuela.

    NOTE: While the AmStaff may appear to have more restrictions on paper, the Pit Bull Terrier faces more outright bans globally, as it is more commonly targeted by breed-specific legislation (BSL). Also, the overlap in classification between the two breeds often complicates the exact numbers.

While any dog’s behavior depends largely on training and socialization, the American Staffordshire Terrier’s combination of strength, tenacity, and protective instincts has made it a controversial breed. Its history as a fighter and its strong, muscular build have led many countries to implement strict rules—or outright bans.

It’s not that they can’t be loving and loyal companions. In fact, many owners describe them as affectionate goofballs. But their reputation and power have landed them on restricted or banned lists across 44 countries. Even in areas where they’re allowed, owners often face strict regulations like mandatory muzzling, insurance, and permits.

So, while the AmStaff can be a total sweetheart with the right upbringing, their history and strength mean some places simply aren’t willing to take the risk.

Owner Tip: Early socialization is key to unlocking an Amstaff’s potential. Fans of the breed emphasize their ability to be gentle and loving family dogs with the right training and commitment. While they may have a tough reputation, many owners told us that it’s undeserved when these dogs are raised responsibly.

4. Tosa Inu

Tosa Inu, a large and muscular Japanese Mastiff, standing confidently, showcasing its dignified and powerful presence.
  • As of 2025 Tosa Inu is banned or restricted In 17 countries: Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Romania, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Fiji.

Tosa Inu comes from a pretty intense background. Originally bred in Japan specifically for dogfighting, these powerful dogs can weigh up to 200 pounds and have a history that’s raised red flags worldwide. Their fighting heritage isn’t just ancient history – in parts of Japan, they’re still known as the “fighting dogs,” though legal matches ended decades ago.

While any dog’s temperament depends hugely on training, the Tosa’s combination of massive strength, fighting instincts, and a fierce protective nature has led many countries to just say “no.” Even in Japan, owning one means dealing with strict regulations. It’s not that they can’t be good companions – but their background, sheer power and size have landed them firmly on restricted lists in many countries around the world.

Did You Know? For all their fighting past, Tosa Inu’s are famously quiet and can be very gentle. It’s their sheer size and intense demeanor that put them on many countries’ banned lists.

Fun Fact: The Tosa Inu has an estimated bite force of approximately 556 PSI (pounds per square inch), making it one of the strongest dog breeds in terms of bite power. 

5. Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)

  • Banned or restricted in 15 countries as of 2025: Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Malta, Norway, Portugal, United Kingdom, Ecuador, Venezuela, Cyprus, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Fila Brasileiro, or Brazilian Mastiff, is a breed that carries a reputation as fierce as its loyalty. Originally bred in Brazil for guarding livestock and property, its sheer strength and unwavering protective instincts have made it a beloved companion to some and a source of concern for others.

Unfortunately, this powerful breed’s history and natural guarding abilities have also placed it on banned or restricted lists in many countries.

Part of the issue stems from its role as a guard dog, with a reputation for being territorial and wary of strangers. While advocates argue that the Fila Brasileiro is gentle and affectionate with its family, its size and potential for aggression have raised safety concerns in places where breed-specific legislation (BSL) is enforced. These laws aim to mitigate risks to public safety by regulating breeds perceived as dangerous.

Another challenge is ownership management. The Fila Brasileiro is not a dog for the inexperienced; its strong will and powerful build demand consistent training, socialization, and a firm but loving hand.

Unique Trait: Known for their “ojeriza,” or distrust of strangers, Filas are not exactly the social butterflies of the dog world. This fiercely protective nature makes them a serious commitment—and probably not one you’d want in just anyone’s hands.

6. Presa Canario

Infographic of the Presa Canario, a banned dog breed recognized for its strength and guarding instincts, highlighting key traits and reasons for restrictions worldwide.
  • Banned or restricted in 14 countries as of 2025: United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, France, Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bahamas, St. Kitts & Nevis, Australia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    Note: In regions like the Canary Islands (Spain), where the breed originates, the Presa Canario is not banned but is regulated to ensure responsible ownership.

The Presa Canario, a powerhouse of strength and protective instincts, has earned a reputation that’s as intimidating as its size. Bred for guarding livestock and, in its darker history, dogfighting, this breed isn’t exactly the poster pup for easygoing family life. Its sheer power and potential for aggression have led to bans or strict regulations in several countries.

While fans of the breed swear by its loyalty and devotion, critics highlight its history, size, and protective nature as reasons for concern. Fatal incidents involving Presa Canarios—like those reported in the U.S.—haven’t exactly helped its case, fueling fears and pushing governments to add it to their “thanks, but no thanks” list.

The result? Breed-specific legislation (BSL) that ranges from mandatory permits and muzzling to outright bans. It’s not that the Presa Canario can’t be a loving companion, but with a dog this powerful, most authorities prefer to remain on the side of caution.

Fun Fact: The Presa Canario boasts a bite force estimated between 540 and 700 PSI. That’s enough to crunch through bone with ease. This powerful bite strength reflects the breed’s muscular build and history as a working and guard dog, making it one of the strongest bite forces, a powerhouse among dog breeds.

7. Rottweiler

Front view of a Rottweiler standing against a white background, exuding strength and loyalty, featured in an infographic about banned dog breeds by YPCKPets.


  • Banned or restricted in 8 countries as of 2025: Ecuador, Venezuela, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Denmark, Malta, United Kingdom.

    Note: While the Rottweiler is not outright banned in many places, its powerful build and protective instincts have led to strict regulations in some regions, including mandatory permits, muzzling, and leashing in public.

The Rottweiler, originally bred in Germany to herd cattle and guard property, is a breed known for its strength, intelligence, and loyalty. Their impressive build and natural protective instincts made them invaluable working dogs, but these same traits have also earned them a controversial reputation.

Over the years, high-profile incidents and statistics linking Rottweilers to severe attacks have fueled breed-specific legislation (BSL) in some countries. Their size and guarding nature often lead to misconceptions that they are inherently aggressive. Add media coverage into the mix, and public fear amplifies, creating a cycle of mistrust.

However, breed experts and advocates argue that aggression often stems from poor training, neglect, or irresponsible ownership—not the breed itself. With proper care, socialization, and a knowledgeable owner, Rottweilers are incredibly loyal, affectionate, and even goofy companions who thrive in loving homes.

Pro Tip: Rottweilers thrive in environments with structure and routine. They’re brilliant, so keep them occupied—mentally and physically. When raised right, Rottweilers are calm and dependable.

Conclusion

This list includes breeds that are either banned outright or restricted in various ways depending on where you are. For example, breeds like the Pit Bull Terrier and Tosa Inu are completely banned in many countries, while others, like the Rottweiler or Presa Canario, might require permits, muzzling, or special handling rules.

But here’s the thing—laws aren’t just about the dogs themselves. Sure, these breeds are powerful and protective, but a lot of the time, it comes down to how they’re raised and handled. A responsible owner who puts in the effort can make all the difference.

If you’re thinking about getting one of these breeds, make sure to check your local regulations first. Laws can vary not just by country, but by state or city too. Laws also change more often than you’d expect. So regardless if it’s a permit, a muzzle in public, or an outright interdiction, knowing the rules will save you a lot of headaches.

At the end of the day, these breeds aren’t inherently “bad.” In the right home, with the right care, they can be amazing companions. Just make sure you’re prepared for the extra responsibilities that come with them.

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