Dangerous Dogs Compliance
Dangerous dogs, restricted dogs and the law.
The legal position for banned or restricted dogs is strict and varies across the UK. ePuP must not be used to facilitate an unlawful sale, exchange, transfer, breeding arrangement or other prohibited transaction.
Last reviewed: 7 August 2026Dangerous Dogs Act framework
In England and Wales, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and subsequent amendments regulate prohibited dog types and dogs that are dangerously out of control. Current government guidance lists the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and XL Bully as banned types in England and Wales, subject to lawful exemption arrangements.
Whether a dog is treated as a prohibited type can depend on physical characteristics rather than simply its stated breed, pedigree or DNA result. Describing a dog as a crossbreed does not avoid the law.
Current official guidance: GOV.UK – banned dogs.
XL Bully dogs
XL Bully restrictions apply in Great Britain, but detailed rules differ between England and Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland has its own dangerous-dogs legislation. Owners and sellers must check current nation-specific rules before using ePuP.
Where a Certificate of Exemption or other legal status is relevant, ePuP may request evidence. Evidence supplied to ePuP does not transfer legal responsibility from the user.
- Do not advertise an XL Bully for sale, exchange, gift or transfer where that transaction is prohibited by law.
- Do not advertise breeding, mating or stud arrangements that would breach restrictions applying to a banned or restricted dog.
- Do not falsely label or deliberately misdescribe a dog to evade dangerous-dog restrictions.
- Do not use ePuP to arrange unlawful transport, import, export, possession or transfer of a restricted dog.
Dogs dangerously out of control
Dangerous-dog law is not limited to banned types. Owners and persons in charge of dogs can face liability where a dog is dangerously out of control.
Sellers must disclose known serious behavioural or bite-history information that would materially affect a responsible buyer’s decision.
Nation-specific rules matter
- England and Wales: check current GOV.UK dangerous-dog guidance and exemption requirements.
- Scotland: check current Scottish Government dangerous-dog and XL Bully requirements.
- Northern Ireland: check nidirect and the Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 framework and current rules.
- Local restrictions, court orders, dog-control notices and individual exemption conditions may also apply.
Reporting a dangerous-dog concern
If an advert appears to involve an unlawful banned-dog transaction, deliberate evasion of restrictions, dog fighting, or an immediate threat to public safety, do not put yourself at risk. Preserve the advert details and report it through ePuP and, where appropriate, to the police or relevant local authority.
ePuP may preserve and disclose information where required or permitted by law.