Restricted Dog Breeds in Ireland: The Rules and How to Train for Them
Updated: Oct 31
If you live in Ireland, or you're moving here with your dog, it's worth knowing that some breeds come with extra legal rules. Owners of a German Shepherd, Staffy or Rottweiler are often surprised to find their gentle family dog is on the list. Here's what the restricted dog breeds in Ireland are, what the rules mean day to day, and how to train a restricted breed so those rules are easy to live with.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Ireland has eleven restricted breeds and their crosses: the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bandog, Bull Mastiff, Dobermann, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd (Alsatian), Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. They aren't banned, but in public they must be muzzled, on a strong short lead no longer than two metres, and with someone aged 16 or over who can control them. Since 2024 the XL Bully has stricter rules again, with breeding, selling and importing banned and owners needing a certificate of exemption. Rules can change, so always check gov.ie for the latest.
What are the restricted dog breeds in Ireland?
The list comes from the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, and it has stayed much the same since. It covers these breeds, and any cross or strain of them:
American Pit Bull Terrier
Bandog
Bull Mastiff
Dobermann
English Bull Terrier
German Shepherd (Alsatian)
Japanese Akita
Japanese Tosa
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rottweiler
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Crosses count too. A Staffy cross or a German Shepherd cross is covered by the same rules as the pure breed.
What dogs are banned in Ireland?
None of the breeds above are banned. You can own, walk and train them, as long as you follow the rules.
The XL Bully is the exception. Under rules brought in in 2024, it became illegal to breed, sell, rehome or import an XL Bully from 1 October 2024. From 1 February 2025, owners of an XL Bully need a certificate of exemption to keep their dog, along with conditions such as neutering and microchipping, and the dog must be muzzled and on a lead in public.
Are Pit Bulls allowed in Ireland?
Yes, American Pit Bull Terriers are allowed in Ireland, but they're a restricted breed. They must be muzzled and on a short, strong lead in public, with a handler aged 16 or over. This is different from the UK, where the Pit Bull is banned.
Why are Rhodesian Ridgebacks restricted in Ireland?
Rhodesian Ridgebacks were added to the list when the rules were written in 1998, mainly because of their size, strength and history as hunting and guarding dogs. They aren't banned, just restricted. Many owners and trainers feel the list says more about a breed's size and looks than about how individual dogs behave. Read what BSL is and whether breed-specific laws work.
Restricted breeds in Ireland: the rules
In public
Whenever a restricted breed is out in public, the law sets three simple rules. They're the same for every breed on the list. Your dog must be:
wearing a well-fitting muzzle
on a strong, short lead no longer than two metres
with someone aged 16 or over who is able to control them
These rules apply everywhere in public, including beaches, parks and quiet country roads, no matter how friendly your dog is. A dog warden can act if they're not followed.
At home
At home your dog doesn't need a muzzle, but they must be kept under control. If a restricted breed gets out and is found wandering, the owner can be fined and the dog can be seized by a dog warden. Secure fencing and gates matter.
Dog licences
Every dog in Ireland needs a licence, not just restricted breeds. You can buy an annual licence, a lifetime licence for one dog, or a general licence if you keep several dogs. Dog wardens can ask to see your licence at any time.
Training a restricted breed
The rules don't have to make your dog's life smaller. With a bit of training, a restricted breed can enjoy walks, sniffing and plenty of time with you.
Make the muzzle a happy thing
Teach muzzle wearing slowly at home before you ever need it on a walk. Show the muzzle and treat, let your dog put their nose in for a treat, then build up how long they keep it on. Choose a basket muzzle that lets your dog pant, drink and take treats. A dog who's happy in a muzzle is relaxed in public, and that helps how other people see them too.
Teach great lead walking
A restricted breed spends every public walk on a short lead, so loose lead walking is worth the effort. Read how to stop your dog pulling on the lead.
Find safe places to run
Because these dogs can't be off lead in public, look for secure fields you can hire, or enclosed private spaces. Sniffing, search games and scent work at home also tire dogs out well without needing to run.
Watch for stress
People sometimes react nervously to a muzzled dog, cross the road or pull their children away. Your dog notices. Keep encounters calm, give space when you need to, and reward your dog for staying relaxed. Read calming signals in dogs.
For breed-specific training tips, and a closer look at two of the most common restricted breeds, read how to train a German Shepherd and Staffordshire Bull Terrier training.
RENEE'S TIP
Start muzzle training with a spoon of something lickable smeared inside the basket. Let your dog choose to put their nose in to lick it, and take it away after a few seconds. Do this for a few days before you ever fasten the strap, and most dogs start pushing their nose in the moment they see it.
QUICK CHECK
ā Ireland has eleven restricted breeds, plus their crosses
ā Muzzle, short strong lead and a handler aged 16 or over in public
ā The XL Bully has stricter rules since 2024
ā Every dog in Ireland needs a licence
ā Teach the muzzle and lead walking kindly, and check gov.ie for changes
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with your restricted breed
If your dog struggles with the muzzle, the lead or meeting people and dogs on walks, I can help you build a calm plan in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
What are the restricted dog breeds in Ireland?
American Pit Bull Terrier, Bandog, Bull Mastiff, Dobermann, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Japanese Akita, Japanese Tosa, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and their crosses.
What dogs are banned in Ireland?
None of the restricted breeds are banned. The XL Bully has the strictest rules, with breeding, selling and importing banned since 2024.
Are Pit Bulls illegal in Ireland?
No. They're a restricted breed, so they must be muzzled and on a short lead in public with a handler aged 16 or over.
Do restricted breeds have to wear a muzzle in Ireland?
Yes, whenever they're in a public place, no matter how friendly they are.
Can a restricted breed be off lead in Ireland?
Not in public. They can run free in a secure private area, such as your own fenced garden or a hired field.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
