The 18 banned dog breeds in the US

In the US, when we discuss banned dog breeds, we’re referring to Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), which are laws passed by cities, counties, or sometimes states that prohibit or restrict certain dog breeds or types. There are no federal bans on any specific dog breeds.

So you do need to know what the local laws are when you visit a new state or move home, and they can change, so you should also make sure you keep up to date with changes surrounding your choice of breed of pet dog.

In this article, we take a look at how breed-specific legislation works and how these might make people think there are banned dog breeds in the US.

How Do BSL Laws Work?

Breed-specific legislation, or BSL, comes about for particular dog breeds because of significant concerns regarding the breed. This can be because of high‐profile attacks, their size, or physical capabilities, which make them potentially dangerous.

When we talk about banned dog breeds, what we’re really talking about are extra actions that have to be taken with a particular breed, i.e, muzzles, confinement, neutering/spaying, insurance, etc.

The BSLs are quite varied depending on state and city, so it’s key to check your dog breed against state-banned lists if you move around the US. As of 2025, around 21 states allow some kind of BSL, 13 states prohibit BSL, and the rest allow local exceptions.

The 18 Most Targeted Dog Breeds

When you’re thinking of banned dog breeds, there are no specifically ‘banned’ breeds, but here’s a list of 18 dogs that often show up in BSL lists. If you have one of these breeds, check your city and state legislation to see if there are any restrictions, and also check when you travel or visit other states or cities. These lists can vary, so it is not exclusive. Some lists have dalmatians on, for example.

• American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull type – Thai breed is probably the most referenced in BSL.
• American Staffordshire Terrier – this breed is often grouped under a pit bull‐type in legislation.
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
• American Bulldog – A larger bulldog‐type breed which appears on lists of restricted breeds.
• Bull Terrier – A pit or terrier type that often appears on lists of restricted breeds.
• Bullmastiff – A big, protective breed, often restricted.
• Alaskan Malamute –  A big working breed that is sometimes regulated.
• Akita – A large breed which appears on some restricted lists.
• Chow Chow – An independent and strong‐willed breed that can appear on lists.
• Dogo Argentino – A hunting and guarding dog that appears on some banned lists.
• Cane Corso – An Italian mastiff‐type of breed, which is sometimes regulated.
• Presa Canario – A cane‐dog type from the Canary Islands that appears frequently in BSL.
• Rottweiler – A breed frequently targeted due to size and guarding reputation.
• German Shepherd Dog – Surprisingly, to some, this breed is included in many lists.
• Belgian Malinois – High-energy working dog, appears on lists of breeds often restricted.
• Siberian Husky – Another working‐sled breed that is sometimes caught up in restrictions.
• Doberman Pinscher - Often thought of as a family guard dog, but still regulated in places.
• Wolf Hybrid or dog‐wolf cross – Hybrid animals that are often subject to stricter laws.

Why might these breeds be subject to BSL?

There are several reasons for a dog breed to end up on a state's BSL. They’re not banned dog breeds but potentially subject to legislation that can include a range of restrictions. Some were bred for fighting, guarding, or high-risk tasks, making them a dog breed of concern. And some of these larger breeds can cause significant damage, should they attack, due to their physical strength and size. Also, some breeds are covered under a broad coverage of mixes, such as pit bull types.

Some of these breeds can have very high energy or strong working instincts, which need proper training from a young age. The BSL can be affected by high-profile cases and campaigning. This can be the case if there has been an attack or incident involving a particular breed, and especially if there have been several cases.

Tips For Choosing A Dog Breed

Before you decide to purchase a dog, check to see if there are any BSL on the breed in your area and others, especially if you plan to travel. Also, check your housing or lease agreements. It’s also a good idea to look into the legislation for larger breeds, especially if they are a working breed.

Whichever breed of dog you have, ensure they are socialized and have positive reinforcement training regularly from a young age and consistently. You should ensure your dog has plenty of physical and mental enrichment to prevent destructive or aggressive behaviors.

Check options for dog insurance and ensure the dog breed you plan to purchase is not excluded from insurance policies, and check for additional requests from insurers.

Final Word: The 18 Banned Dog Breeds in the US

While there are no specifically banned dog breeds in the US, there are some dog breeds that are subject to breed-specific legislation, or BSL. These can vary by city or state, so it’s important you check before you travel to different cities and states. BSL can have various impacts on different breeds, such as requirements for muzzling, confinement, or insurance, among other things. The BSL can also come into effect for a variety of reasons, perhaps a high-profile case, or a dog has a history of being considered aggressive.

If you’re choosing a puppy it's a good idea to check whether the dog breed is on one of the lists and consider what that means to you, If you already own one of these dogs then if you follow the BSL and keep up with changes to legislation regarding your breed of dog there’s no reason you cannot enjoy many happy years together with the right training, socialization and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.