š¶ Introduction: Understanding Indiaās Dog Breed Ban and Which Dog Is Illegal in India?Dog lovers across India were shocked when the government announced restrictions on certain āferociousā breeds.
In early 2024, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) issued an advisory banning 23 dog breeds considered dangerous for public safety.
But confusion quickly followed: Which Dog Is Illegal in India??What about people who already have them? And is the ban enforced in Telangana or Hyderabad?
Letās break down the legal status, the banned breeds list, and what pet ownerscan do in 2025.
āļø The Central Governmentās 2024 Directive
The central circular, released in March 2024, instructed all states and union territories to prohibit the import, breeding, and saleof specific breeds labeled as ferocious or aggressive,Which Dog Is Illegal in India?
It also recommended sterilization of existing pets belonging to these breeds ā meaning owners could keep them but not breed or sell them.
š Key takeaway: There is no single nationwide law that makes ownership of these breeds criminalāimplementation depends on individual state governments and courts Which Dog Is Illegal in India?
š Full List of Which Dog Is Illegal in India? (2024ā2025)
The list released by the government includes 23 dog breeds and their crossbreeds. Below are the main breeds identified as ādangerousā and Which Dog Is Illegal in India?
Pitbull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Rottweiler
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
Japanese Tosa
Boerboel
Neapolitan Mastiff
Cane Corso
Presa Canario
Bandog
American Bulldog
Central Asian Shepherd
Caucasian Shepherd
South Russian Shepherd
Tornjak
Akita
Mastin Espanol
Moscow Guard Dog
Wolf-dog Hybrids
Kangal Shepherd
Bully Kutta
Rhodesian Ridgeback
These breeds and their crossbreeds were marked for prohibition on sale, import, and new licensing
āList of banned dog breeds in India 2025 ā Pitbull, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Boerboel, and others.ā
American Bulldogs are large, muscular, and strong dogs known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. They are affectionate and friendly with their families but require consistent socialization and proper training. Without adequate management, they may show aggression toward other animals.
Dog Type/Use: Companion Dog, Guard Dog Reason for Ban: American Bulldogs have been linked to aggressive behavior, particularly in domestic environments. Poor training or insufficient socialization can heighten their territorial instincts, posing potential risks to other pets and public safety.
The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, is a large and powerful breed renowned for its loyalty and protective instincts. Originally bred to guard livestock, this dog is deeply devoted to its family but can display aggression toward strangers. It requires an experienced owner who can provide firm training, proper socialization, and consistent control.
Dog Type/Use: Guard Dog Reason for Ban: The Fila Brasileiro can become dangerous if not properly trained or socialized, due to its strong guarding instincts and natural wariness of strangers. Its intense protectiveness and history of aggressive incidents have led to bans or restrictions in several regions to ensure public safety.
American Bulldogs are large, muscular, and strong dogs known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. They are affectionate and friendly with their families but require consistent socialization and proper training. Without adequate management, they may show aggression toward other animals.
Dog Type/Use: Companion Dog, Guard Dog Reason for Ban: American Bulldogs have been linked to aggressive behavior, particularly in domestic environments. Poor training or insufficient socialization can heighten their territorial instincts, posing potential risks to other pets and public safety.
Pet owners in Telangana (including Hyderabad and Kukatpally) are not required to surrender their dogs while the courtās stay is active.
However, local bodies like GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) may still act against illegal breeding or sale of these breeds.
In short: ā You can keep your existing dog in Telangana. š« You cannot breed, sell, or newly import banned breeds until the legal case is resolved.
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a strong and muscular breed, admired for its loyalty, courage, and intelligence. While affectionate and playful with family members, it can become aggressive toward other animals if not properly socialized. Known for being friendly with people, this breedās strength and protective instincts require responsible and experienced ownership.
Dog Type/Use: Companion Dog, Guard Dog Reason for Ban: Several high-profile incidents have associated this breed with aggressive behavior. Without proper training and socialization, its powerful build and determined nature can result in serious injuries, raising safety concerns.
š¾ Always keep vaccination certificates, microchip details, and GHMC pet registration papers ready.
āHyderabad pet owner with registered Pitbull under Telangana High Court stay order.ā
The Bandog is a powerful and muscular breed developed by crossbreeding mastiffs with terriers or other working dogs. Known for its exceptional loyalty, courage, and protective instincts, this dog can also display aggression toward strangers or intruders.
Dog Type/Use: Guard Dog Reason for Ban: The Bandogās intense protective drive and potential for aggression can make it dangerous if not properly trained. Its large size, immense strength, and natural guarding instincts contribute to public safety concerns.
š” What Should Current Dog Owners Do?
If you already own one of the listed breeds, hereās what you should do to stay compliant and protect your pet:
1. Keep Proper Documentation
Maintain:
Veterinary certificates showing breed and health
Municipal Corporation registration
Vaccination records, especially rabies
Microchip ID if possible
2. Sterilise Your Pet
The advisory clearly encourages sterilisation of these breeds. This prevents accidental breeding and shows responsible ownership.
3. Avoid Selling or Breeding
Even though some courts have stayed the notification, breeding or advertising puppies of banned breeds online can attract legal trouble.
4. Follow Leash & Muzzle Rules
Use a secure leash and muzzle in public. Most municipal laws require it for large or aggressive breeds.
5. Socialise & Train
Proper obedience training and socialisation help reduce aggression and strengthen your case if your petās temperament is questioned.
The Akita is a large, strong, and dignified breed known for its loyalty, courage, and independence. While deeply affectionate and devoted to its family, it can be reserved or even aggressive toward unfamiliar people or other dogs if not properly socialized.
Dog Type/Use: Companion Dog Reason for Ban: The Akitaās natural guarding instincts and territorial behavior can lead to aggression when not adequately trained or socialized, making responsible ownership essential.
š Can You Be Punished for Owning a Banned Dog?
Not automatically. Thereās currently no blanket criminal punishment for owning these breeds if:
You already had the dog before the notification, and
Youāre not breeding or selling it.
However, municipalities or Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) may set housing rules. Always check local bylaws before moving into apartments with large dogs like Pitbulls or Rottweilers.
š State-by-State Variations
State / UT
Current Status (as of 2025)
Notes
Telangana
Stay on ban (HC order June 2024)
Owners can keep dogs but breeding banned
Maharashtra
Ban challenged in Bombay HC
Centre stated not enforcing circular
Tamil Nadu
No full ban yet, monitoring cases
Focus on sterilisation
Delhi
Implementation pending
Local bodies waiting for MoEFCC guidance
Karnataka
Under review
No confiscations reported
Kerala
Temporary confusion, no seizures
Awaiting final directions
āMap showing states enforcing or staying dog breed ban in India 2025.ā
š¦“ Alternative Dog Breeds You Can Legally Keep in India
If youāre planning to adopt a dog and want a safe, legal option ā consider Indian and friendly international breeds like:
Labrador Retriever
Golden Retriever
Beagle
Pug
Indian Pariah Dog (Desi Dog)
Indie Mixes from shelters
These breeds are family-friendly, easy to train, and fully legal across India.
š¾ Tip: Promoting native āDesi Dogsā not only avoids legal trouble but also helps animal welfare efforts.
š¬ FAQs: Which Dog Is Illegal in India?
Q1. Is the Pitbull banned in India? Yes, the Pitbull Terrier is on the banned list. But existing owners can keep them if registered and sterilised.
Q2. Can I keep a Rottweiler in Hyderabad? Yes, currently allowed under the Telangana High Court stay. Avoid breeding or sale.
Q3. Will there be fines for banned breeds in 2025? Fines apply only if you violate local municipal laws or breed/sell without permission.
Q4. Can I import a foreign dog breed now? No. Import of any banned breed is prohibited under the DAHD circular.
Q5. Are Desi or Indian breeds safe to adopt? Absolutely. Desi breeds are legal, hardy, and make great companions.
š Final Thoughts
The ādog breed banā in India remains a developing legal issue. While the intent is to prevent dangerous attacks, blanket bans can unfairly affect responsible pet owners.
For now:
Existing owners can keep their pets responsibly.
New buyers should avoid banned breeds until courts issue final clarity.
Desi and family-friendly breeds remain the best choice for 2025.
As a responsible pet parent, follow your local rules, train your dog well, and always prioritise safety and compassion.
Dr. Mohammed Abdul Azeem Siddiqui, MBBS Registered Medical Practitioner (Reg. No. 39739)
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