Restricted breeds and breed-specific legislation

Please read in conjunction with Australia CAN Background Paper on restricted breeds – click here

Dogs should not be identified as dangerous or a threat to people on the basis of their breed. Dog behaviour is influenced by many factors, including conditions of breeding and early life, socialisation, genetics and the overall health of the dog.

Breed-specific legislation is not an effective means of preventing dangerous or threatening dog behaviour. There are circumstances when this could place people at greater risk because of assumptions about the temperament and behaviour of dogs of particular breeds.

When a dog is suspected of exhibiting dangerous or threatening behaviour, the dog should be assessed using an approved temperament assessment performed by a qualified and recognised animal behaviourist or animal behavioural trainer.