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Which dog breeds are banned in Norway?

The banned breeds, mixes and what it means for import.

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Short answer

Norway bans the pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, fila brasileiro, tosa inu, dogo argentino and Czechoslovakian wolfdog, plus mixes of these and dog-wolf hybrids. The list comes from a 2004 regulation under the Dog Act, and these breeds cannot be imported. The Staffordshire bull terrier is a separate breed and is not on the list.

Travelling to Norway with a pet a dog with a leash sitting next to a small moose silhouette and a vet cross

Why

  1. Store norske leksikon says the breeds banned for safety reasons are listed in the regulation on dogs from 2004.
  2. The ban also covers mixes that include one or more of the listed breeds, whatever the proportion.
  3. Dog-wolf mixes count as dangerous dogs; breeds with original wolf blood registered by Norsk Kennel Klub by 1 January 2003 are exempt, but the Czechoslovakian wolfdog is still covered.

Details

The Dog Act is enforced by the police, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food is responsible for it. Tolletaten and Info Norden both point out that a specific ban applies to importing the banned breeds, so they cannot come with you when you move or travel to Norway. The larger breed was registered as the American Staffordshire terrier in 1972 to tell it apart from the smaller Staffordshire bull terrier.

Tip

Before you bring a bull-type or wolf-type dog to Norway, check Mattilsynet's page on banned dogs and breeds, which Tolletaten links to for the full list.

What may differ

The breed list is not the only rule: under the Dog Act the police can order any dog that has attacked a person or animal to be rehomed or put down, on certain conditions.

Common misconception

The Staffordshire bull terrier is banned in Norway.

What actually happens

The banned breed is the American Staffordshire terrier, or amstaff; the smaller Staffordshire bull terrier is a separate breed and is not named in the regulation.

People also ask

  • Which dogs are illegal in Norway?
  • Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier legal in Norway?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Mattilsynet before you travel.

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