RESTRICTED DOG BREEDS - WHAT TO DO

When it comes to restricted dog breeds, Trading Post® is pretty tough. What that means is, we don’t allow the advertising or sale of restricted breeds on our site. This information should help you if you’re considering purchasing a dog that is, or may resemble, a restricted breed.

What is a restricted breed?

A restricted dog breed is one that has been classified as such by law. These breeds are prohibited from being imported into Australia and their sale (including advertising), keeping and purchase is strictly regulated under the laws of all Australian States and Territories.

What are the restricted breeds?

Restricted breeds usually include:

• Dingo
• Dogo Argentino (also known as Argentinean Mastiff)
• Fila Brasileiro
• Presa Canario
• Japanese Tosa
• American Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier
• or a cross breed or offspring of the aforementioned dogs.

Please check with your local authorities (council, police, etc) for a complete list of restricted breeds in your area.

What do they look like?

Why are there restricted breeds?

Certain dog breeds have been classified as restricted because they have a history of violent attacks on other animals and humans. They are breeds that were traditionally bred to fight, and are now considered dangerous. Their owners are bound by extremely strict measures.

Selling dogs on Trading Post®

If you’re advertising a dog on Trading Post, you’re responsible for complying with (and ensuring that your ad complies with) all applicable laws, regulations and other legal requirements. This includes complying with any laws aimed at protecting the welfare of animals and protecting the community generally (for example, from restricted dogs).

What to look out for

There will always be the odd breeder that will try to slip under the radar and sell a restricted breed. Some may not provide details of the actual breed, include fuzzy pictures in their ad, or label a dog with a misleading breed in order to sell it. 

For example, some sellers have been known to label American Pit Bull Terriers as American Staffordshire Terriers which is misleading and could be illegal.

When buying any dog, make sure that it’s had a full vet check, and if the seller is claiming it’s a pedigree, you may want to check that they have papers to back up the claim. Check out our article on what to look for when buying a dog for more details.

If you find a restricted breed on Trading Post

Tell us about it! The best way to ensure that Trading Post remains a safe and reputable place to purchase dogs is to look out for those that bend the rules. If you find a restricted breed (or an animal you suspect is a restricted breed) let us know.

Just select Fraud, Abuse Inappropriate Activity and then Report an inappropriate ad in the menus presented in our contact form, along with any ad details.