Am I allowed to own a pit bull or other banned dog breeds in Norway?
No — six dog breeds are banned from being owned, bred and imported in Norway. Under the Dog Act and the dog regulation the ban covers the pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino and Czechoslovakian Wolfdog. The ban also covers crossbreeds containing one of these breeds in any proportion, and the import of semen and embryos. Any dog trained to attack or that is exceptionally aggressive is illegal regardless of breed. The police can demand breed documentation, and if doubt remains the dog can be euthanised or expelled from the country.
📋 The rules
- Six breeds banned from being owned, bred and imported
- Pit bull, American Staffordshire terrier, Fila Brasileiro
- Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
- Covers crossbreeds with the breed in any proportion
- A dog trained to attack is illegal regardless of breed
🔓 Exceptions
- Dogs lawfully acquired before the 2004 regulation may be kept
- Certain wolf crosses registered with the Norwegian Kennel Club before 2003 are exempt
- The exemption does not cover the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Police and customs can demand breed documentation, and if doubt remains the dog can be euthanised or expelled from the country. The case is handled by the police.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I own a pit bull?
No. The pit bull terrier is one of six banned dog breeds that cannot be owned, bred or imported in Norway.
Which dog breeds are banned?
Pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino and Czechoslovakian Wolfdog.
Does the ban cover crossbreeds?
Yes. The ban covers crossbreeds containing one of the breeds in any proportion.
Can I keep a dog I had before the ban?
Dogs lawfully acquired before the 2004 regulation may be kept.
What happens if the dog is banned?
The police can demand breed documentation, and if doubt remains the dog can be euthanised or expelled.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I own a pit bull norway”
- “banned dog breeds list”
- “six banned breeds”
- “dogo argentino banned”
- “crossbreed banned breed”
- “dangerous dog act norway”