Banned Dog Breeds NZ (2026): Pit Bulls & the 5 Schedule 4 Breeds

The Dog Control Act 1996 does not ban owning any dog breed. Instead, it lists five breeds and types in Schedule 4. Dogs on that list cannot be imported, and any dog in New Zealand that is wholly or predominantly one of them must be classified as menacing by the local council. A menacing dog must be muzzled in public, microchipped and, if the council requires it, desexed.

This guide sets out exactly what the Act says, as at the version of 4 September 2026.

The five breeds and types on Schedule 4

Schedule 4 is titled "Breed and type of dog subject to ban on importation and muzzling". It has two parts:

The Perro de Presa Canario was added on 18 August 2011. The American Pit Bull Terrier is listed as a type, not a breed. That matters for dogs that look like a pit bull but are a different breed (see "American Staffordshire Terriers" below).

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not on Schedule 4. Our Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs Bull Terrier comparison covers both breeds.

"Menacing by breed": what section 33C says

Under section 33C, a council must classify as menacing any dog that it "has reasonable grounds to believe belongs wholly or predominantly to 1 or more breeds or types listed in Schedule 4". The council has no choice once it has those grounds, and the dog's behaviour does not come into it.

The council must give the owner written notice of the classification, of the effect of the classification, and of the right to object.

Any dog of any breed can also be classified as menacing because of its behaviour, under section 33A. This guide covers the breed route only.

What the owner of a menacing dog must do

1. Muzzle in public (section 33E(1)(a))

The owner must not let the dog be at large, in any public place or in any private way without a muzzle, unless it is "confined completely within a vehicle or cage". The muzzle must stop the dog biting but let it breathe and drink without obstruction. A council can exempt a dog or class of dog from muzzling in specified circumstances; the Act gives a dog show as its example.

See our guide to dog muzzles in NZ for muzzle types and fit.

2. Desexing, if the council requires it (section 33E(1)(b))

Desexing is not automatic under the Act. If the council requires it, the owner must give the council a vet's certificate within one month of receiving the classification notice. The certificate must say either that the dog has been neutered, or that it is not fit to be neutered before a stated date. In the second case, a further certificate confirming neutering is due within one month of that date.

Councils set their own policy on this. Auckland Council, for example, says a dog classified as menacing must be "either desexed or certified unfit to be within one month".

3. Microchipping (section 36A)

A dog classified as menacing must be microchipped within two months of the classification. Our dog microchipping guide explains how it works with your council.

The classification follows the dog

Under section 33EA, a menacing classification applies throughout New Zealand. If the classifying council did not require desexing and the dog is later registered with a different council, section 33EB lets the new council require it, by written notice, within one month of registration.

Penalties

Failing to comply with section 33E(1) or section 33EB is an offence with a fine of up to $3,000 (section 33EC). A dog control officer or dog ranger may also seize the dog and keep it until the owner shows they are willing to comply, or until the dog is disposed of under the Act.

Objecting to a breed classification (section 33D)

An owner can object in writing to the council within 14 days of receiving the notice, and has the right to be heard. For a breed classification, the owner "must provide evidence that the dog is not of a breed or type listed in Schedule 4". The council can uphold or rescind the classification and must give written reasons.

American Staffordshire Terriers

The American Staffordshire Terrier is not named in Schedule 4, but councils may treat it as American Pit Bull Terrier type. Auckland Council says it considers the American Staffordshire Terrier "to be a Pit Bull–type dog". It will not classify one as menacing if the owner proves that American Staffordshire Terrier is the dog's main or only breed, using one of:

• a certificate from Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club), or
• a DNA certificate showing American Staffordshire Terrier as the largest percentage of the breed make-up.

Auckland Council also offers a visual inspection by an approved assessor at its animal shelters, by appointment only. Other councils may handle this differently, so check with your own council. See our American Staffordshire Terrier profile for more on the breed.

Importing: the actual ban (section 30A)

Section 30A says no person may import into New Zealand any dog that belongs wholly or predominantly to a Schedule 4 breed or type. "Dog" here includes embryos, ova and semen. The fine for breaching it is up to $3,000.

The section also affects every other imported dog. A dog can only be imported with evidence of NZ registration, or with a statutory declaration that it is not a Schedule 4 dog. The declaration must come with a certificate from a vet registered in the exporting country, issued before the dog arrives, stating that to the best of the vet's knowledge and belief the dog is not a Schedule 4 dog. There are exemptions for certain disability assist dogs and for dogs used by specified agencies.

For the other animals New Zealand bans or restricts, see What pets are legal in NZ?.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to own a pit bull in NZ? No. American Pit Bull Terrier type dogs are on Schedule 4, so they cannot be imported and must be classified as menacing. A menacing dog must be muzzled in public and microchipped, and desexed if the council requires it.

Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier banned in NZ? No. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not on Schedule 4.

Can a council add more breeds to the list? No. Only the Governor-General, by Order in Council on the Minister's recommendation, can add a breed or type to Schedule 4 (section 78A), and the order needs approval by a resolution of the House of Representatives before it can come into force (section 78B).

Does a menacing classification end if I move? No. Under section 33EA the classification applies everywhere in New Zealand.

Sources

• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM375498
• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM375107
• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM375110
• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM375112
• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM375117
• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM375119
• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM375121
• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM375153
• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM375476
• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM375478
• https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1996/13/en/latest/#DLM374879
• https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/dogs-animals/problems-dogs/dangerous-dogs.html