An update has been issued regarding the proposed ban on 67 dog breeds in the UK, with an expert clarifying the situation three months after the initial announcement.
In March, Birmingham Live reported that new Labour Party government legislation could ban almost 70 popular dog breeds by deeming them unhealthy. The all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for animal welfare introduced a new tool to crack down on certain characteristics, including mottled colouration, excessive skin folds, outward-turning eyes, drooping eyelids, underbites, overbites, and a muzzle that interrupts breathing.
However, Steve Howard, Chief Veterinary Advisor at PDSA, has now provided an update. He stated: "We believe that it is simply not the case that 67 breeds of dog will be banned. The purpose of the assessment is to reduce the more extreme features, which cause recognised welfare issues such as pain, discomfort and an inability to lead a normal life."
Howard explained that extreme conformation in dogs can significantly shorten their lives or lead to a lifetime of veterinary treatment, which is distressing for both the dogs and their owners. He noted that PDSA treats hundreds of pets daily with extreme conformation, with numbers rising dramatically. For example, in 2012 PDSA had just 335 French Bulldogs registered, but by 2025 that number exceeded 33,000—an increase of 9781%.
"Many of these dogs are suffering with a number of significant health conditions as a result of poor breeding and it is time to make a positive change," Howard added. "We therefore welcome positive steps to tackle this, by encouraging more responsible breeding through use of the IHA tool to identify individual dogs who have extreme conformation and not breeding from them. It will be possible to improve the body shape of dogs for the following generations."
PDSA also supports the ongoing review of the IHA, valuing credible evidence from experts such as responsible breeders. Howard concluded: "Ultimately, the most important thing is that any changes being made will ensure the best health outcomes for our beloved pets."
Should the proposed ban from the APPG be passed into law, licensed breeders would no longer be permitted to sell these breeds. However, any dogs already in existence would not be made illegal.
Full list of dog breeds that could be banned in the UK
The following breeds are included in the proposed checklist: Affenpinscher, American Cocker Spaniel, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Basset, Basset Bleu, Basset Fauve, Beagle, Beauceron, Bergamasco, Bloodhound, Border Collie, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bracco, Brittany, Brussels Griffon, Bullmastiff, Bulldog, Cairn Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cesky Terrier, Chihuahua, Chow Chow, Clumber Spaniel, Dachshund, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Dogue de Bordeaux, French Bulldog, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen, Great Dane, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lancashire Heeler, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff, Mudi, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Old English Sheepdog, Pekingese, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Pug, Pyrenean Mastiff, Pyrenean Shepherd, Rough Collie, Schipperke, Scottish Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Shar Pei, Shetland Sheepdog, Shih Tzu, Skye Terrier, Smooth Collie, Spanish Water Dog, St Bernard, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Sussex Spaniel, Swedish Vallhund, Tibetan Mastiff, and West Highland White Terrier.
