Dog Breeds Banned or Restricted in Hong Kong

TLDR: Hong Kong bans four dog breeds and their crossbreeds from import or transshipment entirely: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier isn't banned, but it requires a statutory declaration submitted with the permit application. Cats face separate restrictions: Bengal cats need documentation confirming 5th generation or further from wild ancestry, and Savannah cats cannot be imported at all.

If you're moving a dog to Hong Kong, checking the breed list before you start the permit process can save you from a rejected application later. Hong Kong's AFCD maintains a short but firm list of banned breeds, plus one breed that requires extra paperwork rather than an outright ban.

Banned Dog Breeds

The following dog breeds, along with their crossbreeds, are prohibited from import or transshipment into Hong Kong:

• Pit Bull Terrier (also known as American Staffordshire Terrier)
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

This ban applies to crossbreeds of these types as well, not just purebreds. If your dog resembles one of these breeds, even without full pedigree documentation, you should expect AFCD to scrutinize the application closely and may need to provide documentation confirming your dog is not one of the prohibited types.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Restricted, Not Banned

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not on Hong Kong's banned breed list, but it isn't treated the same as an unrestricted breed either. Importing a Staffordshire Bull Terrier requires a statutory declaration submitted along with the permit application. Without that declaration, the application is incomplete.

This distinction matters because the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is sometimes confused with the banned American Staffordshire Terrier due to the similar name. They are different breeds under Hong Kong's classification, but the naming overlap makes this a common point of confusion worth double-checking with your vet before applying.

Bengal and Savannah Cats

Hong Kong's breed restrictions aren't limited to dogs. Bengal cats may only be imported if documentation confirms the cat is of the 5th generation or further from wild ancestry. This generation documentation must accompany both the permit application and the health certificate.

Bengal cats that don't have this documentation, or that are of an earlier generation from wild ancestry, are not eligible for import regardless of any other requirements being met.

Savannah cats cannot be imported into Hong Kong at all. AFCD's import permit terms do not apply to Savannah cats, so there is no permit pathway for them. Unlike Bengal cats, generation documentation does not change this.

What Happens If Your Dog Is a Banned Breed or Crossbreed

If your dog falls under one of the banned breeds or their crossbreeds, there is no exception process or special permit that allows import. Hong Kong's AFCD does not grant case-by-case waivers for banned breeds. Confirming your dog's breed classification before you begin the broader import process, rather than after investing time in vaccinations and health certificates, avoids a costly dead end.

How PetRelocation Can Help

Breed classification questions come up more often than most owners expect, especially for mixed-breed dogs or breeds with overlapping names like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. PetRelocation has coordinated Hong Kong moves for over 20 years and can help confirm your dog's classification before you commit to the full import timeline.

Complete Support includes breed classification review as part of full permit and documentation coordination. Vet Paperwork Support focuses on the statutory declaration and health certificate documentation if your dog requires it. Consultation gives you direct access to a coordinator to confirm your dog's eligibility before you begin.

Get a free quote from PetRelocation and a relocation manager will walk you through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dog breeds are banned from entering Hong Kong?
Pit Bull Terrier (American Staffordshire Terrier), Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and crossbreeds of these types are prohibited from import or transshipment.

Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier banned in Hong Kong?
No. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not banned, but it requires a statutory declaration submitted with the permit application.

Can I get an exception if my dog is a banned breed?
No. Hong Kong's AFCD does not grant case-by-case waivers for banned breeds or their crossbreeds.

Are there breed restrictions for cats moving to Hong Kong?
Yes. Bengal cats may only be imported with documentation confirming they are 5th generation or further from wild ancestry. Savannah cats cannot be imported at all, since AFCD's permit terms do not apply to them.

What if my dog is a mixed breed that resembles a banned type?
You may need to provide documentation confirming your dog is not one of the prohibited breeds. Crossbreeds of banned types are also prohibited, so confirm classification before starting the import process.