Singapore Restricted Dog Breeds: Insurance, Training, and Banker’s Guarantee

TLDR: Singapore classifies certain dog breeds as Specified dogs, including Bull Terriers, Dobermans, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Mastiff-type breeds. Specified dogs must be leashed and muzzled in public at all times. Newly licensed Specified dogs require a minimum S$100,000 insurance policy, obedience training, and a S$2,000 banker's guarantee. Only one Specified dog is permitted per residential unit and they are not permitted in HDB flats at all. These are ongoing ownership obligations, not one-time import requirements.

Singapore draws a clear distinction between prohibited dog breeds and Specified dogs. Prohibited breeds cannot enter Singapore at all. Specified dogs can enter and be kept in Singapore but are subject to specific ongoing obligations that apply from the moment the dog is licensed. Importing a Specified dog to Singapore means taking on these obligations permanently, not just at the point of import. Here is what the Specified dog classification requires.

The Specified Dog Breed List

The following breeds and their crosses are classified as Specified dogs in Singapore:

• Bull Terrier
• Doberman Pinscher
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd, including Belgian Shepherd and East European Shepherd
• Mastiff-type breeds including Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso, and Dogue de Bordeaux
• Crosses of any of the above breeds

If your dog is a cross-breed involving any of the above, it is subject to Specified dog requirements. Mixed breed dogs must include a colour photograph of the face and body with the licence application so AVS can verify breed classification.

Public Conduct Requirements

Specified dogs must be leashed and securely muzzled at all times when in a public place. This applies everywhere outside your private residential premises. There are no exceptions for well-trained dogs or familiar environments. The muzzle must be secure, not decorative. Failure to comply is an offence under Singapore law.

Requirements for Newly Licensed Specified Dogs

The following requirements apply to all newly licensed Specified dogs imported into Singapore:

Microchipping. All Specified dogs must be microchipped. For dogs being imported from the US, the ISO-compliant microchip required for import satisfies this requirement.

Obedience training. The newly licensed dog must undergo obedience training from an AVS-recognised trainer or training facility. This is a mandatory requirement, not a recommendation. Confirm with AVS what qualifies as recognised obedience training before selecting a trainer.

Insurance policy. The owner must take up an insurance policy covering at least S$100,000 against injury to persons and damage to property caused by the dog. The policy must be in place as part of the licensing process. Confirm the policy wording covers the required categories before purchasing.

Banker's guarantee. The owner must provide a banker's guarantee of S$2,000. This is a financial instrument obtained through a bank or insurance company. A banker's guarantee, insurer's guarantee, or insurer's bond all satisfy the requirement. It functions as a security bond held against compliance with the Specified dog obligations. If the owner fails to comply with any Specified dog requirement, the existing guarantee is forfeited and a fresh S$2,000 guarantee must be taken up immediately.

Housing Restrictions

Specified dogs are not permitted in HDB flats under any circumstances. They may only be kept in non-HDB residential premises. Within non-HDB premises, only one Specified dog is permitted per residential unit, out of a maximum of three pets total.

If you are moving to Singapore with a Specified dog, confirm your housing type before proceeding with the import licence application. A Specified dog cannot be licensed for an HDB address.

Difference Between Specified and Prohibited Breeds

Prohibited breeds, including Pit Bull types, Akita, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tosa, and Perro de Presa Canario, cannot enter Singapore at all. No import pathway exists for prohibited breeds regardless of training, temperament, or documentation.

Specified dogs can enter Singapore and be kept legally, subject to all the requirements above. The distinction matters. If your breed is on the Specified list rather than the prohibited list, import is possible with the correct preparation.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog is a German Shepherd mix. Is it a Specified dog?

Crosses of Specified breeds are also classified as Specified dogs. If your dog has German Shepherd heritage, it is subject to Specified dog requirements. Include a colour photograph of your dog's face and body with the licence application so AVS can confirm the classification.

Does the insurance and banker's guarantee requirement apply to existing licensed Specified dogs?

The insurance and banker's guarantee requirements apply to newly licensed dogs. All existing and newly licensed Specified dogs must be microchipped. If an existing guarantee is forfeited due to non-compliance, a fresh S$2,000 guarantee must be taken up immediately.

Can I keep a Specified dog in an HDB flat?

No. Specified dogs are not permitted in HDB flats under any circumstances. They may only be kept in non-HDB residential premises.

How do I obtain a banker's guarantee?

A banker's guarantee is a financial instrument obtained through a bank or insurance company. A banker's guarantee, insurer's guarantee, or insurer's bond all satisfy the requirement. It is not a cash deposit and cannot be substituted with other financial instruments. Contact your bank or insurer in Singapore to arrange it as part of the Specified dog licensing process.

What happens if I do not comply with the muzzling requirement in public?

Non-compliance with the public muzzling requirement is an offence under Singapore law. Non-compliance with other Specified dog obligations, such as the insurance or banker's guarantee, may result in forfeiture of the guarantee and a requirement to provide a fresh guarantee.