What does restricted dog breed mean? Here’s What to Expect

What is Considered a Large Dog for Apartments?

Your landlords idea of a large dog may vary depending on their personal preference and the property itself. However, most landlords set a limit of 20 to 50 pounds, which also coincides with the weight of most aggressive dog breeds.

Declaration process for restricted breed dogs

Authorised officers (from the local council) have the power to declare that a dog is a restricted breed. Within 7 days of making a declaration an authorised officer must serve written notice of the declaration on the owner of the dog, either personally or by registered post. The notice will contain information about how owners can apply for a review of the decision, if desired, along with the housing and ownership requirements that apply to restricted breed dogs that can be kept.

Where dogs are deemed by the council to meet the standard, they will be declared as a restricted breed.

Owners of restricted breed dogs must comply with a range of requirements for their dogs, relating to:

Restricted breed dogs must also be muzzled and leashed when being exercised off the property. Read the full details of Ownership requirements for restricted breed dogs.

You can call your local council to report a:

suspected unregistered restricted breed dog

registered restricted breed dog not being kept according to prescribed requirements

dog attack on a person or animal.

Alternatively you can call the Dangerous Dogs Hotline on 136 186.

When a dog is declared a restricted breed

Authorised officers (from the local council) have the power to declare that a dog is a restricted breed.

Within 7 days of making a declaration an authorised officer must serve written notice of the declaration on the owner of the dog, either personally or by registered post. The notice will contain information about how owners can apply for a review of the decision, if desired, along with the housing and ownership requirements that apply to restricted breed dogs that can be kept.

Figure 1 provides a flow chart describing the declaration process including specific information about outcomes for dogs and owners.

Figure 1. Declaration process for Restricted Breed Dogs

If the Authorised Officer believes a dog to be a Restricted Breed Dog:

The owner can provide proof dog is an Amstaff as per requirements in the ‘approved standard’. If the proof is deemed to meet acceptable exemption then the dog is NOT a restricted breed dog.

If there is no proof dog is Amstaff the AO makes declaration in accordance with DAA and approved standards. The AO must be appointed under section 72 to do so. If the owner accepts the declaration, the Council may register the dog as a RBD and prescribed conditions must be met.

If there is no proof dog is Amstaff the AO makes declaration in accordance with DAA and approved standards. The AO must be appointed under section 72 to do so. If the owner challenges declaration, the Owner applies to VCAT for review. If VCAT uphold the declaration Council action continues as per legislation. If VCAT overturn declaration, the dog is not a restricted breed.

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