Tuath Tenant Safety: Dangerous Dogs

The welfare of all tenants, neighbours and the wider community is of the utmost importance. We encourage all tenants to report any dogs of concern that may be residing within a Tuath home to Tuath Staff, An Gardaí or local authority dog warden services.

The Tuath Tenant Handbook specifically states ‘Never keeping dogs classified as dangerous breeds’. Please find in this article below a list of dogs that are considered dangerous breeds.

If you have concerns over a dog in your area, you can speak in confidence with Tuath staff, without disclosing your identity, on: (01) 676 1602

You may also call your relevant local authority, or find out more information on the Animal Welfare / Dog Control section of their website

For more information please visit:

gov.ie – dog control

citizensinformation.ie – dog licenses and ownership

Click here to view the Control of Dogs (Restriction of Certain Dogs) Regulations, 1991.

The Control of Dogs Regulations, 1998 impose certain rules in relation to the following breeds (and strains/cross-breeds) of dog.

The Tuath Tenant Handbook prohibits Tuath Tenants from keeping the following dogs classified as dangerous breeds

1. American Pitbull Terrier

The American Pitbull Terrier is a short-haired dog, of a solid build. According to the ADBA, the American Pit Bull is described to be medium-sized and has a short coat and smooth well-defined muscle structure.

Mass: 16 – 27 kg (Male, Adult), 14 – 23 kg (Female, Adult)
Height: 45 – 53 cm (Male), 43 – 50 cm (Female)
Colours: Black, White, Brindle, Fawn, Tan, Brown, Blue, Grey, Red

2. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is a British breed of dog of mastiff type and large size, with a solid build and a short muzzle.

Height: Male: 64–68 cm, Female: 61–66 cm
Weight: Male: 50–59 kg, Female: 45–54 kg
Colours: Brindle, Fawn, Red

3. Doberman Pincscher

The Doberman is a medium-large breed of strong build with a long muzzle. Traditionally, the ears are cropped and posted and the tail is docked. Dobermanns have markings on the chest, paws/legs, muzzle, above the eyes, and underneath the tail.

Height: Male: 66–72 cm, Female: 61–68 cm
Weight: Male: 40–45 kg, Female: 32–35 kg
Colours: Black, White, Fawn, Black & Rust, Red & Rust, Blue & Rust, Blue, Red, Fawn & Rust

4. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large dog breed, originating from the Southern Africa region. The Rhodesian Ridgeback’s distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair running along its back in the opposite direction from the rest of its coat.

Weight: Female: 29–34 kg, Male: 36–41 kg
Height: Female: 61–66 cm, Male: 63–69 cm
Colours: Red Wheaten, Light Wheaten, Wheaten

5. Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a medium to large breed dog. They have large heads and their ears lie fairly tight to the head, hanging down somewhat. Their muzzles are square and strong.

Weight: Female: 35–48 kg, Male: 50–60 kg
Height: Female: 56–63 cm, Male: 61–69 cm
Colours: Black, Tan, Mahogany

6. Akita

The Japanese Akita is large dog breed. Characteristic physical traits of the breed include a large, bear-like head with erect, triangular ears set at a slight angle following the arch of the neck. The two separate varieties of Akita are a pure Japanese strain, commonly called Akita-ken and a mixed American strain, commonly larger.

Height: Male: 64 – 70 cm , Female: 58 – 64 cm 
Weight: Male : 27 – 59 kg  Female: 26 – 45 kg
Colour: Ginger, Red, brindle white, sable all white fur on the ventral areas of the dog.

7. Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, also called the Staffy or Stafford, is a purebred dog of small to medium size in the terrier group.

Weight: Female: 11–15 kg, Male: 13–17 kg
Height: Female: 33–38 cm, Male: 36–41 cm
Colours: Black, White, Brindle, Fawn, Brindle & White, Black & White, Fawn & White, Red & White, Blue, Red, Blue & White

8. Japanese Tosa

The Japanese Tosa is a rare dog breed of medium to large size with a square, usually black muzzle.

Height: 62 – 82 cm 
Mass: 36 – 61 kg 
Colours: Black, Fawn, Brindle, Red

9. German Shepherd / Alsatian

The German Shepherd or Alsatian is a German breed of working dog of medium to large size. They have a domed forehead, a long square-cut muzzle with strong jaws.

Weight: Male: 30–40 kg, Female: 22–32 kg
Height: Male: 60–65 cm, Female: 55–60 cm
Colours: Black, Black & Tan, Sable, Red & Black, Black & Silver, Grey

10. Ban dog

A so called ban-dog is a cross of any of the above breeds mentioned or any strain of the above dogs listed. If you are unsure as to whether this is a dangerous dog, please contact your local authority dog warden or call Tuath on (01) 676 1602