Regulatory explainer
Specified dogs: two parts, different decisions
Start by separating permission to bring a dog into Singapore, permission to keep it in your housing, and the conditions attached to its licence. A restricted-breed list does not answer all three questions by itself.
Which breeds are covered?
The AVS specified-dogs page sets out two parts under the 2024 licensing rules. Part 1 dogs, except those already licensed, are not allowed into Singapore for sale, a temporary visit or permanent stay. Part 2 is a separate restricted group.
Part 1
- Pit Bull family: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Bulldog
- Akita
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Boerboel
- Perro De Presa Canario
- Crosses of the listed breeds
Part 2
- Bull Terrier
- Doberman Pinscher
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd Dog and related Belgian and East European Shepherd Dogs
- Mastiffs, including Bull Mastiff, Cane Corso and Dogue De Bordeaux
- Crosses of the listed breeds
Use the official wording when checking a crossbreed or an uncertain record. A seller’s description, a photograph or a consumer breed tool cannot establish the legal classification. Ask AVS before committing to an animal or a journey.
The headline licence conditions
AVS specifies a leash and secure muzzle in public, approved liability insurance of at least S$100,000, and a guarantee of S$5,000 for Part 1 or S$2,000 for Part 2. Part 1 dogs over six months must be sterilised. Read the full conditions and submission instructions on the official page.
A guarantee is not the same thing as a standard licence fee or medical insurance for your dog. Ask the issuing institution and insurer to confirm the documents, insured risks and validity needed for the actual licence. Save the policy and guarantee with the dog’s identity records.
Training and day-to-day handling
AVS’s training guidance requires specified dogs to complete applicable basic obedience training with an AVS-accredited certified trainer. Its page explains the certificate submission deadline and how to find accredited practitioners. Confirm the requirement for your individual application rather than treating any course certificate as equivalent.
Discuss comfortable equipment fitting and humane handling with an appropriate professional. Brief everyone who cares for the dog, including walkers, sitters and boarding staff, about the actual conditions. A booking confirmation does not prove that a provider understands those obligations.
Housing is a separate decision
Check HDB eligibility and any applicable approval before choosing a dog. For other housing, check tenancy and management conditions as well as AVS requirements. Do not assume that moving to private property automatically makes an import or a particular keeping arrangement lawful.
If the dog is already with you and you are uncertain, contact AVS promptly with its microchip number, licence and available history. Seek a workable, welfare-conscious plan with the relevant authority and carers. This page cannot promise a retrospective licence or predict the outcome of an enforcement case.
Before purchase, adoption or relocation
- Confirm the exact dog and its records, including any crossbreed information.
- Ask AVS about the applicable category, import eligibility and licence conditions.
- Check the intended housing and obtain the necessary permission.
- Confirm insurance, guarantee, training and care arrangements before paying.
- Keep written answers with the documents and recheck requirements before travel.
The purpose of these checks is to avoid an impossible situation after a dog has been bought or transported. An attractive listing is not a reason to rush. Give yourself time to resolve the paperwork and the practical care plan together.
Frequently asked questions
- Are prohibited imports and specified dogs the same list?
- No. Read Part 1 and Part 2 separately and check the individual dog’s eligibility with AVS before purchase, adoption or travel.
- Can a breed-identification photo settle the legal category?
- No. Do not use a visual guess or an online breed result as an official classification. Give AVS the records and ask for clarification.
- Does private housing remove the additional conditions?
- No. Housing permission and the applicable dog-licence conditions are separate checks.
- What if my current paperwork does not match this guide?
- Contact AVS with the dog’s identity and documents. Do not assume a backdated licence, exemption or automatic enforcement outcome.