[Watch] These Dogs Are Banned In Malaysia, But You Can Still Meet Them At Expos

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter, or Telegram and WhatsApp channels for the latest stories and updates.

---

At the bustling pet expo held in Kuala Lumpur recently, attendees were treated to an array of pets—from fluffy cats to exotic birds.

But it was the muscular, broad-headed dogs that commanded the most attention.

Social media postings from the event show handlers proudly displaying tan-and-white dogs with powerful builds, thick necks, and characteristic blocky heads.

To the untrained eye, they might just be “big dogs.”

But to breed enthusiasts, the physical features are unmistakable: these appear to be pit bull-type breeds, characterised by their broad, blocky heads, powerful muscular builds, wide-set jaws, thick necks, and stocky frames.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BIGBANCKENNEL (@big.banc.kennel)

MAQIS Rules: What’s Banned, What’s Restricted

According to the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS), under the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), several dog breeds are prohibited from being imported into Malaysia.

The list includes:

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Bulldog
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Akita
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa

Additional breeds, such as Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds, fall under the “restricted” category and require special permits and conditions.

The breed bans stem from concerns about dog attacks and public safety: pit bull-type breeds have historically been associated with dogfighting and are characterised by powerful jaws and strong prey drives.

One such example was in June 2019, when a pitbull attacked an 11-year-old girl in Endau, Johor, resulting in serious facial injuries.

In another incident, a 74-year-old man was tragically killed by a pit bull while jogging in Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Lost in Classification

Part of the challenge lies in breed identification itself, as ‘pit bull’ isn’t a single breed but a type encompassing American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Bullies.

The American Bully, developed from pit bull lines, is sometimes considered a separate breed, leaving its status under Malaysian law unclear to many owners.

Malaysians considering getting a dog should:

• Check the MAQIS guidelines before purchasing or importing any breed
• Verify breed documentation from breeders
• Understand that banned breeds cannot be legally imported, regardless of temperament or training
• Consider restricted breeds carefully, as they require special permits and compliance with specific conditions

While the dogs at the expo may have been there legally through various loopholes or classifications, their presence highlights the complexity of breed-specific legislation and the challenges of enforcement.

For now, the muscular dogs continue to draw admirers—even as questions linger about whether they should be there at all.

@rolexthepitbull Malaysia’s Largest Pet Expo at Midvalley Johor Bahru #royalboerboelkennel #mrpetsworld #worldofpets #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #puppylove #puppiesoftiktok #PitbullLife #pitbulllove #xxlbandog #xxlpitbull #xxlpitbullpuppy #bandoggemastiff #bandog #mastiff #mastiffsoftiktok #pitbull #rolexpitbull #petexpo #petexpomalaysia #petexpomalaysia2024 ♬ Silambattam (From "Silambattam") – Yuvan Shankar Raja & Shankar Mahadevan

READ MORE: Man Calling For Muslims To Forgo Pet-Friendly Mall Exposed For Lewd Comments On Women’s Posts

This article is based on publicly available information and photographic evidence. No allegations of illegal activity are being made against specific individuals. The legal status of the individual dogs shown would require official verification by authorities.

---

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Threads.

[Watch] These Dogs Are Banned In Malaysia, But You Can Still Meet Them At Expos
Entertainment Flash Report