Banned Dog Breeds in Qatar
Qatar restricts 28 dog breeds from import under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, State of Qatar. The restricted list covers guardian breeds (Doberman, Rottweiler, Boxer), mastiffs (Cane Corso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Fila Brasileiro), terriers (American Pit Bull, Staffordshire variants, Boston Terrier) and livestock guardians (Kangal, Caucasian Shepherd, Tibetan Mastiff). A catch-all clause extends the ban to subspecies and closely related breeds, so mixed breeds with restricted-breed features may also be refused at customs. Parkview Pet Center in Madinat Khalifa North, Doha, Qatar verifies breed status against the current Ministry list on behalf of relocating pet owners and advises on documentation that may help in borderline cases. Established in 2011, IPATA member. Always verify the current list before booking flights — call +974 4417 1560.
Banned Dog Breeds in Qatar
parkview-breed-consultation-doha.webp
Always verify before booking flights
The restricted breed list is maintained by the Qatar Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and may change without public notice. Verify the current status with Parkview Pet Center at +974 4417 1560 before booking flights or making relocation arrangements.
Banned Dog Breeds in Qatar
28 breeds restricted from import under Ministry of Environment rules. Find your breed below to check status.
Doberman Pinscher
Rhodesian Ridgeback
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Boston Terrier
German Pinscher
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier
Ca de Bou
Presa Canario
Dogo Argentino
Fila Brasileiro
Spanish Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff
English Bulldog
Bullmastiff
Old English Mastiff
Dogue de Bordeaux
Boxer
Great Dane
Rottweiler
Chinese Shar-Pei
Cane Corso
Kangal Shepherd Dog
Tibetan Mastiff
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Central Asian Shepherd
St. Bernard
The catch-all clause
"All other species and subspecies belonging to the same family of animals and creatures mentioned in this table are considered part of this table."
— Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, State of Qatar
This clause means crosses, mixes, and closely related breeds may also be restricted. If your dog has visual characteristics of any banned breed — broad head, muscular build, brachycephalic features — customs may flag the import regardless of registered pedigree.
Mixed-breed dogs and visual determination
Qatar customs officers base breed determination on the dog's physical appearance, not on DNA testing or pedigree papers. A mixed-breed dog with the head shape, muscular build, or coat pattern of a restricted breed may be flagged on arrival even if the registered papers say "mixed" or "mongrel." Parkview Pet Center reviews photos of your dog before relocation and flags any visual characteristics that could cause problems at the border — early identification prevents costly surprises at the airport.
Airline-Restricted Breeds (Not Banned by Qatar)
Separate from Qatar's import ban, many airlines refuse to transport brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds due to respiratory risks at altitude. These breeds are legally welcome in Qatar but may be difficult to fly in, especially during summer months.
French Bulldog
Pug
Boxer
English Bulldog
What to do if your breed is listed
Three steps before you commit to any travel plan
- 1
Do not book flights yet
Non-refundable flight bookings before confirming breed status are the most common cause of avoidable loss. Hold all arrangements until Parkview confirms the current Ministry list covers your dog.
- 2
Contact Parkview Pet Center
Call +974 4417 1560 or WhatsApp for breed verification. Send clear photos of your dog from the front, side and above — Parkview Pet Center reviews visual characteristics against the restricted list and advises on permit guidance.
- 3
Explore alternatives if restricted
If the breed is confirmed on the restricted list, realistic alternatives include rehoming with a trusted party abroad or deferring relocation until regulations change. Parkview Pet Center can walk through the options with you before you make any decisions.
Cats: no breed restrictions in Qatar
Qatar's restricted breed list applies to dogs only. No cat breeds are banned from entering Qatar. Cats of all breeds — including Persians, Siamese, and mixed breeds — are eligible for import with standard documentation (import permit, health certificate, microchip, vaccinations).
Breed photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors, CC BY / CC BY-SA / CC0. See full attribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions
1 What dog breeds are banned from import to Qatar?
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, State of Qatar, restricts the import of 28 dog breeds, including Doberman, Rottweiler, Pit Bull variants, Cane Corso, Neapolitan Mastiff, Fila Brasileiro, Presa Canario, Boston Terrier, Boxer and English Bulldog. The restricted list also applies to crosses and closely related subspecies. Parkview Pet Center in Doha checks the current list on your behalf — call +974 4417 1560 before booking flights.
2 How many dog breeds are on Qatar's restricted list?
Qatar currently restricts 28 named dog breeds. A catch-all clause in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change regulation extends the ban to "all other species and subspecies belonging to the same family" — so crosses and visually similar breeds may also be refused at customs.
3 Is a Boxer banned in Qatar?
Yes. The Boxer is on Qatar's restricted breed list and is also commonly refused by airlines because it is a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed with respiratory risk during air travel. This is one of the breeds where both the Qatar import ban and the airline restriction apply simultaneously.
4 Is a Doberman banned in Qatar?
Yes. The Doberman Pinscher is on the restricted list maintained by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, State of Qatar. An import permit for a Doberman is likely to be denied. Contact Parkview Pet Center at +974 4417 1560 to verify the current status before making relocation arrangements.
5 Is a Boston Terrier really on the banned list?
Yes — this surprises many pet owners. The Boston Terrier is listed on the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change restricted breeds document despite its smaller size and friendly temperament. Qatar customs applies the list as published; the Boston Terrier being small does not create an exemption.
6 Is a Rottweiler banned in Qatar?
Yes. The Rottweiler is on the restricted list and an import permit will likely be denied. Parkview Pet Center can verify the current status on your behalf — call +974 4417 1560 before booking flights or making any relocation arrangements.
7 Are mixed-breed dogs affected by the breed ban?
Yes — potentially. Qatar customs bases breed determination on physical appearance, not DNA testing. A mixed-breed dog with the head shape, muscular build or coat pattern of a restricted breed may be flagged on arrival even if the pedigree papers say otherwise. Parkview Pet Center reviews visual characteristics before relocation and advises on documentation that may help in borderline cases.
8 What happens if I try to import a banned breed?
The import permit will be denied. If the breed is discovered on arrival instead — for example via a mixed-breed visual match — the pet can be held at Hamad International Airport, placed in quarantine, or returned to the origin country at the owner’s expense. Never book flights before verifying breed status.
9 Does Qatar's banned breed list change?
Yes. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change maintains the list and may update it without public notice. A breed that is allowed today may be restricted in a future revision. Always verify the current list with Parkview Pet Center before committing to a relocation plan.
10 Are brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldog or Pug banned in Qatar?
French Bulldogs and Pugs are NOT banned from entering Qatar. However, most airlines refuse to transport brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds because of respiratory risks at altitude — especially in summer. That is an airline safety policy, separate from any government ban. English Bulldogs and Boxers are affected by both the Qatar ban and airline brachycephalic restrictions.
Visit Parkview Pet Center
Madinat Khalifa North, Doha, Qatar
Contact Information
Parkview Pet Center
Areas Served