Restricted Dog Breeds in Queensland
Updated 2026-05-13 · QLD state-by-state reference
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Restricted breeds in Queensland
- American Pit Bull Terrier (and Pit Bull Terrier)
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Perro de Presa Canario
Regulated under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008. Restricted dogs must be desexed, microchipped, muzzled in public, contained in a child-proof yard with warning signs, and registered with the local council as restricted.
Registration fees and process
Fee: $30–$130/yr (council-dependent — Brisbane City Council: $58 desexed / $185 entire)
Desexing discount: Most QLD councils offer 60–70% off for desexed dogs
Register through Your local council (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland sets the framework). Most QLD owners now complete this online.
Microchipping deadline
Puppies in Queensland must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before the dog changes hands — whichever happens first. Vets and most council pounds offer microchipping for $40–$80. Always confirm the chip number is registered to your name and current address on the national chip registry — a chip registered to a previous owner is functionally useless.
Strata and apartment living
Body corporates can pass by-laws restricting pets, but cannot impose blanket bans on assistance animals. A 'no pets' by-law for general companion animals is generally enforceable in QLD.
Renting with a dog in Queensland
From October 2022, tenants in QLD have the right to request to keep a pet — landlords must respond within 14 days, and refusal must be on a prescribed ground (e.g. property damage risk, breach of laws).
What you'd actually budget for your first year
A new puppy in Queensland costs more in the first year than most owners expect. Beyond the purchase price, you're looking at registration ($30–$130/yr), microchipping ($40–$80), C5 vaccinations ($180–$300), desexing ($300–$700 depending on size), council registration, and the first 12 months of food and vet visits.
Pet insurance is the single biggest variable. A serious incident — cruciate surgery, GDV (bloat), snake bite, or a swallowed-object obstruction — can run $4,000–$12,000 in Queenslandmetropolitan vets. Even high-excess policies pay back their first 6 months of premium with one such claim.
Our 2026 ranking of every major AU insurer, with starting premiums and what's actually covered.
Get a Knose quote →Free, no obligationLocal council resources
Each QLD council has its own animal management officer, infringement schedule, and off-leash areas. Find your council on the Your local council (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland sets the framework) portal above — local information will always be more current than state-level summaries.
Queensland pet-owner notes
Brisbane and Gold Coast councils run free desexing programs for low-income owners. Worth checking your council's website annually.