Banned and conditional dog breeds in Egypt

Under Law 29 of 2023, the Minister of Agriculture issued Decree 218 of 2025 in May 2025, listing the breeds with special rules. The old list was much longer: the decree cut the banned breeds to three and moved 16 breeds to "allowed with conditions".

Banned breeds

These breeds can't be licensed, so they can't be kept, sold or bought in Egypt:

• Fila Brasileiro
• Boerboel
• Presa Canario

Breeds allowed with conditions

These breeds are allowed, with extra conditions and checks:

What are the conditions?

• A valid licence from the Veterinary Directorate, with the dog registered under a serial number and wearing its ID tag. See how to license your dog.
• The owner is 18 or older.
• Outside the home: a muzzle and a proper leash, and whoever walks the dog must be 18 or older. The law asks this of every dog; with these breeds it matters most.
• Rabies vaccination kept up to date, with the card on you.

What about other dogs?

Every other dog, mixed and baladi dogs included, needs a licence too: the law requires one for any dog. Press reports also mention further breeds approved under specific conditions without a clear published list, so if your dog is a large or guarding breed, ask the directorate.

Thinking of buying one of these breeds?

• Ask the seller for the licence number and check it. On BesBes, a listing for any dog aged 3 months or more must include it.
• The licence has to be transferred to you, for EGP 1,000.
• Think it through: these dogs need space, training and time every day, and many end up abandoned when owners can't cope.