Laws or regulations in a jurisdiction that prohibit or restrict the ownership, breeding, or public presence of specific dog breeds. Where an accommodation provider excludes a breed as a direct consequence of breed specific legislation in its jurisdiction, that exclusion is treated as a legal prohibition, not as a size or weight restriction under this standard. The provider must disclose the restriction and cite the applicable law in its published policy.
RDFRG-02 · Defined Term 18
Breed Specific Legislation
Laws that prohibit or restrict specific dog breeds. Breed exclusions arising from these laws are treated as legal prohibitions, not size restrictions.
Definition
Laws that prohibit or restrict specific dog breeds. Breed exclusions arising from these laws are treated as legal prohibitions, not size restrictions.
Part of the Roch Dog Standard (RDFS-02) · Published by Roch Dog
Breed Specific Legislation
Roch Interpretation
If the law in that country bans specific breeds, a hotel excluding them is following the law and that is a legal prohibition, not a size restriction. But the hotel still needs to name the applicable law in its published policy rather than listing the breed as a house preference.
Examples
Compliant
A hotel in the UK excludes breeds listed under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, names the Act in its published policy, and applies no other breed restrictions.
Not compliant
A hotel in Spain lists 'no Pit Bulls, Dobermanns, or Rottweilers' in its policy with no reference to breed specific legislation, treating all three exclusions as if they were a matter of preference.
Published by Roch Dog
RDFRG-02 · Last updated 17 March 2026