Breed Type & Import Assessments
Professional Guidance for Relocation to the UK
Relocating to the UK with your dog?
If you are moving to the UK and are concerned your dog may be considered a prohibited breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act, you need more than a guess and hope for the best, you need an expert opinion. As a Dog Expert Witness with 25 years of experience dealing with dog behaviour cases in a domestic setting and working as a dog expert witness assessing dogs that have caused harm to humans, determining if a dog is a banned breed type under UK law, and assessing dogs for foster and adoption agencies, I am well placed to provide non-binding assessments online prior to your planned move to the UK.
This service is aimed at helping those that are concerned their dog may be seen as a banned breed at the point of import.
Please note: My assessments provide an experienced opinion on what authorities may conclude. Only the Courts or a designated Police Dog Legislation Officer can make a final legal determination.
My Expertise: Why It Matters for Your Move
While I have a long-standing history as a court-recognised Dog Expert Witness, I now focus my expertise on helping private owners and organisations avoid legal complications through proactive assessments carried out online.
My background provides a distinct advantage:
Extensive Legal Authority and experience: 25 years of providing assessments for Police forces, Solicitors, private individuals and Courts nationwide
Proven Accuracy: Specialist expertise in "Type" identification, specifically regarding Pit Bull and XL Bully types
Understanding ‘Type’: In the UK, a dog has only to fall into the ‘Type’ or look of a prohibited breed to come to the attention of authorities. I evaluate your dog against the specific standards used by officials at points of import.
Services I Provide
Pre-Import Breed Reviews: Detailed analysis of your dog’s conformation against UK law (ideal for US/International relocations)
Private Peace of Mind: Independent reviews for owners who want to establish their dog’s breed type prior to relocating to the UK
Qualifications & Trust
Master’s in Dog Behaviour - (Middlesex University)
Full Member of the CFBA - (A leading UK dog behaviour association)
Pet Behaviourist to Petplan UK - Working with the UK’s largest pet insurer to provide sound, experienced information
5 Star reviews online - Reassurance that I provide a committed, one-to-one service
Hands on Experience - 25 years of handling and assessing all dog breeds - experience is paramount
The Process: Simple & Transparent
Initial Enquiry: Contact me to discuss your dog and your specific situation (e.g., relocation to the UK)
Evidence Review: I analyse available documentation, photographs, and history. (N.B. DNA results are not accepted in the UK)
Assessment & Report: A thorough evaluation that will help guide your next steps for your move or placement to the UK
Helpful Resources
Is My Dog a Banned Breed in the UK? Read my detailed guide for owners relocating to the UK, covering "Type" vs DNA, border risks, and how to prepare for your move. [Read the Full Article Here]
Bringing Your Pet Dog to Great Britain. A comprehensive guide provided by the UK government
Check the Official Banned Breeds List to see if your dog matches the physical characteristics of a prohibited type in the UK
Dog Expert Witness Testimonials:
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"We are pleased to say that Nick’s report was a factor in having the dog returned to our client under the Court Ordered Exemption Scheme."
“ We required assistance for a client who was facing proceedings under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and instructed Nick to carry out a behavioural assessment on our behalf. From the outset, he was very approachable and helpful and more than willing to discuss the issues with us at any time. The police officer in charge of the matter also remarked favourably on his dealings with him and we are pleased to say that Nick’s report was a factor in having the dog returned to our client under the Court Ordered Exemption Scheme.”
Greg Weaver – Mander Hadley Solicitors
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"Certainly the best Dog Expert Witness I have come across."
"Nick Jones is professional, reliable, personable and thorough. He is a pleasure to deal with and he helped achieve a wonderful result for our client. Certainly the best Dog Expert Witness I have come across."
Ned Kemp - Allen Hoole Solicitors, Bristol. -
"Nick saw how much myself and Patch love and care for each other and words can't describe the appreciation and gratitude I have for the work Nick did. Thank you again."
“I would like to give a big thank you to our dog expert witness Nick for his help with Patch.
The work Nick did with Patch has been a brilliant help with his confidence around people and I have noticed a great change in his interaction and trust in other people, I can only put this down to the time Nick spent talking to and playing with Patch and showing him trust which made Patch more happy and comfortable. I would also like to thank Nick for not judging Patch and giving him the chance to interact and be himself and also helping me with my anxieties in doing that.
Nick saw how much myself and Patch love and care for each other and words can't describe the appreciation and gratitude I have for the work Nick did. Thank you again.”
Scott & Patch
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"Nick Jones completes independent dog assessments for our prospective foster carers. The reports received have always been extremely well written and go above and beyond our expectations."
"Dog Expert Witness Nick Jones completes independent dog assessments for our prospective foster carers where applicants have large or boisterous dogs, or dogs that raise any concerns in regard to their reactions around young people. Nick is extremely knowledgeable about what an agency requires in regard to report writing and has presented well at the visits he has undertaken for our agency. The reports received have always been extremely well written and go above and beyond our expectations, ensuring all eventualities are covered well. Alongside this, Nick has been extremely flexible and has provided all reports in a timely manner."
Jennifer Dear. National Panel Coordinator. Advanced Foster Care. Birmingham.
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"He is very easy to communicate with and gained an instant rapport with my client."
"Mr. Jones provided a fast and efficient service as a dangerous dog assessor. He is very easy to communicate with and gained an instant rapport with my client. His expertise is clearly evident and he is rigorous in his approach. It was my pleasure to work with you. Best wishes, Julian."
Julian Berg - Consultant Solicitor - Cox Burley Solicitors.
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"The service he provides is first class and I will certainly use his services again. Keep up the great work Nick."
“I have used Nick Jones as a Dog Expert Witness of Alpha Dog Behaviour Ltd on a few occasions now and he provides a thorough and timely report. I have used him to assess the dangerousness of dogs and to assess a dog's “type”. The service he provides is first class and I will certainly use his services again. Keep up the great work Nick."
Dan Heard - Solicitor-Advocate. Goldstones Solicitors. Swansea.
Trusted 5 Star Reviews
