Girl sitting on a green chair hugging a brown dog in a room with beige curtains and a patterned rug.
Dog wearing a muzzle sitting on a park bench with grass and trees in the background.
Dog behind bars, looking out with a happy expression
A man with a shaved head sitting outside on a wooden deck with a Rottweiler puppy and adult Rottweiler, all facing forward.
A brown dog with a purple collar lying on a dog bed near a fireplace.
A young dog sitting on the floor of a concrete room, with a person's hand holding a treat near its nose. The dog is wearing a blue collar and is looking at the treat.
A dog wearing a yellow vest with the words 'NERVIS' on it, sitting on grass with a protective face mask covering its face.
Person holding a leash attached to a large, muscular dog in an outdoor area enclosed by a metal fence.
Brindle-colored dog on a leash standing on a paved sidewalk.
Dog wearing a muzzle, leash, and harness pulling on a blue and red object in a backyard with green grass and a wooden fence.
Dog wearing a travel mug on its snout, walking on a sidewalk with grass and bushes in the background.
A brown dog sitting on a concrete floor near a wall and a wooden post, with a pink leash attached to its collar.
A tan dog with a blue collar sitting in front of a white brick wall, looking to the left.
A person holding a leash attached to a black service dog sitting on grass, holding a bite sleeve in its mouth.
Annotated diagram of a dog showing its various body parts labeled.
A large pitbull dog with a light brown and white coat, wearing a harness, standing with its eyes closed and head slightly tilted.
A happy brown dog with a white chest and paws, wearing a black collar, standing outdoors on a chain-link fence background.
A tan and white dog with a black collar standing outdoors on a concrete surface, with a wooden fence in the background.
Dog standing outside near a metal fence with its head lowered, tail up, and leash on the ground.
A man with glasses taking a selfie with a large dog wearing a patterned muzzle and a chain collar, indoors.
German Shepherd with a muzzle outdoors on a sunny day.
A young child hugging a large dog with a forest background, with text stating, "They're not dangerous if you raise them right, neither are the dogs."
Man standing outside a fenced dog shelter, looking at two dogs inside cages.
A happy dog wearing a muzzle, standing on a paved surface, looking up at the camera.
A tan and white English bulldog sitting on the floor, looking at the camera with its mouth slightly open, showing some teeth, against a dark background.
A dog wearing a muzzle tied to a kennel or structure, with part of a person's leg visible on the left side, against a wood-paneled background.
Bulldog with a serious expression sitting on a blanket inside a wooden doghouse
A person feeding a dog on a brick patio, with the person's hand near the dog's mouth. The dog is gray and white, wearing a harness, and the person is wearing gray pants and blue sneakers.
A dog lying on a couch with a relaxed, tilted head resting on a red pillow.
Close-up of a white dog with a black nose and brown ears, looking directly at the camera, wearing a green collar.
Dog with black and white spots wearing a muzzle, standing indoors on a tiled floor near a red chair.
A dog wearing a gas mask sitting on a couch. Someone is petting the dog. The dog has a brindle and white coat.
Dog wearing a muzzle and a small jacket, standing on a sidewalk.
Dog wearing a blue bandana with white text, sitting on grass during daytime.
German Shepherd lying on a tiled floor with a black muzzle in front of it.
A large black dog with a brown patch above each eye wears a red muzzle. The dog is indoors, near a wooden table and chair.
Dog lying on a wooden floor indoors with a person nearby, holding a leash.
A small dog wearing a black harness and a mask, sitting on a wooden bench outdoors.

UK Dog Breed & Import Assessments

Professional Guidance for Relocating Your Dog to the UK

Worried about UK breed bans? Get an expert pre-import dog breed assessment for Pitbull and XL Bully types before relocating to the UK.

Moving countries is stressful enough without worrying about border complications with your dog. If you are concerned your dog may be considered a prohibited breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act (such as a Pit Bull or XL Bully type), 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 one of the banned breed types under UK law, and assessing the safety of dogs for foster and adoption agencies, I am well placed to provide non-binding online assessments prior to your planned move to the UK.

If you are worried your dog might be flagged at UK border control as a banned type, particularly Pit Bull Terrier or XL Bully types-this assessment gives you clear, expert guidance before you travel.

Please note: My assessments provide an experienced pre import 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 prior to moving to the UK.

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, breed legislation is based purely on physical appearance ('Type') rather than DNA or pedigree papers. Overseas DNA tests carry no weight under UK law. I evaluate your dog's physical conformation against the specific standards used by UK police and border authorities

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 - (Professional Practice in Canine Behaviour and Training-Middlesex University)

  • Full Member of the CFBA - (A leading UK dog behaviour association)

  • Pet Behaviourist to Petplan UK - Working directly with the UK’s largest pet insurer to provide sound, experienced information to the british public

  • 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 in domestic and legal settings - practical experience is paramount

The Process: Simple & Transparent

  1. Initial Enquiry: Contact me to discuss your dog and your specific situation (e.g., relocation to the UK)

  2. Evidence Review: I will email you step-by-step instructions on the exact photos and measurements required. Once received, I analyse your dog’s conformation against UK legal standards

  3. Assessment & Report: You will receive a formal written expert report (PDF) detailing my findings, risk evaluation, and tailored advice for your move, delivered within 3-5 working days

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.GOV

Check the Official Banned Breeds List Further resources provided by the UK.GOV

Contact Nick
Contact Nick

Dog Expert Witness Testimonials:

  • "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

  • "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

  • "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.

  • "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.

  • "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.

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Trusted 5 Star Reviews