Dog Approved & Banned in HDB Flats: What You Should Know

Living in an HDB flats in Singapore comes with strict rules about keeping dogs. Here’s a breakdown of why these restrictions exist, what breeds are banned, and what happens if rules aren’t followed.

Choosing a fur kid companion is an exciting step, but if you’re living in a Singapore HDB apartment, the rules around which dogs you can keep are strict and unique. Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) enforces a carefully curated list of approved small dog breeds that are considered suitable for high-rise, community living, while banning several other breeds deemed too large, energetic, or potentially unsafe for such environments.

Why such clear boundaries? It’s all about ensuring harmony in densely populated estates, protecting public safety, minimizing noise and nuisance, and safeguarding the welfare of dogs and residents alike. Understanding which breeds are allowed and why some are strictly prohibited, can help aspiring dog owners make responsible, informed decisions that fit their lifestyle and the community’s expectations. In this guide, you’ll find out which breeds are HDB-approved, which are banned, and the reasoning behind Singapore’s distinctive pet policies.

HDB Approved Dog Breeds

• HDB maintains a list of 62 small dog breeds that are allowed in flats. Popular breeds like Bichon Frise, Pugs, Maltese, and Pomeranians are permitted if their size and temperament suit apartment living.

• Medium/large breeds, or dogs not on the approved list, are not allowed unless adopted under special schemes.

• Crossbreeds are allowed only if they resemble one of the approved breeds and do not exceed the height and weight limits (typically not more than 55cm in height).

  
  

Here is the list of the 62 HDB-approved small dog breeds:

Breed 1	Breed 2	Breed 3
1. Affenpinscher	22. Griffon Belge	43. Poodle(Toy/Miniature
2. Australian Silky Terrier	23. German Hunting Terrier	44. Pug
3. Australian Terrier	24. Griffon Brabancon	44. Schipperkee
4. Bichon Avanese	25. Hairless Dog	45. Scottish Terrier
5. Bichon Frise	26. Italian Greyhound	46. Sealyham Terrier
6. Border Terrier	27. Jack Russell Terrier	47. Shetland Sheepdog
7. Boston Terrier	28. Japanese Spaniel (Chin)	48. Shih Tzu
8. Bohemian Terrier	29. Japanese Spitz	50. Silky Terrier
9. Bolognese	30. Lakeland Terrier	51. Small Continental Spaniel
10. Brussels Griffon	31. Lhasa Apso	52. Small English Terrier
11. Cairn Terrier	32. Little Lion Dog	53. Small Spitz
12. Cavalier King Charles	33. Maltese	54. Smooth Fox Terrier
13. Chihuahua	34. Manchester Terrier	55. Tibetian Spaniel
14. Chinese Crested Dog	35. Miniature Pinscher	56. Toy Fox Terrier
15. Chinese Imperial Chin	36. Miniature Schnauzer	57. Toy Terrier
16. Chinese Temple Dog	37. Norfolk Terrier	58. Volpino Italiano
17. Coton de Tulear	38. Norwegian Lundehund	59. Welsh Terrier
18. Czech Terrier	39. Norwich Terrier	60. West Highland Terrier
19. Dachshund (Light & Miniature)	40. Papillon	61. Wire Haired Fox Terrier
20. Dandie Dinmont Terrier	41. Pekingese	62. Yorkshire Terrier
21. English Toy Spaniel	42. Pomeranian

This table is compiled from the official HDB-approved list published by NParks and AVS Singapore, which approves these breeds mainly for their manageable size and temperament suitable for apartment living.

Sources: NParks Approved Small Breeds List (PDF) Official NParks dog breeds approval listing

Why Are Some Dogs Banned in HDB Flat

The main reasons are:

• Preventing nuisance: HDB flats are close quarters, so barking, aggression, and high energy behaviors can disturb neighbors.

• Safety: Larger or more aggressive breeds may be harder to manage in small spaces.

• Harmony and space: HDB estates are designed for community living, so rules ensure everyone can share public areas peacefully.

  
  

List of Banned Dog Breeds in Singapore (Including HDB)

Singapore bans certain breeds altogether, not just in HDBs but in the entire country, for public safety. These breeds are considered a higher risk due to size, strength, or aggression:

Breed 1	Breed 2	Breed 3
1. Pit Bull (incl. American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog)	2. Akita	3. Neapolitan Mastiff
4. Tosa	5. Dogo Argentino	6. Fila Brasileiro
7. Boerboel	8. Perro de Presa Canario

If a dog is banned in Singapore, it cannot be kept in HDB or any other residence.

Pit Bull, banned not just in HDBs but in the entire country, for public safety.

"The banned breeds list helps prevent potential conflicts and injuries, especially in common areas where children, elderly, and other pets frequently interact"

Additionally, other breeds such as Corgi, Golden Retriever, Siberian Husky, Labrador Retriever, and Shiba Inu, although not at the same risk level, are not HDB approved primarily due to their size, energy level, or herding/working instincts that could lead to excessive barking, restlessness, or difficulty adapting to confined spaces.

The main reasons for such bans are:

• Space and Exercise Needs: Both Corgis and Huskies require a lot of physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. HDB flats typically offer limited indoor and outdoor space, making it difficult to provide enough room for these active breeds to expend their energy. Without adequate exercise, such dogs may become bored or restless, leading to destructive behaviors.

• Behavioral Traits:

  • Corgis: Despite their small size, Corgis have a strong herding instinct, high stamina, and need for mental engagement. In confined spaces, these instincts can manifest as excessive barking or nipping, which could disturb neighbors in close proximity.

  • Huskies: Huskies are working dogs bred for endurance and open spaces. Their need for vigorous exercise and mental challenges is hard to fulfill in a high-density apartment environment. They are also known for their loud vocalizations, which can be a nuisance in HDB settings. Additionally, their thick coats are suited for cold climates, making Singapore’s heat uncomfortable for them.

• Noise and Disturbance: Energetic breeds, if under stimulated, are prone to behaviors like frequent barking, howling, or destructive chewing. In close-knit HDB communities, such disturbances can lead to neighbor complaints and strain community relations.

• Regulatory Harmony: The Housing & Development Board (HDB) specifically maintains a list of approved small breeds deemed suitable for apartment life, taking into account temperament, size, and noise levels. These regulations aim to ensure peaceful, safe, and considerate living for all residents.
  

In summary, Corgis and Huskies are banned not because they are inherently dangerous, but because their high-energy personalities and exercise needs do not align with the limited space, noise sensitivity, and communal living constraints in HDB apartments.

What usually happens if the rules aren’t followed?

What Happens If You Keep a Banned Dog in HDB?

If you keep a banned breed or more than the allowed number of dogs, you risk:

• Fines up to S$4,000

• Possible removal of the pet from your home

• Increased surveillance or checks by authorities

  
  

Why Only 1 Dog Allowed in HDB, Compared to 3 in Private Homes?

• HDB flats: Only one approved dog is allowed per flat to avoid noise and overcrowding. The environment is more communal, so restrictions help protect peace and cleanliness.

• Private property (such as landed houses or condos): Up to three dogs are allowed because these properties are larger and provide more space for pets to be managed responsibly. Some large/scheduled breeds are still subject to strict licensing even in private homes.

  
  

What about Singapore Specials and Adoption Schemes?

• Project ADORE allows adoption of local mixed breeds (“Singapore Specials”) and even some retired K-9 police dogs in HDBs.

• Only one “Special” per flat, must be under 55cm at the shoulder, temperament-tested, and the owner must complete mandatory obedience training. This helps re-home strays responsibly while ensuring dogs fit apartment living.

  
  

What Happens If My Dog Barks Regularly in HDB?

• Excessive barking is considered a nuisance. Neighbors can file complaints.

• First, HDB usually advises owners to undertake obedience training or work with animal behaviorists.

• Repeated complaints may result in formal warnings, investigations and If unresolved, enforcement action. In extreme, rare cases, debarking surgery has been suggested, though this was controversial and HDB has clarified it is not a standard or endorsed solution.

• The best approach is proactive training and managing your dog’s behavior for community harmony.

  
  

In summary: HDB dog rules are designed for harmony and safety in dense communities. Always check the latest approved breed list from HDB or NParks before adopting, and take responsibility for your dog’s behavior!

Disclaimer: Some content on this blog may be generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance readability and creativity. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy and quality, all information should be reviewed and used at your discretion. Always consult a qualified expert or professional when in doubt.