63 HDB Approved Dog Breeds for Adoption + New Size Criteria under Project ADORE in March 2023

In the past, only small dogs were allowed in HDB homes. But thankfully, with recent schemes and revisions, we’ve seen an increase in the number of dogs being rehomed!


“This is progress for the animal welfare movement here. It shows that the concerns that are raised by people are being addressed.”
– Louis Ng, Founder and Chief Executive of Acres

Join us as we list down all the HDB approved dog breeds, and highlight the significant milestones in HDB dog ownership regulations! asian bandar

HDB Approved Dog Breeds

Here’s the list of the 62 dog breeds that have been approved by the Housing and Development Board (HDB).

HDB approved dogs

1. Affenpinscher
2. Australian Silky Terrier
3. Australian Terrier
4. Bichon Avanese
5. Bichon Frise
6. Bohemian Terrier
7. Bolognese
8. Border Terrier
9. Boston Terrier
10. Brussels Griffon
11. Cairn Terrier
12. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
13. Chihuahua
14. Chinese Crested Dog
15. Chinese Imperial Chin
16. Chinese Temple Dog
17. Coton de tulear
18. Czech Terrier
19. Dachshund
20. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
21. English Toy Spaniel
22. German Hunting Terrier

23. Griffon Belge
24. Griffon Brabancon
25. Hairless Dog
26. Italian Greyhound
27. Jack Russel Terrier
28. Japanese Spaniel (Chin)
29. Japanese Spitz
30. Lakeland Terrier
31. Lhasa Apso
32. Little Lion Dog
33. Maltese
34. Manchester Terrier
35. Miniature Pinscher
36. Miniature Schnauzer
37. Norfolk Terrier
38. Norwegian Lundehund
39. Norwich Terrier
40. Papillon

41. Pekingese
42. Pomeranian
43. Poodle (Toy/Miniature)
44. Pug
45. Schipperkee
46. Scottish Terrier
47. Sealyham Terrier
48. Shetland Sheepdog
49. Shih Tzu
50. Silky Terrier
51. Small Continental Spaniel
52. Small English Terrier
53. Small Spitz
54. Smooth Fox Terrier
55. Tibetan Spaniel
56. Toy Fox Terrier
57. Toy Terrier
58. Volpino Italiano
59. Welsh Terrier
60. West Highland Terrier
61. Wire-Haired Fox Terrier
62. Yorkshire Terrier
63. Singapore Specials (under Project ADORE)

Infographic - List of HDB approved dog breeds in Singapore

HDB homeowners are only allowed to have small dogs with a height of 40cm (at their shoulders) and weight of 10kg and below.

The 63rd breed on the list is Singapore Specials under Project ADORE, which will be touched on later.

Regulations and Good Practices for Owning A Dog in HDB

Only 1 dog is permitted per HDB home

Family and their dog in the living room

Source: Exclusively Mongrels

On normal days, if you leave your dog at home alone, it’s best to give him the same amount of alone time now. For example, make sure that you give him some space to rest or play by himself.

Under HDB regulations, owners are only allowed to keep 1 dog (from the list of approved breeds) per home. Breaching this regulation will result in a fine of up to $4,000.

Pet licencing is compulsory

You need not get HDB’s approval to keep a dog if it’s an approved breed. However, do note that all dogs have to be licensed by the NParks Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).

Your pet is your responsibility

HDB’s regulations are put in place to ensure that residents can live harmoniously without uninvited disruptions. However, as a pet parent, you’re accountable for taking care of your pet and creating a comfortable home for them.

For example,

  • making sure that it doesn’t bark excessively,
  • picking up and disposing of their waste promptly, and
  • keeping them securely in your home.

HDB Approved Dogs under Project ADORE

Any dog taller than 40cm or heavier than 10kg are typically not allowed in HDBs.

But in April 2012, Project ADORE (ADOption and REhoming of dogs) was put in place to allow HDB homeowners to adopt a local mixed-breed dog.

Only dogs adopted from these 5 participating dog shelters are qualified for the scheme:

  • SPCA,
  • Action for Singapore Dogs,
  • Save Our Street Dogs,
  • Exclusively Mongrels and
  • Causes for Animals.

Past criteria for dogs allowed in HDBs

Valid till 28 February 2020
Dog in park smiling to the camera

Roxie (Source: Exclusively Mongrels)

Under this scheme, dogs that fulfil the following criterion are allowed to be rehomed to HDB flats.

  • Local medium-sized mixed breed or Singapore Special
  • Shoulder height of up to 50cm and weight of up to 15kg
  • Minimum age: 6 months old
  • Sterilised
  • Have undergone basic obedience training by AVA-accredited trainers

Straits Times has reported that this meaningful scheme has successfully rehomed 1,335 local mixed-breed dogs as of 31 December 2019.

Launch of K9 public adoption scheme

Launched in June 2017, valid till 1 March 2022
Two dogs under K9 public adoption scheme

Nelson and Simbo (Source: Military Working Dog Unit Adoption Drive 2019)

After Project ADORE, the K9 Public Adoption Scheme was launched in June 2017 to allow HDB owners to adopt retired dogs from the

  • Singapore Police Force,
  • Singapore Civil Defence Force K-9 units, and
  • SAF Military Working Dog Unit.

This scheme has been extended for another 2 years till 1 March 2022.

New size criteria for dogs allowed in HDBs

Valid as of 1 March 2020
Gemma and Calbee (Action for Singapore Dogs)

Gemma and Calbee (Source: Action for Singapore Dogs)

On 1 March this year, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) announced a revised criterion for Project ADORE — shoulder height of up to 55cm with no weight limit.

These revisions are estimated to enable 20% more local mixed-breed dogs to be rehomed.

HDB residents that are keen on this scheme have to be aware of the following:

  • Understand that only 1 registered dog is allowed per HDB household
  • Check that your immediate neighbours are open to you having a dog
  • Sign a declaration to ascertain that you’ll observe the Code of Responsible Behaviour (CORB)
  • Ensure that your new dog is sterilised, vaccinated and microchipped
  • Apply for an AVA license

Adopting a HDB-approved dog via Project ADORE

After countless appeals and feedback, HDB’s dog ownership schemes have definitely developed over the years. This allows more dogs to be adopted into loving homes!


Note!
Before getting a fur kid, ensure that you’ve done all the research you need and are fully aware of the commitment. When you’re ready, consider adopting one from the 5 participating welfare groups under Project ADORE!

Author

  • Bernice Quek

    Intrigued by celebrity and influencer gossips, Bernice is passionate about finding the latest scandals and good deals to get a bang for her buck! Her closest friends know her as someone who has an irrational love for Disney's Stitch and an unwavering loyalty to KOI.

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