Restricted dog breeds across the United States
In the United States, while there are no federal bans on dog breeds, many states and localities have implemented laws that regulate or ban ownership of certain breeds. These laws, known as Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL), primarily target breeds popularly grouped as "pit bulls" and several other breeds perceived as dangerous due to historical reputations and appearance.
The term "pit bull" refers to a few different types of dogs descended from bulldog and terrier breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, English Bull Terriers, and their mixes. Other breeds frequently regulated or banned include American Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dalmatians, Chow Chows, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and any dogs that closely resemble these breeds.
The Rottweiler is known for their loyalty, energy, and gorgeous wide-set eyes. Originally bred as a guard dog, they are now commonly kept as pets. The Dogo Argentino, a pack hunting dog bred for tracking down game like wild boar and puma, is also subject to BSL in some areas.
The Cane Corso is a clever, assertive, and highly trainable dog, originally bred as a bodyguard dog. The Presa Canario, a sturdy build with a deep bark, is naturally wary of strangers but well-mannered and devoted to family. The German Shepherd is a loyal breed that excels in various tasks, including search and rescue, police, and military work. The Doberman Pinscher is one of the best protection dogs, known for their courage and vigilance.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers were originally bred for bull and bear baiting, followed by dog fighting, but are now commonly kept as pets. American Staffordshire Terriers are robust, stocky dogs known for their intelligence, good nature, and love of training.
The Chow Chow is a dignified dog dating back to ancient China, known for their lion's mane ruff and cleanliness. The Alaskan Malamute is one of the best dogs for cold weather, with a heavy set body and powerful shoulders and chest. Bull Terriers are known for their playful, charming, and somewhat stubborn nature. American Bulldogs are athletic dogs with a balance of strength, endurance, and a pleasant nature, making them excellent farm dogs.
The Akita is heavy boned, muscly, and double-coated, originating from ancient Japan. The Siberian Husky is agile and strong, bred to pull light loads over frozen ground. Belgian Malinois, while not explicitly mentioned as being subject to BSL, are known for their intelligence, agility, and working ability, making them popular choices for police and military work.
Breed-specific legislation is aimed at breeds that are wrongly assumed to be more naturally aggressive, unsafe, or have a genetic predisposition toward unfriendly behaviors. However, critics argue that aggression and dangerous behavior depend more on individual dog behavior, owner responsibility, and environment than breed alone.
In some states like Ohio, the legal approach to dog bites has evolved to move away from focusing solely on breed, although breed may still influence insurance and negligence considerations in lawsuits. Wolf hybrids, created by breeding a domestic dog with a wolf, require a specialized diet, lots of exercise, and can be challenging to keep due to their partially wild nature.
In summary, in the US, no breed is federally banned, but many states have breed-specific legislation mostly targeting pit bull-type dogs and several other breeds perceived as dangerous due to historical reputations and appearance. The effectiveness and fairness of these laws continue to be debated.
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