Breed specific legislation (BSL) almost always restricts "Pit Bulls". We hear that term so often without really understanding what it means. "Pit Bull" is not actually a breed, but rather a label used to describe many breeds. Typically, these five breeds come to mind:

What about the Boxer, Bull Mastiff, Boston terrier or French Bulldog? Do these breeds enter your thoughts when you hear the words “Pit Bull”? Probably not, but for many legislators across the U.S. they do. “Pit Bull-type” is a term often included in BSL leaving many people confused. If a “Pit Bull” is any one of six breeds, than how many breeds are considered to be “Pit Bull-types”? The law may describe characteristics of "Pit Bull-type" dogs as having a "wide head, broad chest, and short fur” (that narrows it down). To further aggravate breed identification issues, most dangerous breed legislation adds "and mixes" to the wording which can get pretty messy. To my knowledge there are at least 25 different bulldog breeds which all fall into the “Pit Bull-Type” category according to its description. Other breeds at risk for BSL may include working-dogs such as the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever, along with the Saint Bernard, Husky, Chow-Chow, and surprisingly, even the Golden Retriever is banned in some American cities. Let’s not forget that all mixes of these breeds may be banned as well.

After researching breeds commonly characterized with “Pit Bull-type” traits this list of 42 different breeds was created. Sadly, many breeds on this list have already become victims of BSL in different parts of the world including the U.S. Though they all have very different distinguishing characteristics like: weight, size, geographic origin and most importantly, temperament, they are often grouped as one under BSL. Of the 42 breeds listed there are temperaments ranging from 66.7% to the perfect score of 100.0%. The most common kind of BSL completely bans all dogs of a certain breed regardless of temperament unless the owner can prove their dog is not one of the “dangerous” breeds in question. A task that is impossible for many without the help of DNA testing which is not yet possible for all breeds. For most owners who face this issue the road ends here. Without papers, an adopted or rescued dog would be considered a “Pit Bull-type” often resulting in euthanasia. An uncooperative owner would be left with few options; a dog’s life could be spared by sending it away to another city or some may choose to move if able. However, anyone who does not comply with BSL regulations would face costly fines every day the dog remains in the home illegally, eventually leading to jail time. By now you understand that BSL identifies “Pit Bulls” and “Pit Bull-types” based on the breed standard of physical appearance, while ironically disregarding the breed standard for temperament. In reality there is only one true “Pit Bull” and that is The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). The APBT has a passing rate of 84.3% according to the American Temperament Testing Society’s latest test as of December, 2007. As mentioned, 25 of the 42 breeds listed are descendants of the Bulldog which is also true for the APBT. Surprisingly, over ˝ of the breeds listed below scored higher than an 80.0% when tested for temperament. Even more shocking, four of the breeds scored 100.0% which raises questions about the validity of most BSL restriction.

The overall average score for the “Pit Bull-type” Dogs listed below is 77.0% which surely most would agree is not substantial evidence for the enforcement of this strict legislation, most often including a death sentence. (Average does not include dogs not tested indicated by N/A).

Breed A.T.T.S. Temperament Scores 2007

• Note: Rare breeds are less likely to have an ATTS score therefore displaying an N/A.
• To see complete testing results please visit: ATTS.org

After looking at these scores it is clear that BSL has no regard for the individual behavior or the genetics of each dog targeted, not even when they are perfect examples of their breed! As long as there is a “Pit Bull-type” category involved with dangerous dog laws many breeds, including the APBT will have a dark cloud hanging over their head. Tragically, any positive qualities linked to a breed considered a “Pit Bull-Type” are quickly dismissed and replaced by a negative stigma as a result of false “Pit Bull” myths still believed by many misinformed people. Unfortunately, in many cases people can’t even get past the words “Pit Bull” in order to experience how wonderful these breeds actually are. In society this would be considered racial profiling. What makes it so different when we are dealing with the lives of millions of lovable dogs? Sadly, BSL does not even protect our families from harm as it was initially intended. 65% of Americans are dog-owners which means BSL will eventually affect you or someone you know. BSL is not the answer! Tell your local legislators how you feel about BSL, download this sample “Dear Legislator” letter and use it to help prevent unfair breed specific legislation in your area. Law makers won’t know how you feel unless you tell them. So get out there and make positive changes!