BSL & Breeds That Look Like Pit Bulls
BSL stands for Breed Specific Legislation and it’s a law that bans (or restricts) owners from having certain types of dogs. Over 700 cities in the U.S. have BSL laws. The main breed affected by this law is of course the Pit Bull.
Misleading Fact About BSL
Breed Specific Legislation however, is not targeted at just one single breed. In fact, most clauses will ban Pit Bulls but contain language similar to the following…“or any dog with an appearance or physical characteristics that are substantially similar to the aforementioned breeds.” That means any dog, regardless of breed, that seems to look like a pit bull can be affected by BSL.
Here are just some of the breeds that are mistaken for pit bulls. Scroll through to find out which one is the true Pit Bull.
Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a large muscular dog and males can weigh up to 145 lbs. They were originally bred to guard livestock on farms. They have an unusual charactertic – their cat-like movements. But they have a stubborn streak – the American Pit Bull is typically a lot easier to train compared to the Presa Canario.
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Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an athletic and powerful breed with an innate guarding instinct. They were originally bred in Italy to guard homes and property as well as to hunt large game. The breed is confident and alert. This breed is more likely to bark at potential intruders so It’s considered a better “watch dog” than the American Pit Bull.
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Boxer
The Boxer is known for his playful personality and for being a good family pet. They definitely have the appearance of being alert but they are friendly and affection. The Boxer is a high energy – the Pit Bull usually requires more exercise but sheds less.
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American Bulldog
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Bullmastiff
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a muscular and athletic hound that excels in canine sports. Early training and socialization is a must because the breed tends to be strong willed.
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Rottweiler
The self assured and courageous Rottweiler is one of the first breeds to be used as police dogs. Although they can be good family pets when bred correctly and well trained, they too are affected by BSL and banned from cities like Walkertown, IN.
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Dogo Argentino
The Dogo Argentino is a muscular, white, short haired breed. Originally bred in Argentina for large game hunting, this dog fears not much of anything. Just like the Pit Bull, the Dogo has been exploited as a fighting dog. This breed though weighs close to 100 lbs – far greater than the pit bull.
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Dogue de Bordeaux
This ancient French breed is brachycephalic molossoid type. Brachyephalic means flat head and molossoid means large and stout. The Dogue de Bordeaux is social dog known for being alert, loyal and courageous but not aggressive.
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Believe it our not, the American Pit Bull Terrier has been nicked named the “Nanny dog” because of how good they can be with children. The breed is very eager to please and they excel in canine sports like agility. When appropriately trained and socialized they make great family pets.
IMAGE: “American Pit Bull Terrier – Seated” by Photo by Dante Alighieri – Moved from en.wikipedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons – https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:American_Pit_Bull_Terrier_-_Seated.jpg#/media/File:American_Pit_Bull_Terrier_-_Seated.jpg