Home > Lifestyle > Pets > Commonly Banned Dog Breeds in the USA

Commonly Banned Dog Breeds in the USA

Dogs are man’s best friends, but unfortunately, not all breeds can be kept as pets in the United States. Some breeds have been classified as dangerous or aggressive and are prohibited in some states or cities. This article will explore the commonly banned dog breeds in the USA, the reasons behind the ban, and what prospective dog owners can do if they want to adopt one of these breeds.

Table of Contents

Reasons behind breed-specific bans:

Breed-specific bans, also known as breed-specific legislation (BSL), are laws or regulations that prohibit or restrict the ownership of certain breeds of dogs. The reasons behind breed-specific bans vary depending on the breed and the city or state. However, some common reasons for banning certain breeds include the following:

Aggressive tendencies: Some breeds are known for being aggressive or dangerous, leading to breed-specific bans in some cities or states. For example, pit bulls and Rottweilers are often banned due to their perceived aggression.
History of attacks: If a breed has been involved in many attacks or fatalities, it may be banned in some areas. For example, in 1987, Denver, Colorado, enacted a ban on Pit Bulls after a series of attacks on people.
Public safety concerns: Some cities and states may ban certain breeds to protect public safety and prevent dog attacks. For example, in 1991, Miami-Dade County in Florida banned Pit Bulls and other deemed dangerous breeds to the community.
Insurance issues: Some insurance companies may refuse coverage or charge higher premiums for owners of certain breeds, leading to breed-specific bans in some areas. For example, some landlords may ban certain breeds from rental properties due to insurance requirements.
Perception in the media: The media’s portrayal of certain breeds can influence public opinion and lead to breed-specific bans. For example, the media has portrayed Pit Bulls as dangerous and aggressive, leading to many cities and states enacting breed-specific bans on this breed.
Lack of owner responsibility: Breed-specific bans may be enacted in response to owners who fail to properly train or control their dogs. Some cities and states may ban certain breeds from holding owners accountable for their dog’s behavior.

It is important to note that breed-specific bans have been a controversial topic in the United States, with many advocates arguing that the bans unfairly target certain breeds and do not address the root causes of dog aggression. Others argue that breed-specific bans are necessary to protect public safety. Ultimately, the decision to enact breed-specific bans is up to each city or state. Researching and understanding your area’s laws before considering owning a banned breed is important.

8 Banned Dog Breeds in the USA:

Pit Bulls:

Pit Bulls are among the most commonly banned dog breeds in the United States. The breed is considered dangerous due to its aggressive nature and history of being bred for dogfighting. Pit Bulls are prohibited in many cities, including Denver, Miami, and Cincinnati. In some states, they are not banned but must be registered and microchipped.

Rottweilers:

Rottweilers are another breed often banned in the USA due to their aggressive tendencies. These dogs are known for their loyalty to their owners but can be dangerous if not properly trained and socialized. Rottweilers are prohibited in some cities, such as New York City and Miami-Dade County, Florida.

German Shepherds:

German Shepherds are a breed that has been banned in some cities due to their perceived aggression. This breed is often used as a police or military dog due to its intelligence and loyalty. However, their protective nature can sometimes be mistaken for aggression, leading to breed-specific bans in some cities.

Doberman Pinschers:

Doberman Pinschers are another breed banned in some cities due to their perceived aggression. This breed is known for its loyalty and intelligence but can be dangerous if not properly trained and socialized. Dobermans are prohibited in some cities, such as Miami and Aurora, Colorado.

Chow Chows:

Chow Chows are a breed often banned due to their aggressive tendencies. These dogs are known for their loyalty to their owners but can be territorial and aggressive toward strangers. Chow Chows are one of the banned dog breeds in some cities, such as Aurora, Colorado, and Jacksonville, Florida.

Presa Canario:

The Presa Canario is a breed often banned due to its aggressive nature. These dogs were originally bred to guard livestock and have a strong protective instinct. Presa Canarios banned dog breeds in some cities, such as Denver, Colorado, and New York City.

Wolf-dog hybrids:

Wolf-dog hybrids are a cross between a domestic dog and a wolf. These hybrids are often banned due to their unpredictable behavior and potential danger to humans. Wolf-dog hybrids are prohibited in many states, including California, New York, and Texas.

American Bulldogs:

American Bulldogs are another one of the banned dog breeds in the USA. This breed is known for its strength and loyalty to its owners but can be aggressive toward strangers. American Bulldogs are prohibited in some cities, such as Aurora, Colorado, and Cincinnati.

What to do if you want to adopt a banned breed:

If you are interested in adopting a banned breed of dog, there are several steps you should take to ensure that you comply with local laws and regulations and that you can provide a safe and loving home for your new pet.
Check local laws and regulations: The first step in adopting a banned breed is to research the laws and regulations in your area to see if it is legal to own the breed. Many cities and states have enacted breed-specific legislation (BSL) prohibiting or restricting certain breeds’ ownership. It is important to check with local authorities to ensure you comply with all laws and regulations.
Contact rescue organizations: If you are interested in adopting a banned breed, contacting local rescue organizations that specialize in the breed may be helpful. These organizations often have experience working with banned breeds and can provide information and resources to help you provide a safe and loving home for your new pet.
Find a reputable breeder: If adoption is not an option, it is important to find a reputable breeder who breeds the banned dog breeds responsibly and ethically. A responsible breeder will ensure their dogs are healthy, well-socialized, and have a good temperament. They should also be able to provide information about the breed and answer any questions you may have.
Train and socialize your dog: Training and socialization are key to ensuring that your dog is well-behaved and safe around other people and animals. This is especially important for banned breeds, as they may have a reputation for aggression. Consider enrolling your dog in obedience classes and working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to help ensure that your dog is well-trained and socialized.
Obtain liability insurance: It is important to obtain liability insurance if you own a banned breed, as this can help protect you financially in the event of a dog-related incident. Some insurance companies may refuse coverage or charge higher premiums for owners of certain breeds, so it is important to research and find an insurance policy that meets your needs.
Be a responsible owner: Owning a banned breed comes with great responsibility. It is important to ensure that your dog is properly cared for, has adequate exercise and socialization, and is not a threat to other people or animals. It is also important to comply with all local laws and regulations regarding the ownership of banned breeds.
In summary, if you are interested in adopting a banned breed, it is important to research and ensure that you comply with all local laws and regulations. Consider contacting local rescue organizations, finding a reputable breeder, training and socializing your dog, obtaining liability insurance, and being a responsible owner. Banned breeds can make loving and loyal pets with proper care and training.

Conclusion:

Breed-specific bans have become a controversial topic in the United States. Many advocates argue that the bans unfairly target certain breeds and do not address the root causes of dog aggression. However, it is important to recognize that some breeds have a higher risk of aggression and that proper training and socialization are essential for all breeds. If you are interested in adopting a banned breed, do your research, consult with professionals, and follow all laws and regulations in your area. With the right approach, banned dog breeds can make loving and loyal pets.