Many cities around the world have restrictions or bans on specific breeds, often termed "breed-specific legislation" (BSL).
These laws are generally put in place with the intention of reducing dog attacks on humans.
However, it's essential to understand that any dog's temperament is influenced by a combination of genetics, training, socialization, environment, and treatment by its owner.
Breed alone is not a sole predictor of behavior, and many animal behavior experts and veterinarians argue against breed-specific bans, advocating instead for education, responsible ownership, and individual behavior assessments.
The breeds most commonly targeted by BSL (in various cities or countries) include:
•Rottweilers
•Doberman Pinschers
•German Shepherds
•Bullmastiffs
•Dogo Argentino
•Japanese Tosa
•Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
•Alaskan Malamute
•Akita
•Husky breeds
•American Bulldog
•Rhodesian Ridgeback
•Cane Corso
•Chow Chow
Again, the list can vary depending on the region, and not all regions with BSL will include all these breeds.
It's essential to check local laws and regulations if you're considering moving or traveling to a new city or country with your dog.
While some of these breeds can have strong guarding instincts or high prey drives, they can also be loyal, affectionate, and well-behaved members of families when properly trained and socialized. Breed-specific bans often face criticism because they can result in well-behaved dogs being removed from homes simply because of their breed, rather than any aggressive behavior.
Many experts believe that a focus on responsible ownership and behavior-based evaluations are more effective means of preventing dog attacks than breed bans.