The extent of BSL in the U.S. The extent of BSL can be clearly seen in this tri-state map of pit bull bans in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. Literally hundreds of towns and cities in these three states have enacted breed legislation or restrictions for pit bulls. Link to the map online and click each marker to view the city and the law. Updated by Dogsbite.org 2015 https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zQiAYWhgAuHE.kwcTmaffRQG0 Search for:
Many cities, including the largest US public housing authority in New York City, ban pit bulls through Housing Authorities. http://blog.dogsbite.org/2009/04/nyc-housing-authorities-ban-pit-bulls.html
More than 937 cities in the US have BSL legislation in place. View detailed lists.
Reason #1: They’re Fighting Dogs
An unfortunate truth about Pit Bulls is that they are the most common breed raised for fighting. Pit Bulls or any dogs raised to fight are often abused and starved and have no proper training. That abuse leads to aggressiveness.
While aggression would result from abuse in any breed, Pit Bulls often suffer the wrath of the public more than others.
Reason #3: Locking Jaw Myth
A rumor that’s been perpetuated for years is that Pit Bulls have locking jaws. However, the rumor is just that. In reality, Pit Bulls’ jaws are about as strong as your standard German Shepherd.
The only reason a dog would have true lockjaw would be a case of tetanus, which should be checked out by a vet.
One of the most frustrating things about breed-specific legislation and Pit Bulls is that a Pit Bull isn’t one breed. Instead, it’s a handful of breeds that share similar characteristics, including:
Many Bully or “vicious” breeds often have cropped ears and tails, making them stand out from other breeds. However, traditionally, Pitties have short, floppy ears and long tails.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the only Bully breed the Kennel Clubs recognize as an actual breed. It has a wide mouth, similar to its Bulldog ancestors; a square head; and a broad, stocky stance. The Staffy is also the smallest Bully breed, reaching a maximum weight of approximately 37 pounds.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a slender Bully breed. Its snout is a bit longer than the other Bullies, giving its face a more narrow appearance. However, American Pit Bulls still maintain the same square-shaped head as the other Bullies.
Many breeders consider the APBT the only “true” Pit Bull.
The American Staffordshire Terrier, or AmStaff, is a medium-sized Bully that grows to approximately 18 inches tall. The AmStaff is typically what people think of when they hear “Pit Bull.” AmStaffs have a stocky build, pronounced jaw muscles, and a more square face than the other breeds, giving them a tougher appearance.
The American Bully looks a lot like a standard Bulldog. It has a short snout, short legs, and a wide, muscular body. However, it doesn’t have the same underbite or wrinkly face a Bulldog has.
American Bullies are also taller than their Bulldog cousins. They’re a relatively new breed created as companion dogs.
The American Bulldog is an AKC-recognized pup that sometimes falls into the Bully breed category. However, American Bulldogs are best known as working dogs. They have “droopier” faces, wide mouths, and can weigh over 100 pounds.
They’re almost always white or white with patches of color.
