If you have an American Bully, you have probably seen global news about the breed or mixes of the breed being banned in countries and communities around the world. Breed Specific Legislation or BSL is discriminatory policies that target specific breeds of dogs. XL Bullies and American Bullies as well as mixed breed dogs who have features resembling bully breeds are frequently targeted by these bills. American Bullies are and remain a very misunderstood breed, and unfortunately, regardless of how well trained or how nice your dog might be, if you live or travel to an area with a Bully breed ban, your dog could be impacted, and in some cases even seized and put to sleep.

International Bans on American Bullies

Unfortunately, in recent years, bans on Pitbull’s, Pitbull type dogs, and XL American Bullies have been passed and enacted in countries around the world. The regulations impact owning these breeds, as well as traveling with them in the country. 

Countries with bans on XL American Bullies include:

• Canada: Since 2005 the province of Ontario has had a ban on pit bulls and American Bully-type dogs and mixes.

• Denmark - Pitbulls and Pitbull-type dogs are banned 

• Germany - Since 2001, Pitbulls have been banned in the country 

• Ireland: Two-phase ban starting October 2024

• Turkey: Complete ban on ownership and breeding

• New Zealand - Pitbull type dogs cannot be imported into the country 

• Scotland: Ban similar to England and Wales

• Northern Ireland: Ban effective January 2025

• United Arab Emirates: Prohibits "possession and circulation" of American Bullies

• United Kingdom: Fully banned as of February 2024, requiring owners to have an exemption certificate, muzzle their dogs in public, and have them neutered

Could Bully Bans Happen in the United States?

Breed bans aren’t just happening in countries around the world; these bans can and do also happen in communities here in the United States as well. While some countries around the world have outright bans nationally on specific breeds, any kind of national ban on a specific breed of dog in the United States is unlikely, as this kind of legislation is generally handled on a statewide or local level. Like how the province of Ontario, Canada has one of the oldest breed bans, cities and states around the United States have enacted BSL targeting Bullies and Bully mixes. 

What American Bully Owners Should Know BSL In the United States 

In most cases where Breed Specific Legislation has been enacted, it’s targeting specific breeds of dog that are unilaterally wrongly accused of being dangerous. While American Bullies are generally not named in the breed bans, “pit bulls” and Pitbull type dogs are. Usually this means the targeting of specific characteristics like a solid build, blocky head, characteristics that can also look like the American Bully. This means that American Bullies can get swept up in BSL and wrongly labeled as aggressive and outlawed just because of their breed.

Locations around the United States with Breed Bans

• Miami, Florida - There has been a Pitbull Ban in effect since 1990 

• San Francisco, California - Pitbulls are quieted to be spayed or neutered

• Denver, Colorado - Since 1989 Pitbulls were banned in the city of Denver. In 2020 voters repealed the ban, and now pit bulls can be kept in the country if owners obtain and hold proper permits making ownership restricted but not banned. 

• Iowa - Several cities in Iowa including Council Bluffs and Sioux City have BSL in effect that targets pit bulls and Pitbull like dogs. 

• Missouri- While the state itself doesn’t have BSL, many cities in the state do. 

• Ohio - 18 cities in the state bans on pit bulls and Pitbull type dogs. 

• Kentucky - There is not a statewide ban in effect, many cities across the state have breed specific bans. 

In addition to larger legal concerns private housing companies and agencies including apartment complexes, private landlords, Homeowner Associations (HOAs), and housing authorities may have bred specific restrictions. The result of owning a Bully breed regardless of how well-mannered and well trained your dog is can precedent challenges with finding a place to live. On a large scale, the New York City Housing Authority New York City Housing Authority which manages public housing in the City of New York has a strong Breed Specific Ban as part of their housing policies which includes bully breeds. 

Home/ Rental Insurance Regulations  

While not the same as an outright ban on BSL in a specific city or state, something that dog owners should be aware of is that insurance providers may refuse to provide coverage to individuals who own specific breeds of dogs. When obtaining Homeowners’ Insurance or renters insurance, you will be asked about what kind of dogs you own, and many companies will refuse to provide coverage to individuals who own specific breeds of dogs, which generally includes Bully breeds. While some insurance providers will outright refuse to provide coverage to certain breeds, others will charge higher premiums for liability insurance, or require specialized insurance policies if you own a bully breed or other restricted breed. 

Advocacy Against Breed Specific Education 

Not only are dog owners against BSL, but experts on animal behavior and care are as well. It is widely understood and recognized that BSL is not only discriminatory, but it’s also ineffective for the primary purpose of preventing dog-related injuries to people. Because BSL is seen as so ineffective, leaders in animal care and welfare are opposed to BSL. The American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA, and other leading animal welfare organizations all oppose Breed Specific Legislation. These organizations recognize that breed bands are not only inhumane, but they are also ineffective. Responsible advocates encourage breed-neutral regulations which punish specific behavior from individual dogs and irresponsible owners, not entire breeds of dogs. 

Practical Steps for American Bully Owners

If you have an American Bully it’s important to stay informed about legislative movements taking place in your local area, and to research any breed restrictions in locations where you and your dog may be traveling. While all dogs should be treated the same, there are institutionalized breed biases that impact the way that people and governments treat our dogs. All dogs, regardless of breed, need proper training and socialization, but if you share your life with an American Bully a high level of training is non-negotiable. It isn’t right, but your dog is likely to be treated differently from other dogs. As a result of being held to different standards, it’s a good idea to set a goal of achieving a high level of training with your American Bully.

One way to demonstrate that your dog is well-trained and sociable with dogs and people is for them to earn their Canine Good Citizen title through the American Kennel Club. In some cases, being able to prove that your dog has earned their Canine Good Citizenship title may convince landlords to permit your dog to live in a property where their breed might otherwise be exempt them from being able to live there? Being able to document your dog having their CGC can also help to reduce your premiums with some insurance companies. Being a responsible dog owner who properly socializes, trains, and manages your dog at home and out in the world not only can keep your dog safe, but also can help to shift public perception about American Bullies and other Bully-type dogs. 

It is unlikely that there would ever be any sort of nationwide ban on American Bullies in the United States; however, local jurisdictions may continue to pass regulations that restrict the ownership of these dogs. Stay aware of legislative conversations happening in your local community. In those situations, being an advocate and a breed ambassador by sharing how wonderful your American Bully is, you may be able to change hearts and minds about these misunderstood dogs. The best thing that you can do is to be proactive by making sure your dog is as well-trained and socialized as possible and staying aware of any possible legislative moves to restrict ownership of specific breeds in your area. 

Which misconception about American Bullies frustrates you most, and how do you handle it when people make assumptions about your dog?