Breed-Specific Legislation: Why It’s Time to Focus on the Other End of the Lead

Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) is one of those topics that divides opinion. Some say it’s essential for public safety. Others—trainers, vets, behaviourists, and rescue organisations—argue it’s outdated, ineffective, and deeply unfair.

We’re firmly in the second group.

It’s easy to blame a breed. But what if the problem isn’t the dog at all? What if it’s the person at the other end of the lead?

In this post, we’ll dig into what BSL really is, why it’s not working in either the UK or Ireland, and why it’s time to stop judging dogs by their looks and start addressing the real issue: ownership.

What Is Breed-Specific Legislation?

In the UK, BSL falls under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which bans or restricts certain breeds considered dangerous to the public. The original list includes:

• Pit Bull Terrier

• Japanese Tosa

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Brasileiro

• (And as of 2023, the American XL Bully in England and Wales)

In Ireland, similar restrictions exist under the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, though no breeds are technically banned. Instead, owners of 11 listed breeds (like Rottweilers, Dobermanns, German Shepherds, Bull Mastiffs, and others) must follow strict rules:

• Dogs must be muzzled in public

• They must be on a short, strong lead

• Owners must be over 16

• Dogs must be securely kept

The difference is subtle—but the impact can be just as harmful. Both sets of rules focus on the breed, rather than the behaviour.

What’s the Thinking Behind It?

The logic behind BSL is that certain breeds are more likely to be aggressive or dangerous, so banning or restricting them should reduce dog attacks.

Sounds straightforward. But in practice, this approach is flawed from the ground up.

It assumes that behaviour is built into a dog’s DNA—and completely ignores upbringing, environment, socialisation, and training.

Breed ≠ Behaviour

One of the most important things to understand about dogs is this: any dog can bite. From Chihuahuas to Labradors, all dogs have the potential to show aggression under the wrong conditions.

At the same time, many so-called “dangerous breeds” are absolute sweethearts when raised well. Staffies, for example, were once known as the “nanny dog” because of their loyalty and gentleness with children. Yet today, they often get dirty looks in the park or overlooked in rescue centres.

A dog’s behaviour is influenced by:

• Their early life experiences

• How well they’ve been socialised

• Whether they’ve had clear, consistent training

• Their health and wellbeing

• And—crucially—the person handling them

Blaming a breed for bad behaviour is like blaming a car make for a speeding offence. It’s not the car—it’s the driver.

Has BSL Worked?

In short: no.

In the UK, hospital admissions for dog bites have increased significantly since BSL was introduced. A 2021 study found the number of bites had tripled between 1998 and 2018. That’s not progress—that’s a red flag.

In Ireland, restricted breeds are often the ones most seen in rescue centres. People are put off adopting them due to the stigma or the strict conditions. But those same dogs, with the right owner and training, could make brilliant companions.

According to the RSPCA and the Irish Blue Cross, BSL-style laws have failed to reduce the number of serious incidents involving dogs. Meanwhile, good dogs continue to be judged by their appearance, not their actions.

The Real Problem: Irresponsible Ownership

Here’s the truth no law can avoid: it’s not the dog—it’s the owner.

Dogs reflect what they’re given. If a dog is:

• Undertrained

• Poorly socialised

• Fearful

• Punished harshly

• Or encouraged to be aggressive

…it’s not a surprise when problems show up.

And that can happen with any breed.

On the flip side, we’ve worked with Staffies, Bull breeds, Dobermanns and Rotties that were soft as butter—because their owners put the time and effort into raising them right.

You can’t legislate kindness. You can’t legislate common sense. But that’s exactly what responsible dog ownership requires.

Real-World Impact

What does BSL look like in real life?

In the UK, dogs that look like banned breeds (even if they aren’t) can be seized, assessed, and in many cases, destroyed—even if they’ve never shown a hint of aggression. These “type” dogs are judged by appearance, not by behaviour. It’s heartbreaking, and deeply unjust.

In Ireland, owners of restricted breeds often feel isolated. They avoid public spaces or struggle to find housing. Landlords and insurers sometimes refuse them altogether. Dogs that need safe socialisation and confidence-building are hidden away—through no fault of their own.

These laws make life harder for the good owners, and do little to stop the bad ones.

So What Does Work?

If we want safer communities and well-behaved dogs, here’s what we need more of:

✅ Owner education – People need support from day one. Puppy classes, basic training, understanding dog body language—all crucial.

✅ Positive socialisation – Dogs that are exposed safely to people, other animals, and new environments are less likely to be fearful or reactive later.

✅ Accountability – We need laws that target dangerous behaviour, not physical traits. Owners who neglect or encourage aggression should face real consequences.

✅ Support over punishment – Many owners with “problem dogs” are afraid to ask for help in case they get judged or reported. That needs to change.

✅ Breed-neutral legislation – Dogs should be judged as individuals, not as stereotypes.

A Case in Point

One of our clients in Ireland, Tom, adopted a Bull Mastiff cross from a rescue centre. She was on the restricted list, had a rough start in life, and was understandably nervous. But with consistent training, patience, and a big dose of love, she turned a corner.

Now, she’s a calm, well-mannered dog who walks beautifully on the lead—even when muzzled. Tom says people still cross the street when they see her, but those who take the time to stop and say hello see who she really is.

“People see a scary-looking dog,” he told us. “But they don’t see the hours and hours we put in, the little wins, the work that went into helping her feel safe.”

The Bigger Picture

BSL has created a system that penalises responsible owners and does nothing to stop those who treat dogs as weapons or status symbols.

Whether you’re in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, the challenges are similar:

• Stereotypes

• Bad press

• Lack of support

• And an over-reliance on rules that don’t get to the root of the problem

It’s time to stop looking at the breed and start asking: how was this dog raised? Who’s responsible? And what support is available to prevent issues in the first place?

Final Thoughts

Breed-Specific Legislation doesn’t work—not in the UK, not in Ireland. It’s outdated, ineffective, and unfair.

If we truly want to reduce dog bites and improve public safety, we need to start with education, early intervention, and responsible ownership—not blanket bans.

The dog at the end of the lead might be misunderstood. But the person holding it? That’s where the real responsibility lies.

Need Help with Dog Training?

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At Paws Academy, we offer practical, down-to-earth advice that works. No fluff, no nonsense—just clear, confidence-building support for real-life dog owners.

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