What Is BSL? Breed-Specific Legislation Explained
Updated: 5 days ago
Breed-specific legislation divides opinion. Some people see it as essential for public safety. Most trainers, vets, behaviourists and rescues see it as outdated and unfair, and so do I. After more than 30 years of training dogs of every shape and size, I've seen gentle Rottweilers and snappy little terriers. The breed on the paperwork told me very little about the dog in front of me.
THE SHORT ANSWER
BSL (breed-specific legislation) means laws that ban or restrict dogs because of their breed or how they look, rather than how they behave. In the UK, the Dangerous Dogs Act bans four types, and the XL Bully was added in England and Wales from 2024. Ireland restricts 11 listed breeds and now the XL Bully too, and parts of the US and Europe have their own lists. There's little evidence these laws reduce bites. Most experts favour rules based on a dog's behaviour and the owner's responsibility instead.
What is BSL for dogs?
BSL stands for breed-specific legislation. These laws treat a dog differently because of its breed or type. Depending on the country, that can mean a ban on owning or breeding the dog, or strict rules such as a muzzle and short lead in public.
BSL laws around the world
UK
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro. In England and Wales, the XL Bully was added from 31 December 2023, and since February 2024 it's been illegal to own one without an exemption certificate. Scotland brought in similar rules in 2024. Dogs are judged by "type", so a dog that looks like a banned breed can be seized, even if it has never shown any aggression.
Ireland
No breed was banned outright under the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, but 11 listed breeds and their crosses must be muzzled and on a short, strong lead in public, handled by someone over 16. The list includes the Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Dobermann, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Akita and Bull Mastiff. Ireland also brought in XL Bully restrictions from October 2024, with a certificate needed to keep one from February 2025. Read restricted dog breeds in Ireland.
The US and elsewhere
There's no national BSL in the US. Some cities and counties have breed bans, while many states have passed laws that stop local councils bringing them in. Several European countries have their own lists, and some, like the Netherlands, have dropped breed bans altogether after deciding they didn't work.
The rules change, so always check the current law where you live.
Does BSL work?
The evidence says no. In England, a study by Tulloch and colleagues (2021) found hospital admissions for dog bites more than doubled between 1998 and 2018, years after the Dangerous Dogs Act came in. Organisations such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and the Blue Cross have all called for laws based on behaviour, not breed.
Meanwhile, the listed breeds fill rescue centres. People are put off by the stigma or the rules, landlords and insurers turn them down, and good dogs wait longer for homes.
Breed isn't behaviour
Any dog can bite, from a Chihuahua to a Labrador. Breed can affect things like energy, chase drive or size, but what a dog does is shaped by:
their early life and how well they were raised
how much calm, positive experience they've had with people and other dogs
clear, kind training
their health, including pain
how they're handled and looked after every day
Judging a dog on its looks is like judging a driver by the make of car.
What would work better?
Behaviour-based laws: dealing with any dog that has shown aggression, whatever its breed, and with the owner responsible
Owner education: puppy classes, body language and bite prevention for families
Responsible breeding: health and temperament first, not looks or size
Early support: help for owners as soon as worries start, before a bite happens
If you own a restricted breed
Start muzzle training early and make it a happy thing, so it's never a battle. A well-fitted basket muzzle lets your dog pant, drink and take treats.
Practise loose lead walking on a short lead, because you'll be using one in public.
Keep greetings calm and polite. Your dog is an ambassador, whether that's fair or not.
Keep up with the law where you live and carry any paperwork you need.
RENEE'S TIP
Pair the muzzle with the best treats in the house. Hold it out, let your dog push their nose in for a bit of cheese, take it away. A few seconds at a time, many times, and most dogs start diving into it.
QUICK CHECK
ā BSL restricts dogs by breed or looks, not behaviour
ā UK, Ireland and parts of the US and Europe have their own lists
ā There's little evidence it reduces bites
ā Behaviour-based laws and owner education work better
ā Restricted breed? Start muzzle training early and keep it fun
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with a restricted breed
Whether it's muzzle training, lead walking or a dog who struggles around others, I can help you build a plan in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
What does BSL mean for dogs?
Breed-specific legislation: laws that ban or restrict dogs because of their breed or type, rather than their behaviour.
Which dogs are banned in the UK?
The Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro under the Dangerous Dogs Act, plus the XL Bully in England, Wales and Scotland unless it has an exemption.
Which breeds are restricted in Ireland?
Eleven listed breeds and their crosses, including the Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Dobermann and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, plus the XL Bully. They must be muzzled and on a short lead in public.
Does breed-specific legislation work?
There's little evidence that it does. Dog bite admissions in England have risen since 1991, and many experts favour laws based on behaviour.
Is there BSL in the US?
Not nationally. Some cities and counties have breed bans, while many states don't allow them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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