The ones we are not allowed to play with
The banned dogs, and why - (Photo of a Dogo Argentino)

Many countries, including Denmark, have enacted breed-specific legislation (BSL) to regulate or ban certain breeds due to concerns about public safety and potential for aggressive behavior. It’s important to note that the perception and implementation of breed bans can be complex and controversial, and opinions on their effectiveness vary.

Here’s a categorization of these breeds based on their origins and purposes, along with a brief description of each breed:

Mastiff and Guarding Breeds:

  • Fila Brasileiro: A strong and protective Brazilian Mastiff, known for its devotion to the family.
  • Dogo Argentino: An Argentine Mastiff known for strength and courage, but with potential for territorial behavior.
  • Boerboel: A South African guard dog with strong protective instincts and a loyal nature.
  • Kangal: A Turkish guard dog, known for determination and protective behavior towards livestock.
  • Central Asian Ovtcharka: A strong Ovtcharka from Central Asia, often used for protecting livestock.
  • Caucasian Ovtcharka: A large and powerful guard dog with origins in the Caucasus, known for protective behavior.
  • South Russian Ovtcharka: A guard dog from southern Russia, known for protecting livestock from predators.
  • Tornjak: An ancient herding dog from Bosnia and Herzegovina, bred for protecting livestock and property.
  • Sarplaninac: A Balkan herding dog, known for its courageous protection of livestock.

Terrier and Bulldog Breeds:

  • Pitbull Terrier: A muscular dog with a controversial history in dogfighting activities.
  • American Staffordshire Terrier: A loving family dog with traits from its pitbull cousin, but can be affectionate with proper training and socialization.
  • American Bulldog: A loyal and powerful dog originally used for cattle handling and guarding.

Fighting Dog Breed:

  • Tosa Inu: A Japanese dog with a historical background in dogfighting, but can also be affectionate and loyal.

The reasons for banning or restricting these breeds can vary, but some common factors include concerns about public safety, history of aggressive incidents, and potential for aggressive behavior. It’s important to note that breed-specific bans are a subject of debate, and responsible ownership, proper training, and socialization can play a crucial role in shaping a dog’s behavior and temperament, regardless of breed.

Here are the specific reasons for the ban or restrictions on these breeds:

Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog: These breeds are often associated with historical involvement in dogfighting, which has raised concerns about their potential for aggression. Due to their muscular build and fighting heritage, some countries have restricted or banned these breeds to prevent illegal dogfighting activities and to address concerns about public safety.

Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Ovtcharka, Caucasian Ovtcharka, South Russian Ovtcharka, Tornjak, Sarplaninac: These breeds are primarily guardian and protection dogs, bred for their strong territorial instincts and protective nature. In certain situations, these instincts can lead to territorial aggression towards strangers or perceived threats. Their size and strength also contribute to concerns about public safety if their protective behaviors are not well managed.

Kangal, Central Asian Ovtcharka, Caucasian Ovtcharka, South Russian Ovtcharka: These breeds were historically used to protect livestock from predators and are known for their loyalty to their charges. However, their protective nature can translate into aggressive behavior towards people or animals they perceive as threats. This, combined with their size and strength, has led to concerns in densely populated areas.

Tornjak, Sarplaninac: Tornjak and Sarplaninac are ancient herding breeds originally used to protect livestock and property. Their guarding instincts can make them wary of strangers and potentially reactive in certain situations. This protective behavior, if not properly managed through training and socialization, could lead to aggressive responses.

It’s important to remember that while these breeds might have certain traits due to their genetics and historical roles, individual behavior is influenced by various factors, including genetics, upbringing, training, socialization, and environment. Breed-specific bans are a contentious issue, and opinions on their effectiveness vary. Some argue that responsible ownership, proper training, and targeted legislation focused on individual behavior are more effective approaches to addressing concerns related to specific breeds.

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