Banned Dog Breeds in the UK: Pit Bull Terrier and Japanese Tosa Compared to Their Legal Counterparts

The UK's Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 introduced breed-specific legislation (BSL) to restrict ownership of certain dogs deemed potentially dangerous to the public, primarily due to their historical use in fighting or hunting. This law bans breeding, selling, or importing four main types: the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro, with the American XL Bully added more recently under updated regulations.

Owning these breeds in the UK requires a court-issued Certificate of Exemption, strict muzzling in public, and neutering, but most are effectively prohibited without special permission. In this blog, tailored for UK readers, we’ll explore two iconic banned breeds—the Pit Bull Terrier and the Japanese Tosa—and compare them to their closest legal counterparts: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the English Mastiff. These comparisons highlight their similarities and differences, reflecting why BSL remains a contentious issue in British pet ownership.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Pitbull

Shop Our Premium Leather Staffordshire Bull Terrier Collar

HERE Shop Now More Coming Soon

The Pit Bull Terrier vs. the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Pit Bull Terrier, with roots in 19th-century England and later development in the US, was bred for bull-baiting and, after the 1835 ban on blood sports, dog fighting. Its muscular build, strong jaws, and tenacious nature led to its inclusion in the 1991 ban, identified by appearance rather than pedigree. Pit Bulls are medium-sized (17-21 inches tall, 30-60 lbs), energetic, and known for being affectionate with humans, though they may show dog aggression if not socialised properly.The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or "Staffy," is a beloved legal breed in the UK, recognised by the Kennel Club and a popular family pet. Developed from similar bulldog-terrier crosses for blood sports, Staffies share the Pit Bull’s compact, muscular frame but are slightly smaller (14-16 inches tall, 24-38 lbs) with a broader head and distinct cheek muscles. Both have short, glossy coats in colours like brindle, fawn, or black with white markings, requiring minimal grooming. Temperamentally, Staffies are often called "nanny dogs" for their gentle, loyal nature with children when well-trained, mirroring the Pit Bull’s human-friendly traits but with less focus on its fighting past. Both need early socialisation and positive reinforcement to manage potential dog selectivity. Health concerns include hip dysplasia and skin allergies, with lifespans around 12-14 years. Staffies avoided the ban due to their smaller size and established role as companions, while Pit Bulls’ fighting stigma persists.

The Japanese Tosa vs. the English Mastiff

The Japanese Tosa, or Japanese Mastiff, was developed in 19th-century Japan by crossing native Shikoku dogs with Western breeds like Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Great Danes, and Bull Terriers for silent, sumo-style dog fighting. Banned under the 1991 Act, owning a Tosa in the UK requires a court exemption; it’s a rare giant (up to 200 lbs, 23-28 inches tall) known for calm vigilance but needing experienced handlers.The English Mastiff, a legal UK breed and one of the Tosa’s foundational crosses, shares its massive size (up to 230 lbs, 27-30 inches tall) and was historically used for guarding and baiting. Both have wrinkled skin, broad heads, and short coats (Tosa in fawn, red, or black; Mastiff in apricot, brindle, or fawn), with low exercise needs suited to calm homes. Mastiffs are gentle giants—docile and affectionate—while Tosas excel as watchdogs with protective instincts. Health issues like bloat and joint problems are common, with lifespans of 6-10 years. The Tosa’s ban reflects its fighting purpose, while the Mastiff’s long UK history as a protector kept it legal.

Final Thoughts:

Navigating Breed Bans in the UKThe Pit Bull and Tosa bans highlight ongoing debates about BSL’s effectiveness—dog bite incidents have risen despite restrictions, suggesting training and ownership practices are key factors. Legal counterparts like Staffies and Mastiffs show that similar traits don’t guarantee danger with responsible care. For UK pet owners, always check local council regulations, prioritise socialisation, and choose breeders committed to temperament to ensure any dog thrives as a loving companion.

Published: 01:29 PM BST, Saturday, 04 October

Shop Advanced Animal Care For Premium Supplements HERE

Uk Government Banned Dogs Guide HERE

The Best Of British Shop Now HERE