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 requires a court-issued Certificate of Exemption, strict muzzling in public, and neutering, but most are effectively prohibited without special permission.

In this blog, we'll focus on two iconic banned breeds—the Pit Bull Terrier and the Japanese Tosa—and compare them to their closest legal counterparts in the UK: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the English Mastiff. These comparisons highlight physical, temperamental, and historical similarities, while underscoring why BSL exists despite criticisms that it unfairly targets breeds rather than irresponsible owners.

rspca.org.uk

The Pit Bull Terrier vs. the Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Pit Bull Terrier, originating from 19th-century England and later refined in the US, was bred for bull-baiting, ratting, and unfortunately, dog fighting after blood sports were outlawed in 1835.

Its muscular build, strong jaws, and tenacious spirit led to its inclusion in the 1991 ban, with authorities identifying it by appearance rather than pedigree.

gov.uk

Pit Bulls are medium-sized (17-21 inches tall, 30-60 lbs), energetic, and historically affectionate toward humans, though they can show dog aggression if poorly socialized.

ckcusa.com +1

In contrast, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (often called "Staffy") is a legal breed in the UK, recognized by the Kennel Club and popular as a family pet.

rover.com

Developed from similar bulldog-terrier crosses for the same 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 more pronounced cheek muscles.

rover.com

Both breeds boast short, glossy coats in colors like brindle, fawn, or black with white markings, and they require minimal grooming.

inkopious.com

Temperamentally, Staffies are often described as "nanny dogs" for their gentle, loyal nature with children when properly trained, mirroring the Pit Bull's human-friendly traits but with less emphasis on fighting heritage.

However, both can be energetic and strong-willed, needing early socialization and positive reinforcement training to curb potential dog selectivity.

Health-wise, they face similar issues like hip dysplasia and skin allergies, with lifespans around 12-14 years.

The key difference? Staffies escaped the ban due to their smaller size and established role as companion dogs, while Pit Bulls' fighting stigma persists.

The Japanese Tosa vs. the English Mastiff

The Japanese Tosa, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, hails from 19th-century Japan, where it was crossbred from native Shikoku dogs with Western giants like Mastiffs, Bulldogs, Great Danes, and Bull Terriers for silent, sumo-style dog fighting.

en.wikipedia.org +1

Banned in the UK under the 1991 Act, this rare giant requires court exemption for ownership; it's valued for its calm vigilance but feared for its power (up to 200 lbs, 23-28 inches tall).

gov.uk +1

Tosas are patient and obedient with families but need experienced handlers due to their size and protective instincts.

akc.org

The English Mastiff, a legal UK breed and one of the Tosa's foundational crosses, shares this massive, imposing stature (up to 230 lbs, 27-30 inches tall) and was historically used for guarding and baiting.

en.wikipedia.org +1

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.

dogster.com

Temperamentally, Mastiffs are famously gentle giants—docile, affectionate, and less prone to aggression than their fighting-bred cousin—though both excel as watchdogs.

akc.org +1

Health concerns overlap, including bloat (gastric torsion) and joint issues, with shorter lifespans (6-10 years for both).

dogster.com

The Tosa's ban stems from its explicit fighting purpose and rarity, while the Mastiff's long UK history as a protector allowed it to remain legal.

inews.co.uk

Final Thoughts: Breed Bans and Responsible OwnershipWhile the Pit Bull and Tosa embody strength and loyalty, their bans highlight ongoing debates about BSL's effectiveness—dog bites have risen despite restrictions, suggesting factors like training and environment play larger roles.

rspca.org.uk

Legal counterparts like Staffies and Mastiffs prove that similar genetics don't equate to danger when responsibly bred and owned. For potential owners, focus on socialization, ethics, and local laws to ensure any dog thrives as a loving companion.

16 web pages

Explore Dogo Argentino details

Compare XL Bully regulations

Make it more concise