Hi,

I really don't know what the laws are for Pitballs etc. in the UK. Is the APBT illegal here if you have a certain type of liscence or something?

I read somewhere that if you have it registered at a local police station, muzzled when walking in public aswell as being kept on the lead at all times then you could legally own one of these fantastic dogs!?

By own I don't mean use to breed or encourage dog fighting or any type of vilonce involving the dog, hang out the park all day posing with it trying to look 'hard' as I see other people doing with dogs, but to have it as a companion like with any other dog as I have wanted for so long!

Thankyou so much if you can help!

P.S. I really want to get a serious, life long career including dogs and training them (training dogs for the police force for example) and was wondering if you knew what careers there were like that and how I could get myself into one? Thanks again!

> Is the APBT illegal here <

In words of one syllable - YES!   Any LEGAL APBT will by now, be over the age of 10!   any under that age are definitely illegal.

If you wish to have a life long career with dogs, then I suggest that you start in a Rescue Kennel.

Margot

> Any LEGAL APBT will by now, be over the age of 10!

Actually the Pitbull was made illegal in 1991, when they were all ordered to be neutered, tattooed, chipped and put on a register of exempted dogs, so there should be none under the age of 18!!!

The exempted register has been re-opened to include dogs deemed of the type since then, but any actual pitbulls should have died out.

Time flies when you're havin' fun!!!   Hadn't realised that it was 1991, Barbara - thought it was nearer 2000!!  Thanks for the correction - I promise I'll remember in future!

So there is no legal way of me being able to own one? If yes then it's such a shame! Can't believe I'd been getting my hopes up all this time not knowing they were banned?!

It's so unfair when these dogs can be trained to be perfect dogs and one of the most loyal...

What about if it was a cross with like a labrador or something? Saw one that looked just as cute (cross with labrador) but didn't know if they were different and whether or not they were even legal either

Thanks for answering though, still think i should ask a local police station just incase I would be able to? It really means alot to me!

No - there is absolutely NO legal way of owning one here in the UK.  Even if crossed with a labrador (and why on earth would you want to spoil a labrador by such a cross, heavens only knows) it would still be illegal - because there are no legal un-neutered APBT here in the UK.

Ask at a local police station if you want - you'll not find anyone there who can change the answers!

If you like the bully breeds, why not settle for a well-bred staffy, from a reputable KC-reg breeder?

I just love the way it looks, the way it walks, its personality and even how it barks hahaa.

I know it sounds weird but sometimes you just can't explain things!

Stafffys seem a bit small? Oh that's another thing- They're the perfect size!

Can you recommend any other breeds then please?

Here quoted off the internet:

"Technically, no breeds are entirely banned.  It's just that your're unlikely to come into custody of any of these dogs by legal means.   The 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act imposed severe restrictions on these four breeds:

American Pit Bull terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero.  The act also covers dogs that have the physical characteristics of these breeds, or that are partly bred out of any of the named breeds.

In theory you can keep an animal belonging to one of these breeds, but you have to carry a Certificate of Exemption, and comply by many restrictions.  The dog must be muzzled while in public places and the person in control of them must be at least 16 years old.  The dog must be micro-chipped, tatooed on the inner thigh, neutered or spayed, and covered by third party insurance.

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to a fine of up to £2000 and a jail sentence."

I'm willing to pay whatever amount and follow whatever restrictions?! Is this true??

What about a bull terrier or an American Bulldog they are very beautiful animals- sorry not sure if they are legal there or not. Or a mastiff, think that is our next breed hubby just loves the mastiff they kinda remind us of our beloved Taz.

Standard American Bulldogs are pretty similar but I wouldnt recommend for first time dog owners tbh.

Here quoted off the internet:

"Technically, no breeds are entirely banned.  It's just that your're unlikely to come into custody of any of these dogs by legal means.   The 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act imposed severe restrictions on these four breeds:

American Pit Bull terriers, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero.  The act also covers dogs that have the physical characteristics of these breeds, or that are partly bred out of any of the named breeds.

In theory you can keep an animal belonging to one of these breeds, but you have to carry a Certificate of Exemption, and comply by many restrictions.  The dog must be muzzled while in public places and the person in control of them must be at least 16 years old.  The dog must be micro-chipped, tatooed on the inner thigh, neutered or spayed, and covered by third party insurance.

Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to a fine of up to £2000 and a jail sentence."

I'm willing to pay whatever amount and follow whatever restrictions?! Is this true??

that only applies to people presently illegally owning 'pit bull types' under section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act. invariably this means the police seizing your dog and putting it in kennels whilst taking you to court for owning an illegal dog. if you are of good character, your dog is friendly, and you live in a nice area, they might give you your dog back. the met police in london have just started doing this scheme minus putting the dog in kennels, menaing the court process goes ahead while you keep the dog at home. there are no guarantees though, you cna still loose the dog. its not worth it.

If you tried anything like this it would mean importing and you'd not get through the ports with one of these dogs which are listed on the DDA.

I like the APBT in the right hands and its the way the saying goes it was ruined by stupid people who didn't know what they were doing.
Sorry but bringing one into the country you are more than likely to have the animal destroyed upon arrival, they just won't allow any of these breeds in, and for good reason due to the idiots who tend to want one(not saying your an idiot), but look at whats happened with Staffs and Rotti's.

As it is there are some silly people around the country who are putting mixes of different breeds together just to get the look of the APBT, looks only so the temperament is not good, why i ask why??

How about moving to a country which allows them, like the USA, Canada and Australia? If this breed means that much to you.

As for Police training most are in house and most officers do their own training, our civillians have moved out of the role. Some forces may do it but you have to know your stuff and be very well trained to deal with GSD, you won't walk right into this role if a civillian. Most are ex dog handlers anyway.

> Here quoted off the internet:
>

Think if anyone is searching the internet for information they would be best directed to the DERFA site, here is the leaflet put out to explain the law as it stands now. http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/domestic/ddogsleaflet.pdf

There are people who buy various crossbreeds to try to get round this but you are always putting at least one dog's life at risk. If you buy and therefore encourage the breeding of these crosses as they may well be snatched as being of type because, of course, they are. Not the actions of someone who wishes to spend their life with dogs, and becoming fixated on one particular breed is not a good start either.

>So there is no legal way of me being able to own one?

It's illegal to breed, sell or give them away in the UK, so you'd have to import, which would mean it was at least 10 months old when it entered the country and would be seized at the port of entry and possibly destroyed.

>What about if it was a cross with like a labrador or something?

The law applies equally to their crosses as well.

If you ever intend to work with police dogs you'd probably need to join the police first, and if you had a conviction for owning an illegal dog that would probably be impossible.

if you still have to start a career, are you going to be home long enough to look after a dog or at work all day?

All of the reasons make sense and i suppose that I'll just have to face it!

Is the Irirsh Staffordshire Bull Terrier illegal here aswell?

It seems likely that I could move to the USA or Australia but some time in the future.

Thanks for all your help about the career options, what do you think would be a good place to start and I mean literally at step 1. I don't mean going to learn how to hopld a leash or something! I've taught all my family's dogs basic obedience training and read tons of books on dog training & pyscology so where do you think I should start, even if it's volunteer work?

Thankyou!

I have heard that Irish Staff is just another name for the Pit Bull, which the unscrupulous breeders and owners use to bring dogs over to the UK, I could be wrong though?  Either way, dodgy, very dodgy.

>Is the Irirsh Staffordshire Bull Terrier illegal here aswell?

DEFRA consider the name to simply be a euphemism for Pitbull Terrier, so yes, it's best to consider them to be illegal as well.

> The dog must be micro-chipped, tatooed on the inner thigh, neutered or spayed, and covered by third party insurance.

As the act came into force in 1991, and neutering was part of the conditons there can be no legal exempted pitbulls born after 1991.  It became ilegal to import, sell or give one away.  So really the only ones that could get onto an exemption list are those that aren't pitbulls, but apear to be off pitbull type, in other words any powerful bully looking cross or oversize staff.

I also love this breed, they're amazing in the right hands......Cesar's 'Daddy' is a credit to the breed in general.

But which of that is down to Daddy himself and which is breed specific?  Daddy is a laid back lump, I have several of those, they just happen to have 'fros.

> It seems likely that I could move to the USA or Australia but some time in the future.
>

While they are quite a common sight in the States there are many places that have banned APBT's and alot of landlords and insurance companies won't touch them.

I think the temperament on most pit bulls is outstanding, it's the ones that fall into the wrong hands that let the breed down. Daddy is the sweetest dog, i love him!

Hi Webanam

You mentioned maybe moving to the US then getting the pit you so badly want, sad reality is that so many states in the US have now banned them too! I have heard of people travelling on holiday in a camper van with their 2 loving family pets who happen to be pit bull's, only to have them taken away and destroyed with expensive court costs and upset! Please do your research before hand on thinking you can illegally own this breed in whatever part of the country you want to move to.

I am also a fan of Daddy only because he so reminds me of my own EBT Snoop. Working voluntarily at a local dog shelter or Rspca would be a great way to start and gain experience in dealing with all sorts of breeds. I feel that bull terriers of any kind, whether Staff, English or American or cross are not for first time dog owners.   

> Cesar's 'Daddy' is a credit to the breed in general.

I agree on this, though i still wonder what Cesar has put him through of whether he is actually like this with a bit of good training on him???

I have been to the States many times and i have seen many APBT who were well behaved and very lovable, a credit to the breed. Though i am aware that many states within the USA are banning them and also like someone has mentioned if you are renting many places won't accept this breed to be in their properties.

I would avoid this breed i would say and look into a different bully type breed or Mastiff type which is legal in this country.

I find it difficult to merge the idea of someone dead set on acquiring a particular type of dog even to the extent to emigrating and a stated desire to work with dogs. Think this must be a young poster who has not taken the time to think this through, if you love and wish to work with dogs you do not start that career by becoming mesmerize on one particular breed or type.

You do not acquire or state the desire to own a dogs that the law does not allow, particularly as a person who wished to work with dogs it is often necessary to advise others, difficult if you own an illegal dog yourself.

I agree on this, though i still wonder what Cesar has put him through of whether he is actually like this with a bit of good training on him???

That could very well be true, he is a well trained dog but i also think he has a naturally good temperament. He's an old boy now bless him, love it when he tries to trot & keep up with the others..........lol     

> What about if it was a cross with like a labrador or something? Saw one that looked just as cute (cross with labrador) but didn't know if they were different and whether or not they were even legal either

OK, if you cross 2 breeds of dog, the chances of the resulting pups displaying the breed-standard temperment of just 1 of the parents are pretty slim, eg, a pit x lab is not necessarily going to behave like a pure pit. This makes me think that the reason you want a pit bull is simpley for it's looks.

I strongly advise you to stay away from powerfull breeds, they need carefull handling, training & socialisation and they should not be got because of the way they look, you take on so much more than the look of a dog. Owning a dog is a big responsibility, when you own a powerfull breed the responsibility is greater as the potential damage they can cuase is that much more, you need to be aware that if anything goes wrong with your training/socialisation and behaviour problems result, you could have a lot of trouble on the end of your lead.

>these dogs can be trained to be perfect dogs and one of the most loyal

any dog can be highly trained, but that is down to the effort the owner puts in, not the breed of dog.

>these dogs can be trained to be perfect dogs and one of the most loyal

This remark is subjective and biased - all dogs can be trained to be perfect dogs (what ever that is) and how do you come to the conclusion that a particular breed is "the most loyal" even though you apparently have never owned a dog and do not really know anything about them in general terms never mind have a special knowledge of breeds in general.

It is these sort of remarks that are read by the unthinking and taken to be truth and hence there develops a story and belief of a "fact" that in all probability is untrue.

> I strongly advise you to stay away from powerfull breeds

i have to back up mastifflover on this but add for the moment

if you apply yourself to thorough research into the breed you want, the type you like, the lines you like etc as well as temprement and training issues of course consider whatever breed you decide on.

clearly though you cannot have a pit so first off i'd have a look around at other breeds then maybe see if people here can give you info and suggestions for further research

hi folks....                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Hang on a minute, Why cant somebody have a pit, [pitbull] They are the by far thegreatest breed that walks the earth, Police will not bother you aslong as you do not teach your dog to be aggressive and attack, with the right care and attention these dogs can be awesome companions and life long friends,   The way i see it is that if stupid people are going to breed these dogs for mutilation and fighting purposes, Then theres always going to be somebody like me to rescue them, Im not seeing the most beutiful face be put down because an idiot wanted to make a few grand no way!!!!!!!!! ill die with them any day of the week....  ban the deed not the breed                                                 Yours faithfully mr Adam s  
Edited by Mods.

> ban the deed not the breed

something the vast majority here agree with adam :) but none the less they are currently illegal. as they are an illegal breed its pretty hard to find a suitable breeder. they are a breed who do need suitable tempremented dogs as sire and damn and someone who is breeding 'underground' is unlikely to aim for that.

and a few folk on the forum are not keen on such language so i'd maybe edit your post if i were you.

i would have to say English bull terrier and from a GOOD breeder they are great dogs better than a pit bull but i would say that i own 2 of the little jems :-) and they are just that , i have to say that i cant ever see myself being without a bull terrier in my life since owning one , and i was always more of a Rottie girl iv had 3 in my life time all lived long, and one i still got but i def been turned around on the bullys and can see myself growing old owning this breed,

they are a breed who do need suitable tempremented dogs as sire and damn and someone who is breeding 'underground' is unlikely to aim for that

totally agree with this and i'd say this for all breed of dogs ,
just make sure you buy from a rep breeder and not a back yard breeder what ever you get you will want a good well bred dog with no nasty traits i no a women who bred her staff who was a very nasty dog and i thought she was very bad for breeding from her as the mother was very bad with other dogs and quite a nasty piece of work temprament wise, and when the pups were born 3 of the boys went to homes where they all ended up fighting all the time with other dogs in their house and 1 was rehomed withing 8 months and 2 ended up in battersea dogs home , very very sad ,
no need for these sort of pups to have entered this world at all,

i still see the women and she is planing to breed again with the same staff , have to say she sickens me and i now dont bother to stop and chat to her like i used to as its clear my advice has fallen on deaf ears and shes just in it for the money and dont give 2 hoots what happenes to her pups when they are sold,

me i couldnt do it my girls pups would be mine till their dying day who ever had them , but she only had one so i did keep him and as she was a bad mother i did have her spaded after that,
ok sad i never got the champ in a judges eyes that i wanted due to a silly minor flaw but he is and always will be a champ to me and has an even better temperment than i could have ever imagined and thats because i sorted a GOOD Champ dad as a sire,

so please buy from a good breeeder and research you dog carefully, im sure others will agree ,DONT BUY FROM THE STREET you will never no what you have taken on,