What You Need To Know Before Adopting A 'Bully Breed' Of Dog

When people think of breeds like the pit bull, the breed often brings to mind sensationalist headlines about gruesome dog attacks in the 1980s and '90s, or Michael Vick's brutal dog-fighting ring in the aughts. But Pete the Pup, the sweet dog with the ring around his eye from the 1930s "Little Rascals" films, was a pit bull, as was three-legged Champion on the TV series "Parks and Recreation," and Grunt in the 1983 movie "Flashdance." 

This affectionate dog is often mischaracterized and misunderstood, along with other bully breeds such as the Staffordshire bull terrier, American bully, boxer, mastiff, French bulldog, Great Dane, and cane corso. Bully breeds can make wonderful household pets, but before adopting one of these muscular, solidly built dogs, you should be aware of their specific needs, as well as breed-specific rules that still exist in some places. 

All bully breeds have wide bodies and short coats, similar to the powerful molosser dogs of ancient Greece, which were bred for tasks such as hunting, guarding livestock, and baiting bulls and bears. Bully breeds are strong dogs with powerful jaws and broad chests. Their fur tends to be short and dense, requiring little grooming, and their skin is often wrinkled around the face. Many of these dogs have short muzzles and broad, square heads, earning them the nickname "blockheads."

All too frequently mislabeled as aggressive, the bully breeds of dogs are actually quite affectionate, friendly, and sociable. That loving personality causes the bully breeds to need much interaction with their human companions each day. If you work long hours outside the home and don't have much free time to spend with your dog, then a bully breed might not be for you. These intelligent dogs are fast learners with an abundance of energy, needing regular enrichment and exercise in order to stave off boredom and health issues, which again requires a not insubstantial time commitment on your part. 

The bully breeds are extremely loyal and devoted to their owners, making them good at guarding their loved ones but bad at being left alone for hours at a time. These dogs thrive when they get to spend a lot of quality time with their human companions. They need to be properly trained and socialized, or else they may develop wary temperaments. Care should also be taken whenever walking with these strong dogs or taking them to dog parks, as they may struggle to listen when off-leash.

Animal shelters may have stringent screening processes for potential adopters of bully breeds. The cautious staff want to ensure each dog is going to a loving home and will not be used for dog fighting or otherwise suffer from abuse. Staff might require a home visit or interviews with references before approving an adoption.

Even if you meet the adoption requirements, it might be challenging to find anywhere to live with your new furry friend. Some cities and towns — and even some apartment buildings — have strict regulations regarding bully breeds. The case of Aurora, Colorado, provides an interesting example. In 2005, the Aurora City Council enacted a ban on American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and Staffordshire bull terriers. In 2024, after almost 20 years of city-wide referendums, court cases, and legal appeals, Aurora residents voted to repeal the ban. Bully breeds were once again allowed in the city.

Although places like Aurora have rescinded their breed-specific legislation, many strata councils still ban bully breeds from condominiums due to fears about liability and insurance. Before adopting, be sure to read the fine print in your insurance coverage and in your landlord's rental agreement or your condo building's bylaws. That said, every dog deserves a good home, and bully breeds can give just as much love.