Stereotypes are common when talking about humans. But there is a lot of discrimination that affects dog breeds as well.  So much so that Breed-Specific Legislation or laws are enacted which range from making it illegal to possess certain breeds, to regulating ownership with the intention to reduce dog attacks. Technically, these dogs are thus labeled legally as “dangerous.”

According to the ASPCA though, there is little evidence to Support the claim that these laws make communities safer for people or other companion animals. The organization also says that the CDC also decided not to Support the BSL after following a thorough study of human fatalities resulting from dog bites.

Here is a list of Breed-Specific Laws by state.

The following dogs are often subject to the horrible human habit of stereotyping, and here are some common labels they have been given:

1. Chihuahuas are Yappy

Happy Cooper/Wikimedia Commons

Any dog breed is prone bark if it is not trained and socialized properly, and Chihuahuas are no different. They can be very quiet, well-behaved although at times wary of strangers. Patience and calm is what it takes to raise or be around a Chihuahua as they tend to be fiercely protective of their owners and do not like being rough-handled.

2. Pit Bulls are Vicious

Becky Stern/Flickr

Pit bulls are no more vicious than any other breed of dog, and their temperament highly depends on the socialization and training they receive as puppies. In fact the blanket breed name “pit bull” refers to many different breeds with boxy heads and bulky bodies including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier or a mix of any. Pit bulls don’t automatically become fighting dogs, they have to be trained to do so. In fighting rings, Pit bulls are often chained to one place, live in filthy conditions, are often beaten and antagonized to exhibit aggression, are given steroids, and receive little to no love from their owners.

3. Pugs are Lazy

Jmatthew3/Wikimedia Commons

Pugs don’t require a lot of exercise and are therefore thought to be lazy. They may not be built to be running dogs, but they still enjoy running around, chasing you, or chasing a ball. They also like to follow their owners around where ever they go, and are hence called “shadow dogs”.

4. Greyhounds Need Lots of Exercise

r3vIIcla/Flickr

Greyhounds while made to run in races, they require the same amount of exercise as other dog breeds of their size. They were bred to be  short distance runners and have little endurance, like the cheetah. Greyhound lovers will agree that they are big couch potatoes, and spend most of their day sleeping. They do enjoy walks and will be content to laze around in a yard.

5. Dobermans Turn on Their Guardians

Juanedc/Flickr

The craziest myth with this breed, is that the Doberman’s brain will swell up to a size larger than its skull and it will attack its guardian. The only time a Doberman (or any breed for that matter), would turn on its guardian is if they were being mistreated, abused or were doing so in self-defense. A properly trained, socialized and loved dog would never do such a thing.

Lead image source: GTIKitty/Wikimedia Commons