[Fetowip]

I moved into a new apartment today. The leasing agent said: "Oh sure we only have restrictions on certain dangerous breeds like Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. It's because our insurance company doesn't allow those types of dogs."

I'm hiding my frustration this whole time because "dangerous breeds" makes me cringe these days. I'm going to take a guess and conclude that, since she said "Pit Bull", every dog that has that "look" in even the remotest sense will not be allowed here. So, I can't even get an AST or Am Bully as an alternative. Or do you think I can?

I'm pretty bummed out. I just left a house with three dogs and three cats. I'm going to be pretty lonely by myself. Since I've begun learning about bully breeds I've come to the conclusion it's the only type of dog that I want. Before this interest began I had no particular dog I preferred and didn't expect I'd want a dog once I moved. If I can't get one then I won't even get a dog. I'll wait until this lease is up and move somewhere that doesn't have restrictions.

With that said do you think I could get away with an AST? Pretty much the same dog just bred for a different purpose, right? APBT = work dog; AST = show dog Otherwise, they look the same. I'm still not sure just how different they are even with some research. General consensus is they look the same. I read they are the same just different bloodlines that branched away from each other in the 1930s with the intent of removing the dog from the stigma of dog fighting. APBT breeders stayed on the path that made their dogs great in a fight and AST breeders went the show dog route. Thus APBT's are bred with functionality in mind and AST's are bred to be show dogs. I also read that dog fighters won't use AST's. Is it because the AST breeders actively try to breed out DA? Or are they still so much alike in terms of DA and gameness that it doesn't matter?

Does anyone think they might allow an AST?

[ropinirole]

Nope...No Pit Bulls means No American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, Bull Terrier, and American Bulldog. (Sometimes even some apartments classify Boxers under that) And ofcourse no mix breeds of any of those or dogs having those characterisitics. I'm afraid its pretty standard like that with most apartments. However where I live they do have a rule against all those breeds including (Huskies, Akitas, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and now even GSD's plus the pit bull breeds) however they do make exceptions but it has to be written into the lease. We right now have about 4 bully breeds here right now.

I wouldn't risk it without permission from the landlord.

[Dilangfh]

I highly doubt it, and even if they do. I would say dont get a bully breed until you own or have a property where there is absolutely NO breed restrictions. Getting a bully breed when there is a obvious breed restriction is always a bad idea and usually ends bad for the dog.

[Fluivelip]

What she said

There are other terrier breeds that share some of the American Pit Bull Terrier personality traits that you could consider as an alternative. Jack Russel Terriers are the first that come to mind. Also, Boston Terriers are pretty awesome dogs. Both not a BSL issue, both on the small side so apartments won't exclude them based on weight and height.

[ropinirole]

oops....error

[Elitiachirl]

ANYTHING with short fur is an APBT to insurance, BSL, people who hate them and landlords.

[ropinirole]

I highly doubt it, and even if they do. I would say dont get a bully breed until you own or have a property where there is absolutely NO breed restrictions. Getting a bully breed when there is a obvious breed restriction is always a bad idea and usually ends bad for the dog.

Totally agree. I would wait on the bully breed until you own your own property. It sucks, these are such great dogs, but thats just how the world works.

I want a Staffordshire Bull Terrier more than anything but I won't have one until I am a property owner

[Dilangfh]

Totally agree. I would wait on the bully breed until you own your own property. It sucks, these are such great dogs, but thats just how the world works.

I want a Staffordshire Bull Terrier more than anything but I won't have one until I am a property owner

Yep I wanted a pitbull typed dog and only got one after I bought my condo, because I own my property and there isnt anything the HOA an do to me.

[Biashpainabix]

Yep I wanted a pitbull typed dog and only got one after I bought my condo, because I own my property and there isnt anything the HOA an do to me.

Unfortunately, some HOAs have breed restrictions too. It's so shitty.

[Fetowip]

Own property? Hahaha, I guess I'm never going to get a dog then. Oh well. Maybe I can volunteer at a pit bull shelter or something.

[ropinirole]

Unfortunately, some HOAs have breed restrictions too. It's so shitty.

Unfortunately that is very true. We were looking at a great house in one neighborhood and found out they have breed restrictions. That was pretty much it for me. Wasn't moving there.

We are going to continue to Rent another year atleast.

---------- Post added at 03:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:36 PM ----------

Own property? Hahaha, I guess I'm never going to get a dog then. Oh well. Maybe I can volunteer at a pit bull shelter or something.

Aww now don't be so hard on yourself. Owning property is something that we are all capable of. It just takes some of us a little longer than others. I've been renting for 4 years now and I tell you I have hated every minute, but in this economy its just safer to rent.

[Fetowip]

Maybe I should just get a poodle or something. D:

[Dilangfh]

Unfortunately, some HOAs have breed restrictions too. It's so shitty.

That is true. Mine doesnt, the only thing stated about animals in the HOA rules is that they must be on leashes if outside of your home.. and we all know how much all the chi owners loooove leashes !

I would say get some kind of smaller terrier, patterale is what I would get if I couldnt have my dog.

[Fluivelip]

I somewhat disagree that you have to own property to have a dog. If only owners had bully breeds, there would be a lot more homeless dogs! In fact, if you own and BSL comes knocking, it sucks because then you have to sell before you can move to an area without BSL.

I'd say make sure you live in a place that allows your dog in writing and if you plan to be a lifelong renter, you need to do everything you can to make your bully welcome by landlords. Getting CGC certified, letters of reference from a trainer and a vet, being willing to carry renters insurance that does cover your dog and the like. Also, you'd have to understand that it will be harder to find another rental that will accept your bully breed dog and take much more effort and planning to move than if you owned another breed type. The problem with renters owning bully breeds is that many just fail to put in the effort to find a new place that will accept their dog and end up surrendering it. That's a failure of the individual, not of renters in general.

If you wanted a Pit Bull, why did you take an apartment that does not allow them? Just curious.

And remember, you don't have to be lonely. Again, there are other breeds that share similar personality traits that are not banned by cities and landlords. Jack Russels and Bostons are smart, energetic, tenacious and tough dogs that most landlords will happily accept.

[Dilangfh]

That is true MJJean, its all about finding the right place that will accept the breed, and then getting that in writing. I know there are places that rent to bully breed owners, they just require a little more looking sometimes.

Also if you do find a place that accepts you dog, and you get it in writing that your pet is allowed there, it doesnt hurt to let the HOA/Property Owner or other higher ups meet your dog, make sure its well trained and the CGC wont hurt either.

I know there were quite a few people in my complex who were very freaked out by me getting Bear, but after meeting him, and once he got out of his bratty puppy stage and showed them that he is a well balanced good dog, no one even gives him a second look really. Even the people who had that "ooh no, its a pitbull" look are happily greeting him and talking to me about him. So introductions to the people you live around really helps a lot.

[Fetowip]

I have only become interested(obsessed) in Pit Bulls recently. A little less than two weeks ago I think. I made the commitment to this apartment before that. My move in day was today which is when they went over their breed restriction rules. I had checked online to see if there was BSL in Lexington KY and was happy to see there isn't. It was a pretty big let down to find out it doesn't matter.

[ropinirole]

Maybe I should just get a poodle or something. D:

AHHH! Great dogs but are you in for a ride if you get a poodle. You should have met my Trouble. He lived up to his name. Hehe. Great breed though I was a poodle owner for 20 years. (Most of my life)

[Biashpainabix]

What about a bull terrier? They've never been on the restricted lists in my apartments.

[Dilangfh]

I have only become interested(obsessed) in Pit Bulls recently. A little less than two weeks ago I think. I made the commitment to this apartment before that. My move in day was today which is when they went over their breed restriction rules. I had checked online to see if there was BSL in Lexington KY and was happy to see there isn't. It was a pretty big let down to find out it doesn't matter.

I really think you need to do more research because two weeks is a very short time of obsession to get a pitbull.. its probably for the best, just wait until you lease is almost up and start looking for a new place to rent, somewhere that doesnt discriminate on the breed.

Just be in for a serious dog, who needs a ton of exercise and attention though. This breed isnt for everyone. I suggest another terrier typed dog, so you get the idea of how this breed truly is.

[Biashpainabix]

I have only become interested(obsessed) in Pit Bulls recently. A little less than two weeks ago I think. I made the commitment to this apartment before that. My move in day was today which is when they went over their breed restriction rules. I had checked online to see if there was BSL in Lexington KY and was happy to see there isn't. It was a pretty big let down to find out it doesn't matter.

I really think you need to do more research because two weeks is a very short time of obsession to get a pitbull.. its probably for the best, just wait until you lease is almost up and start looking for a new place to rent, somewhere that doesnt discriminate on the breed.

Just be in for a serious dog, who needs a ton of exercise and attention though. This breed isnt for everyone. I suggest another terrier typed dog, so you get the idea of how this breed truly is.

In addition to what Pookie said, if you're still deadset on getting a pit bull, take the next year (or however long your lease is) to do MORE research, make sure you're 100% sure on your breed choice and use the extra time to search for a place to live with your pit bull. It'll more than likely take more than a month or 2 to find a good place that will allow these dogs..