Understanding Bully Breeds: Myths, Facts, and Why They Need Us

We believe that every dog, no matter their age, size, or breed deserves a chance at a safe, loving life. Each year, we help save more than a thousand dogs from high-intake shelters across our community and beyond. Many of these dogs move quickly into foster and forever homes, but some wait much longer. Not because they’re less loving. Not because they’re less adoptable. But because they look like what many people call bully breeds.

These dogs often face more placement challenges simply due to their physical appearance and the stereotypes that follow them. In reality, bully breeds are just dogs, individuals with their own personalities, quirks, and needs. This article explores what bully breeds truly are, the myths surrounding them, and why fostering and advocating for them matters so much.

What Is a Bully Breed?

Despite the name, the word “bully” has nothing to do with aggression. The term actually refers to a dog’s historical origins.

Bully breeds descend from Molossers, ancient Greek dogs known for their large frames, broad chests, and strong builds. Over time, Molossers were mixed with other breeds—such as the old English bulldog and Mastiffs, responsible for the blocky, muscular dogs we recognize today.

While the “bully” label includes a wide range of dogs (Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, Boxers, etc.), in rescue work the term usually refers to dogs such as:

• American Pit Bull Terriers

• American Staffordshire Terriers

• Staffordshire Bull Terriers

• American Bulldogs

• American Bullies

• Cane Corsos

• Dogo Argentinos

Because they share similar physical characteristics, many of these dogs are grouped together, even though their personalities can be wildly different.

Where the Myths Come From

Like any breed, bully breeds carry a history—and unfortunately, parts of that history have been sensationalized or misunderstood. Over time, a handful of persistent myths have overshadowed the truth.

Here are some common misconceptions:

Myth: Bully breeds are inherently aggressive.

Fact: A dog’s behavior is shaped by genetics and environment. Breed alone does not predict temperament. Proper training, socialization, and responsible ownership matter far more than physical appearance.

Myth: They have locking jaws.

Fact: No dog has a jaw-locking mechanism. Their anatomy is the same as any other breed.

Myth: They don’t feel pain.

Fact: All dogs feel pain. This myth was born from their historical use in dog-fighting, not biology.

Myth: Their bite force is stronger than other dogs.

Fact: A National Geographic comparison test showed Pit Bull-type dogs had lower bite pressure than Rottweilers and German Shepherds.

Myth: Bully breeds are either hyper-athletic or lazy couch potatoes.

Fact: Just like any dog, some are energetic and some are relaxed. Energy level is individual—not breed-specific.

Myth: They are “nanny dogs.”

Fact: No breed should be considered automatically perfect with children. Every dog needs supervision and respectful handling around kids.

Why Judging Dogs by Breed Fails

Evaluating dogs by appearance alone is deeply unreliable. Even littermates with identical genetics often grow into completely different personalities.

That’s why Muddy Paws—and many shelters—focus on the dog in front of us.

Individual temperament matters more than breed.

This is backed by the American Temperament Test Society, which analyzes stability, friendliness, and response to stress.

• American Pit Bull Terriers: 86 percent pass

• Golden Retrievers: 85 percent pass

Numbers like these show how flawed breed stereotypes truly are.

The Reality of Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)

Breed-specific legislation bans or restricts certain dogs based solely on appearance. Over 900 U.S. cities restrict bully-type breeds despite no scientific evidence supporting these policies.

BSL affects:

• Where people can live

• Whether they can foster or adopt

• Whether a dog can remain with their family

Even dogs with no behavioral issues are prohibited simply because of how they look.

Why Foster Homes Are Critical

Muddy Paws Rescue is a proud New Hope Partner of NYC’s Animal Care Centers (ACC). ACC is New York City’s open-intake municipal shelter and intakes roughly 7,000 dogs each year. Because bully breeds make up a large portion of the dogs entering the system, they’re also the dogs that need safe placement most urgently.

Our biggest challenge? Bully breed–type dogs stay in foster care twice as long as other dogs.

This isn’t about behavior. It’s about:

• Housing restrictions

• Weight limits

• Breed bans in leases

• Community stigma

• Misinformation

All of these factors make it harder for people to foster or adopt larger dogs—even when those dogs are friendly, social, and well-mannered.

ACC often refers to these dogs not by breed, but as “Boroughbreds.” This creative term encourages adopters and fosters to see beyond labels and appreciate each dog’s unique personality.

Why Your Advocacy Matters

Fostering or adopting a bully breed doesn’t just change a dog’s life—it helps change the narrative. Breed-based discrimination persists because old myths still circulate despite decades of scientific research disproving them.

By choosing to foster or adopt a bully-type dog, you’re helping to:

• Reduce shelter overcrowding

• Advocate for fair, evidence-based dog policies

• Challenge harmful stereotypes

• Show the community what these dogs are truly like

And bully breed adopters and fosters will tell you the same thing: the love, loyalty, and personality these dogs bring into a home is incomparable.

Thinking of Adopting a Bully Breed Puppy?

Like all puppies, bully breed puppies need:

• Training

• Socialization

• Structure

• Routine

• Patience

They grow into strong, athletic adult dogs, so it’s important to think long-term—housing, lifestyle changes, and future moves included. But with preparation and support, bully breed puppies grow into incredible companions.

Changing Lives, One Dog at a Time

Bully breeds were once considered America’s sweet, loyal family dogs. They’ve been featured in ads, TV shows, and military service. Their fall from public favor came not from science but from sensationalized media stories in the 1980s.

Today, they still fight an uphill battle—but they also have millions of supporters, adopters, fosters, and advocates who know the truth:

• Breed does not define a dog’s worth, temperament, or potential.

• When we see bully breeds as individuals, we open the door for more of them to find safe, loving homes—right here in New York City and beyond.

• If you’re curious, open-minded, and ready to help a dog who truly needs you, we’d love to talk with you about fostering a Boroughbred.