The debate about pit bulls has waged for years. Critics of the breed argue the dogs are predisposed to violence and therefore are more likely to attack people. Animal lovers, however, challenge that idea, claiming that dog owners – not pit bulls themselves – are to blame for bites and attacks.

Left in the middle of the debate are property managers. More and more communities are placing breed restriction policies in their leases. While many such policies limit the ownership of a pet over a certain weight, some explicitly forbid breeds like Rottweilers, pit bulls and German Shepherds.

At Cal Bay Property Management, we appreciate just how nuanced this argument can get. On one hand, there’s no denying pit bulls cause many of the thousands of dog bite injuries each year. On the other, a dog’s exact genetic background can be difficult to know. The term pit bull itself can refer to several different breeds of dogs.

No matter where you stand on the issue, it is important to do your due diligence before deciding on a policy for your community.

– Scott Safadi