They are used, and have behavioral traits and genetics, much like earlier
versions of other breeds of dog we now know: Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, etc..
The original Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were around and had been
bred from
other toy
dogs and spaniels during the 16th century or so, but modern day breeders have been using
other methods
of breeding to bring a more pure
version of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel back into existence.
Some restrictions that various
versions of BSL impose are: - muzzling and leashing in public - muzzling and leashing in cars - extra-short leash lengths - automatic dangerous or vicious
dog designation, without any bite history - banning from city parks and beaches where
other breeds are allowed - banning from leash - free parks where
other breeds are allowed - banning completely from jurisdiction (although sometimes existing
dogs are allowed to stay)- special (i.e., more expensive) licensing and jurisdiction - wide registry - special tags identifying the
dog as a restricted
dog - mandatory microchipping and photograph - mandatory insurance (often one million dollars) for each individual
dog on the premises - mandatory signage indicating the presence
of the
dog on the owner's property - mandatory secure enclosures (in some cases, mandatory chaining)- mandatory spay / neuter (to eventually eliminate the
breed entirely)- higher fines and / or jail time if a restricted
breed bites or menaces - fines and / or jail time for any infraction
of any provision regarding restricted
breeds - age limit for walking the
dog in public - persons with criminal records not allowed to own a restricted
breed - ability
of law enforcement to stop owners on the street just to check the
dog's status - ability
of law enforcement to seize
dogs without proof
of wrongdoing - ability
of law enforcement to enter an owner's home, with or without a warrant, to investigate and / or seize a
dog
However, while this specific term is reserved for the United Kingdom, many
other countries have adopted their own
version of the legislation in an effort to regulate «dangerous»
dog breeds.