FL: Mastiff mix in Miami-Dade County

[HildaDoglittle]

So, there is a good chance we will be relocating to Miami in the near future. I was just admitted to a really good graduate school program there and it's an amazing opportunity. Of course, after I recieved the offer I discovered that Miami-Dade has a pit bull ban. We are not certain about our dog's breed. Our veterinarians have theorized she's part English mastiff and is either crossed with another breed or has dwarfism. Because the ban is enforced by a visual examination, I'm concerned that her breed may be interpreted as being a pit bull. My questionsoes anyone know if mastiff breeds besides pit bulls are impacted by BSL, especially in Florida?Does anyone know if an area in Florida that doesn't have BSL where we might look for housing? (I would absolutely choose a longer commute to campus if it meant our dog would be able to live with us safely.)Would getting a breed test (or x-rays to confirm her dwarfism) help as a preventative measure?This is the biggest issue in preventing me from accepting my admissions offer, so any insight would be much appreciated.

 

[HildaDoglittle]

I apologize for the formatting of the OP. Apparently I can't edit it either. My main questions: (1) does anyone know if mastiff breeds besides pit bulls are impacted by BSL, especially in Florida? (2) Does anyone know if an area in Florida that doesn't have BSL where we might look for housing? (I would absolutely choose a longer commute to campus if it meant our dog would be able to live with us safely.) (3) Would getting a breed test (or x-rays to confirm her dwarfism) help as a preventative measure? Thank you.

 

[DennasMom]

I don't know much about Florida or BSL in general... but there's lots of ammunition out there in the inter-webs to prove that determination by "visual inspection" is WRONG about 90% o the time.

I'd invest in a DNA test - which hopefully will clear your pup of the dreaded genes... and use that to override any visual inspection... but... be ready for them to ignore all evidence and stick with their visual "proof" instead. This is Florida you're talking about, after all... home of the "stand your ground" law, where it's completely legal to shoot another human simply because you're "afraid". That alone might sway me not to take an intimidating-looking dog into the area... someone might shoot-first, and not bother asking question later.

 

[DennasMom]

BTW - Congratulations on getting into the graduate program!!