In the U.S., there is no federal law that bans or restricts specific breeds of dogs. Also, there are no state laws prohibiting or restricting particular breeds of dogs. That said, some municipalities in the country have local ordinances that ban or restrict certain breeds of dogs. So, whether you can own certain breeds of dogs depends on the city or town you live in. In the U.S., some states ban their municipalities from enacting breed-specific legislation (BSL). If you live in one of those states, you can own any breed of domestic dog. BSLs are laws that prohibit or restrict breeds of dogs believed to be dangerous to humans and other animals. Below, you'll discover those states and states that allow their municipalities to pass BSL laws.
Alabama
Alabama state law does not currently ban municipalities from enacting breed-specific legislation. Consequently, Pit bulls are illegal to own in some Alabama municipalities. For example, in the city of Center Point, Pit bulls are banned by Ordinance-2008-04. Pit bulls are also banned in:
In Albertville, AL, Pit bulls are declared dangerous and therefore restricted. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and bull terriers are restricted in Tarrant, AL. The City of Lanett's municipal code bans Pit bulls, Presa Canarios. Jacksonville City's municipal code restricts Pit bulls and Rottweilers.
Alaska
I am not aware of any law that would make certain breeds of dogs illegal in Alaska. As far as I know, Alaska has no state-wide BSL that would restrict or make it illegal to own particular breeds of dogs. That said, it is always important to check with your local authorities to determine whether there are dangerous or vicious dog laws in your town or city.
Arizona
Arizona is the 20th state to ban its municipalities from passing breed-specific legislation. This means that it is legal to own any breed of domestic dog in the Grand Canyon State.
Arkansas
Pit bulls are banned in several Arkansas municipalities, including Arkadelphia, Batesville, Beebe, Caraway, Carlisle, Dardanelle, De Queen, Dover, Gassville, Jacksonville, Lake City, Mountain Home, Nashville, North Little Rock, Osceola, and Pine Bluff. More than 30 Arkansas municipalities have banned Pit Bulls, according to Kkyr. The following Arkansas municipalities restrict Pit Bulls: Camden, Garland County, Little Rock, and Paragould.
California
California prohibits its municipalities from passing breed-specific laws but allows breed-specific spay/neuter. As a result, Pit bulls are required to be spayed/neutered in several California municipalities including Barstow, Gilroy, Hollister, Lancaster, Manteca, Ripon, Riverside, San Bernardino County, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, Yucaipa, Yucca Valley.
Colorado
In Denver, Colorado, a breed-restricted permit is required to own a Pitbull, per Sec. 8-67 of Denver's animal ordinance. According to CBS News, a district court judge reinstated the City of Aurora's ban on pit bulls in 2024.
Connecticut
In Connecticut, no city or town is allowed to enact a breed-specific ordinance. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, according to Norwich Bulletin, has signed a bill that bans Connecticut towns and cities from passing breed-specific laws. That is, Connecticut municipalities can't ban or single out any particular breed, such as pit bulls.
Delaware
In 2017, Delaware became the 19th state to ban its municipalities from enacting breed-specific legislation. Governor John Carney, on June 2nd, 2017, signed House Bill 13, prohibiting its municipalities from enacting laws or regulations based on a dog’s breed.
Florida
No Florida municipality is permitted to pass a BSL. Furthermore, House Bill 941 went into effect in Florida on October 1, 2023, and banned any governmental public housing authorities in the Sunshine State from banning dogs based on their breed, size, or weight.
Georgia
Pit Bulls, Chow Chows, and Rottweilers are declared "potentially dangerous animals" and therefore restricted in LaFayette, GA. Pit bulls and Rottweilers are prohibited from dog parks in Marietta, GA. Pit Bulls are banned in Fitzgerald, GA. Pit bulls and Rottweilers are not permitted in The City of Clarkston’s Dog Park. In College Park, Georgia, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds are declared "potentially dangerous dogs" and therefore restricted.
Hawaii
There is no ban or restriction on any breed of dog in Hawaii in general. That said, individual landlords and property management companies often have rules against Pit Bulls, Chow Chows, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers.
Idaho
Pit bulls and pit bull hybrids are prohibited within the city limits of Kooskia, Idaho. Pit bulls are also banned in Ashton, Idaho. The cities of Cascade and Jerome restrict Pit bulls.
Illinois
Illinois currently has no state-wide breed-specific legislation. Nevertheless, pit bull dogs are prohibited in the Village of Tampico, Illinois. In North Chicago, IL, a license is required to own a pit bull. The following Illinois municipalities also restrict pit bulls: Buffalo Grove, Hanover, Maywood, and Prospect Heights.
Indiana
In Greendale, Indiana, the following dog breeds are restricted: Akitas, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Presa Canarios, and Rottweilers. Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes are banned from dog parks in the Town of Schererville, Indiana, according to the Town's website. The following Indiana municipalities restrict Pit Bulls: East Chicago, Gary, Lake County, Merrillville, Milan, Argos, and Walkerton. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows are banned in the Town of Fowler, IN. The Town of Kirklin's municipal code also bans Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows.
Iowa
In 2023, Iowa House approved a bill prohibiting local dog breed bans, according to Iowa Capital Dispatch. House File 651 targets cities and counties that prohibit pit bulls, Japanese Akitas, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Per a 'Pit Bull Rights' website, more than Iowa municipalities ban pit bulls, and several more restrict ownership of the dogs. Other breeds such as Rottweilers and Dobermans are also banned or restricted in some Iowa cities and counties. The city of Fairfield, for example, restricts pit bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, German shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Siberian huskies, and malamutes.
Kansas
Pit Bulls are banned in more than 40 Kansas municipalities, according to BSL Census. In Manhattan, Kansas, the following breeds of dogs are restricted: Pitbull, Dogo Argentino, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, Doberman Pinscher, Fila Brasileiro, German Shepherd, Perro de Presa Canario, and Rottweiler. The City of Hope, Kansas, bans pit bulls and Rottweiler dogs. Rottweilers and pit bulls are also prohibited in the City of Marion, Kansas. Doberman pinschers, pit bulls, and Rottweilers are prohibited in Minneapolis, Kansas. The City of Udall prohibits Tundra Shepherds, Pit Bulls, and Rottweilers.
Kentucky
Several Kentucky municipalities restrict or ban pit bulls, huskies, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chows, Great Danes, St. Bernards, and Akitas. In the City of Flatwoods, KY, Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Chow chows, and Doberman pinschers are restricted. Pit bulls and Rottweilers are also restricted in Mayfield, KY.
Louisiana
The following Louisiana municipalities ban Pit bulls: Kinder, Mamou, Morgan City, New Llano, St. Francisville, and Winnfield. Pit bulls are restricted in the following Louisiana municipalities: Addis, Bastrop, DeQuincy, Franklin, Leesville, Lincoln Parish Pit, Lutcher, Mandeville, Marksville, Rayne, Sorrento, Washington, Gretna, Westwego, St. Mary Parish, Ville Platte, St. Martinville and the Town of Cottonport. In Crowley, Louisiana, the following dog breeds are restricted: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepard, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, and Siberian Husky. A special annual permit is required to own a pit bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, or German Shepherd in White Castle, LA. The following Louisiana Towns have restrictions on pit bulls and Rottweilers: Minden, Patterson, Berwick, Breaux Bridge, and Bunkie.
Maine
The state of Maine does not allow breed-specific ordinances. That said, Maine state law allows municipalities to enact dangerous dog ordinances. Unlike a breed-specific law, which focuses on specific dog breeds, a dangerous dog law targets dogs with the tendency to attack without provocation. That means any breed of dog with a known propensity for attacking without provocation can be declared dangerous and banned or restricted. Take the Town of Sabattus's dangerous dog ordinances for example.
Maryland
Pit Bull Terriers and banned in Prince George's County, Maryland. The Town of Edmonston, MD, also bans Pit Bull Terriers. Pit bulls are declared "dangerous" in the Town of Ridgely, Maryland.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts state law prevents cities and counties from creating BSL. Every dog in Massachusetts will be judged by its own behavior.
Michigan
According to CBS News, Michigan lawmakers have introduced House Bills 5039, 5040, and 5041 that would prohibit counties, townships, and cities/villages from enacting BSL. But in the meantime, Pit bulls are restricted or banned in many Michigan municipalities. In Harper Woods, MI, the following breeds of dogs are deemed potentially dangerous: Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Pit Bull, Boxer, Bull Mastiff, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Presa Canario, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, and Siberian Husky.
Minnesota
Minnesota state laws prohibit cities and counties from banning specific breeds of dogs.
Mississippi
Many municipalities in Mississippi have enacted BSL prohibiting and restricting breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds. In Kosciusko, MS, for example, pit bulls, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinchers, Rottweilers, Shar Peis, and Cane Corsos are restricted. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, chow chows, and German shepherds are also restricted in Laurel, Mississippi.
Missouri
Missouri state law does not currently prohibit BSL. Consequently, pit bulls are banned in more than 50 Missouri municipalities. The breed is also restricted in many other Missouri municipalities. Rottweilers and pit bulls are banned in the City of Northwoods, MO. The City of Rock Port bans Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman pinschers. Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are banned in Velda City, Missouri.
Montana
Currently, no Montana municipality has BSL. However, the following breeds of dogs are often banned by Housing Authorities in Montana: Pit Bull, American Bulldog, Presa Canario, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro, Belgian Shepherd, German Shepherd, Beauceron, Akita, Doberman Pinscher, Chow Chow, and Rottweiler.
Nebraska
The keeping of Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers is banned in Loup City, Nebraska. Pit bulls, Dogo Argentinos, Presa Canarios, Cane Corsos, and American Bulldogs are restricted in Omaha, Nebraska. Pit bulls are prohibited in Minden, NE.
Nevada
It is illegal for a Nevada municipality to enact breed-specific legislation. Also, in 2022, a new law took effect in Nevada, prohibiting insurance companies from discriminating against dog breeds.
New Hampshire
Currently, there is no BSL in the state of New Hampshire.
New Jersey
New Jersey law prohibits local municipalities from banning specific dog breeds.
New Mexico
The following breeds of dogs are often restricted by housing authorities in New Mexico: Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Chow Chow, German Shepherd, Doberman, Malamute, Akita, Husky, Cane Corso, Irish Wolfhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Presa Canario, Mastiff (Bull, Neapolitan, Toso Inu), Scottish Deerhound, Komondor, Borzoi, and Dalmatian.
New York
Doberman Pinchers, Pit Bulls, and Rottweiler dogs are banned on New York City Housing Authority properties. In the City of Hornell, NY, pit bulls are restricted. Pit bulls and Rottweilers are presumed "dangerous" in the City of Peekskill, NY.
North Carolina
Two North Carolina municipalities have breed-specific regulations. In Edenton, NC, Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows are restricted. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and chows are declared "potentially vicious" and are restricted in Lumberton, NC.
North Dakota
Rottweilers, Pit bulls, Chow Chows, and Canary dogs are banned in Ray, ND. It is also illegal to keep Rottweilers and Pit bulls within the limits of the City of Wilton, North Dakota. Pit bulls are banned in Devils Lake, ND, as well as in many other North Dakota municipalities.
Ohio
A handful of Ohio municipalities ban or restrict certain dog breeds like pit bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Akitas, huskies, and German shepherds. In Elmwood Place, OH, pit bulls are prohibited. Pit bulls are also banned in the City of Fairfield, Ohio. According to BSL Census, more than 10 Ohio cities ban pit bulls. In addition, over 50 cities in Ohio have restrictions on pit bulls.
Oklahoma
There is no statewide law that bans particular dog breeds in Oklahoma. However, municipalities within the state are allowed to enact dangerous and potentially dangerous dog laws, provided the regulations are not breed-specific.
Oregon
In Oregon, Pit bulls are declared "dangerous" and restricted in the cities of Heppner and Malin. The following breeds are declared "restricted breeds of dogs" in Malheur County, Oregon: Pit bull, Dogo Argentino, Canary dogs, Ca de Bou, Tosa inu, Cane Corso, and Fila Brasileiro.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law forbids municipalities from enacting BSL. The Keystone State also bans insurance companies from disallowing coverage from any specific breed of dog. That said, Pennsylvania does have a Dangerous Dog Law, meaning any dog can be declared dangerous if it exhibits aggressive behavior without being provoked.
Rhode Island
In 2013, Rhode Island became the 16th state to prohibit cities and towns from banning specific breeds of dogs. Nevertheless, pit bulls and Rottweilers are restricted in some Rhode Island cities. In Central Falls, RI, for example, proof of liability insurance of not less than $50,000 is required for the registration of pit bulls and Rottweilers with the city. The city council finds that the regulation and control of pit bulls and Rottweilers is a matter of vital concern after 82 residents of the city have been attacked by pit bulls and Rottweilers in two years. Pit bulls are prohibited in the City of Pawtucket, RI. Speaking to the Providence Journal, Pawtucket officials said they did not believe the state law trumps the city's ordinance.
South Carolina
In the City of Dillon, South Carolina, Pitt Bulls are presumed dangerous and restricted. According to Dillon's municipal code, Pitt Bulls are banned from streets, public rights-of-way, public places of the city, or the premises of another within the city limits. All pit bulls kept within the city are required to be confined to their owner's property limits by a fence with a height of six feet, which cannot be buckled or moved by the pit bull. Pitt Bulls are also restricted in Ware Shoals and Beaufort County, South Carolina. The city of Travelers Rest has restrictions on Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, pit bulls, and Chow Chows.
South Dakota
South Dakota state law prevents cities and counties from passing breed-specific legislation.
Tennessee
Pit bulls are banned in many Tennessee municipalities. In some municipalities, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, and German shepherds are restricted.
Texas
Texas is one of those states that have doggy anti-discrimination laws. Nevertheless, there are restrictions on Pit bulls somewhere in Texas. In Childress, TX, for example, pit bulls and chow chows are not available for adoption. Pit bulls are presumed "dangerous" in the City of Magnolia, TX, and are therefore subject to certain requirements.
Utah
All breeds of dogs, including pit bulls, are legal to own in Utah.
Vermont
Vermont state law doesn't ban or restrict any specific dog breeds and as of this writing, only wolf-dog hybrids are restricted in some Vermont municipalities.
Virginia
Virginia has state legislation preventing municipalities from creating breed-specific laws.
Washington
In Washington State, House Bill 1026 bans cities from enacting breed-specific laws unless certain conditions are met.
West Virginia
Some municipalities in West Virginia have restrictions or bans on pit bulls and other specific breeds. Pit bull terriers are banned in Ceredo, WV. Pit bulls are declared "vicious" and therefore restricted in Dunbar, Barboursville, Fayetteville, and Wheeling, West Virginia.
Wisconsin
Several Wisconsin municipalities ban the ownership of pit bulls. Some municipalities restrict Pit bulls, Presa Canarios, Rhodesian ridgebacks, and Rottweilers.
Wyoming
Wyoming as a state does not ban Pit bulls or other breeds, such as Rottweilers and Dobermans.
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