Restricted Dog Breeds by State 2025
Allowed
22
Prohibited, but w/ exceptions
16
Prohibited
13
State | Breed-Specific Legislation Status↓ | Pit Bulls Restricted | Rottweilers Restricted | Additional Restricted Dog Breeds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Arizona | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | No | No | None |
 | California | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | Yes | None |
 | Colorado | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | No | None |
 | Florida | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | No | None |
 | Georgia | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | Yes | None |
 | Illinois | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | Yes | None |
 | Maryland | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | No | None |
 | Minnesota | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | No | No | Wolf-dog hybrids |
 | Montana | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | Yes | Doberman Pinschers and Wolf-dog hybrids |
 | New Jersey | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | No | None |
 | New York | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | No | None |
 | North Carolina | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | Yes | Chows |
 | Oregon | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | No | American Bulldog (Old Country Bulldog), American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Canary dog (Canary Island dog, Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Canario), Cane Corso (Cane di Macellaio, Sicilian branchiero), Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian mastiff), Presa Mallorquin (Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Ca de Bou), Tosa (Tosa Inu, Tosa fighting dog, Japanese fighting dog, Japanese mastiff), Staffordshire Bull Terrier |
 | Texas | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | Yes | No | American Bulldogs |
 | Vermont | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | No | No | Wolf-dog hybrids |
 | Virginia | Prohibited, but w/ exceptions | No | No | None |
 | Alaska | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | Connecticut | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | Delaware | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | Hawaii | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | Maine | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | Massachusetts | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | Nevada | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | New Hampshire | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | Oklahoma | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | Pennsylvania | Prohibited | Yes | Yes | None |
 | Rhode Island | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | South Dakota | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | Utah | Prohibited | No | No | None |
 | Alabama | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Presa Canarios |
 | Arkansas | Allowed | Yes | No | American Bulldogs |
 | District of Columbia | Allowed | |||
 | Idaho | Allowed | Yes | No | none |
 | Indiana | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Akitas, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Bull Terriers, Presa Canarios, and Wolf-dog hybrids |
 | Iowa | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Akitas, Chow Chows, Doberman Pinchers, Presa Carario |
 | Kansas | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Doberman Pinchers |
 | Kentucky | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Wolf-dog hybrids |
 | Louisiana | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepards, Pit Bulls, Presa Canarios, Siberian Huskies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Wolf-dog hybrids |
 | Michigan | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Pit Bulls, boxer, Bullmastiff, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, English Bull Terrier, German Shepherd, Great Dane, Presa Canario, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky and Wolf-dog hybrid |
 | Mississippi | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Wolf-dog hybrids |
 | Missouri | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Doberman Pinschers |
 | Nebraska | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Dogo Argentinos, Presa Canarios, Cane Corsos and American Bulldogs |
 | New Mexico | Allowed | Yes | Yes | None |
 | North Dakota | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Doberman Pinschers |
 | Ohio | Allowed | Yes | No | None |
 | South Carolina | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Doberman Pinschers |
 | Tennessee | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Doberman Pinschers |
 | Washington | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Akita, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Kuvasz, Pit Bull Terrier, Presa Canario, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu |
 | West Virginia | Allowed | Yes | No | Wolf-dog hybrids |
 | Wisconsin | Allowed | Yes | Yes | Presa Canarios, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, mastiffs (all types), Tosa Inus, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros; bans Wolf-dog hybrids |
 | Wyoming | Allowed | Yes | No | None |
- States where breed-specific legislation (BSL) is prohibited, but allow exceptions usually prohibit breeds that are declared as dangerous or as fighting breeds.
- Restrictions on Pit bulls, Rottweilers and other specific breeds may vary by city or county.
In the realm of pet ownership, the regulation of certain dog breeds has sparked heated debates across the United States. Known as breed-specific legislation (BSL), these laws vary dramatically from state to state, targeting specific breeds deemed potentially dangerous. Among the breeds often subjected to BSL are the likes of Pit Bull Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers, known for their strength and protective instincts.
States such as Alabama, California, Florida, and Georgia have enacted strict BSL measures, necessitating special permits for the ownership of these breeds. For example, in Alabama, owning a Pit Bull Terrier or Rottweiler requires jumping through regulatory hoops, highlighting the state’s cautious approach to dog ownership. However, others, like Alaska, Arizona, and Connecticut, have opted to forgo breed-specific legislation altogether, favoring more inclusive pet ownership laws that apply universally.
The debate surrounding BSL remains contentious, with proponents arguing that these regulations enhance public safety and detractors claiming they unfairly discriminate against certain breeds. Despite the ongoing discourse, the importance of promoting responsible pet ownership and ensuring the well-being of all dogs cannot be overstated. As discussions around BSL persist, it’s crucial for legislators, animal welfare organizations, and community stakeholders to collaborate and find common ground to address concerns while upholding the rights of pet owners and the welfare of their beloved companions.
