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Ann Arbor, MI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Breed as a factor
Explicitly excluded, § 9:45(2)(c)
Classification basis
Bite/attack history only
Local breed ban
None in Ann Arbor code
Governing section
City Code § 9:45(2)

Summary

Ann Arbor's dangerous-animal definition expressly excludes breed as a factor: City Code § 9:45(2) says an animal is not dangerous solely 'because of its breed or perceived breed.'

An animal shall not be considered dangerous solely because:(a)It has bitten or attacked a person or any animal attacking its owner or its owner's family;(b)If it bites or injures a person who has, without justification, provoked it by attacking it or its young; or(c)Because of its breed or perceived breed.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).

Full Breakdown

Ann Arbor's animal chapter defines 'dangerous animal' by conduct, biting causing visible trauma or broken bones, repeated attacks or menacing, or property damage, then lists what does NOT make an animal dangerous. Under § 9:45(2), an animal isn't considered dangerous solely because it bit someone attacking its owner or family, was provoked without justification, or 'because of its breed or perceived breed.' Ann Arbor has no municipal breed-specific ban or pit-bull ordinance; classification as dangerous or vicious under § 9:45(2) and (8) turns entirely on the individual animal's own bite or attack history.

Violations & Fines

No breed-based citation exists; a dog is only classified 'dangerous' or 'vicious' under § 9:45(2) and (8) based on its own conduct, never its breed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ann Arbor ban pit bulls or other specific dog breeds?
No. City Code § 9:45(2)(c) states an animal is not considered dangerous 'because of its breed or perceived breed', classification depends only on the animal's own conduct.
How does Ann Arbor decide if a dog is 'dangerous'?
By its bite, attack, or property-damage history under § 9:45(2), never by breed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Ann Arbor

All Ann Arbor rules

How Ann Arbor compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Ann Arbor to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview

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