Dearborn, MI Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing standard
- Behavior, not breed
- Dangerous-dog finding
- Made by Animal Shelter manager
- Vicious-dog finding
- Made by 19th District Court
- Citation
- Code of Ordinances § 4-27
Summary
Dearborn does not ban or restrict dogs by breed. City Code § 4-27 defines "dangerous" and "vicious" dogs by their behavior, bites, attacks, threats, not by breed, size, or type.
Dangerous dog means: (1) Any individual dog anywhere other than upon the property of the owner or custodian of the dog that behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death to a person or a companion animal; or (2) A dog that, without justification, bites a person and does not cause serious physical injury.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-07: Code: Updated through: July 22, 2026 | Zoning: Updated through: July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Dearborn's animal ordinance regulates dogs by documented behavior, not breed. Code of Ordinances § 4-27 defines a "dangerous dog" as one that poses a serious unjustified threat of injury or bites without cause, and a "vicious dog" as one that, without justification, attacks and causes serious injury or death. Neither definition references breed, size, or type anywhere in the ordinance. A dangerous-dog finding is made administratively by the Dearborn Animal Shelter manager after an investigation; a vicious-dog finding requires a hearing before the 19th District Court. No city ordinance lists or restricts pit bulls, Rottweilers, or any other breed by name.
Violations & Fines
Dangerous-dog owners must spay/neuter and microchip the dog within 14 days, complete a behaviorist evaluation, and may face impoundment. Vicious-dog owners face licensing, $100,000 liability insurance, confinement, and misdemeanor penalties for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dearborn ban pit bulls or other dog breeds?
Who decides if a dog is dangerous in Dearborn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn
How Dearborn compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Dearborn to another location·View the Michigan animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle breed restrictions.