Florissant, MO Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

City Code Section 205.395 defines a "pit bull" as an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog displaying the physical traits of those breeds or meeting AKC or UKC breed standards for them. An owner unsure whether an unspayed or unneutered dog qualifies can ask the Director of Public Works and Health for a breed determination, and may appeal that call to a hearing within five business days; the hearing is informal and the Director's decision is final.

No one may cause or allow a pit bull to breed or give birth without a non-transferable annual breeding permit from the Director. Keeping an unaltered male together with a female in heat where they can breed is treated as prima facie evidence of intent to breed without a permit. To get a permit, an applicant must pay the required fee, show the space meets sanitary and humane standards, and prove the dogs are registered with the AKC, UKC or American Dog Breeders Association, meet their breed's physical and temperament standard, have shown in a sanctioned pit bull show within the prior year, and have passed OFA or PennHIP hip screening, an OFA cardiac exam and an American Temperament Testing Society test. The permit fee is $100, and breeders may not let a female pit bull whelp more than one litter a year. The Director can deny a permit for unpaid fees, a history of loose or neglected dogs, a nuisance determination, or a prior violation, and can revoke one after a hearing if a later inspection finds the property below standard. Anyone selling, trading or giving away pit bull offspring under six months old must post the breeding permit number with the offer and supply it in writing to the acquirer.