Leander, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

There is no breed ban in Leander, and the city cannot legally enact one. Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 822.047 expressly preempts breed-specific legislation: a municipality may impose additional requirements on dangerous dogs only if those requirements are NOT specific to one or more breeds. This statewide preemption, in place since 1991, means no Texas city, including Leander, can ban or restrict pit bulls, Rottweilers, or any other breed by name. Instead, Leander's controls are tied to a dog's behavior. The city recognizes a 'registered dangerous dog' as any dog registered with the city in compliance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 (including Sec. 822.043) and the city's dangerous-dog provisions. A dog becomes 'dangerous' under the state framework based on conduct, such as making an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury, not based on appearance or lineage. Dangerous dogs are not eligible for the city's no-fee modified registration and must instead apply for tag registration. So while Leander is permissive about which breeds you may own, owners of any dog that behaves dangerously face heightened registration, confinement, and liability obligations under both city code and state law.