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Little Elm, TX Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

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

Key Facts

Breed Bans
None in Little Elm
State Law
TX H&S Code Ch. 822
Dangerous Dog
Behavior-based classification
Insurance
$100,000 liability required
Registration
Annual with local animal control

Summary

Little Elm has no breed-specific bans. TX Health and Safety Code Ch. 822 governs dangerous dogs based on behavior, not breed. Dangerous dogs require registration and $100K insurance.

Sec. 822.047. LOCAL REGULATION OF DANGEROUS DOGS. A county or municipality may place additional requirements or restrictions on dangerous dogs if the requirements or restrictions: (1) are not specific to one breed or several breeds of dogs; and (2) are more stringent than restrictions provided by this subchapter.

Source: TX Health and Safety Code Ch. 822View official code

Full Breakdown

The Town of Little Elm does not ban any specific dog breeds. Texas state law under Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter D takes a behavior-based approach to dangerous dog regulation rather than targeting specific breeds. A dog is classified as dangerous if it makes an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury outside its owners property, or commits unprovoked acts in a place other than the owners property that cause a person to reasonably believe the dog will attack and cause bodily injury. Once a dog is declared dangerous by a court or animal control authority, the owner must register the dog annually, maintain liability insurance or financial responsibility of at least $100,000, restrain the dog in a secure enclosure, and comply with microchipping requirements.

Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822 Subchapter A covers dogs that are a danger to persons, while Subchapter D specifically addresses dangerous dogs. Little Elm Animal Control enforces dangerous dog declarations and registration requirements. Owners of dangerous dogs must post warning signs on their property. Any dog that causes serious bodily injury or death may be ordered destroyed by a court. All dogs in Little Elm must be current on rabies vaccination per state law.

Violations & Fines

Owning unregistered dangerous dog: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500. Attack causing serious injury: felony charges possible. Failure to restrain: animal seizure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Little Elm ban pit bulls or other breeds?
No. Little Elm does not have breed-specific bans. Texas law regulates dangerous dogs based on behavior (attacks or threatening acts), not breed.
What happens if my dog bites someone?
If your dog causes bodily injury unprovoked outside your property, it may be declared dangerous under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822. You would need to register, insure, and securely confine the dog.
What are the requirements for a dangerous dog?
Annual registration, $100,000 liability insurance, secure enclosure, microchip, warning signs on property, and compliance with all court-ordered restrictions.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Little Elm

All Little Elm rules

How Little Elm compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Little Elm to another location·View the Texas animal ordinances overview

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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Denton County handle breed restrictions.

Lewisville, TX
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Denton, TX
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