Manteca, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breeds named
- Pit bull, Staffordshire, Am. Staffordshire
- Also covers
- Dogs matching breed traits/AKC standards
- Breeding permit
- Required, nontransferable, 1 year
- Appeal path
- Department director, within 5 days
Summary
Manteca singles out pit bull-type breeds for its own chapter of law, defining the breed broadly by name and physical traits and layering permit requirements on top.
Whenever the word "Pit Bull" is used in this chapter, it shall mean the any dog that is a Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or any other dog displaying the physical traits of any one or more of the above breeds, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing characteristics that conform to the standards established by the American Kennel Club ("AKC") or United Kennel Club ("UKC") for any of the above breeds. The AKC and UKC standards for the above breeds are listed on their websites.
B. Whenever the word "City" is used in this chapter, it shall mean the city of Manteca.
C. Whenever the word "Department" is used in this chapter, it shall mean the city of Manteca animal services unit.
D. Whenever the word "Municipal Code" is used in this chapter, it shall mean the city of Manteca Municipal Code. (Ord. 1416 § 1, 2008)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4829770; v11 updated 2026-04-21).
Full Breakdown
Manteca Municipal Code § 6.10.030 defines "Pit Bull" for Chapter 6.10 to include Bull Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and any dog displaying their physical traits or matching AKC/UKC breed standards. That broad, appearance-based definition triggers the chapter's mandatory spay/neuter duty (§ 6.10.050) and its separate breeding-permit regime (§ 6.10.080), which bars breeding any pit bull in the city without a permit. Owners disputing a breed determination may appeal to the department director under § 6.10.040.
Violations & Fines
Breeding without a permit is an infraction up to $500, escalating to a misdemeanor (up to 6 months jail and/or $1,000 fine) for violations uncorrected after 30 days, per § 6.10.120.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my mixed-breed dog covered if it looks like a pit bull?
Does Manteca ban pit bulls outright?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manteca
How Manteca compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare Manteca to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Joaquin County handle breed restrictions.