Nashua, NH Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)

New Hampshire and Nashua both follow the conduct-based, individual-dog model rather than breed-based regulation. (1) NASHUA CODE - NRO Chapter 93 (Animals), as amended by Ordinance O-19-052, contains no breed-specific provisions. There is no Nashua pit bull ban, no breed-specific permit or registration requirement, no breed-based muzzle rule, no breed-based insurance mandate, and no breed-based enclosure standard. The Chapter regulates dogs by individual conduct (running at large, sustained noise, dangerous behavior) rather than by breed. (2) NH STATE FRAMEWORK - RSA 466:31 (Dogs a Menace, a Nuisance or Vicious) provides the statewide procedure for individual-dog determinations. A dog may be declared a NUISANCE, a MENACE, or VICIOUS to persons or property if it: (a) is at large; (b) barks for sustained periods; (c) chases cars continuously; or (d) growls, snaps at, or bites persons. The complaint procedure runs through the local district court; after hearing, the court may order leashing, muzzling, confinement to a secure enclosure, or destruction of the dog, regardless of breed. RSA 466:31-a specifically defines 'menace' and 'vicious dog.' RSA 466:42 makes the owner strictly liable in damages for injury caused by the dog. (3) STATE PREEMPTION POSTURE - New Hampshire has NO statute that broadly preempts local breed-specific legislation. Unlike Massachusetts (which abolished local BSL in 2012) or some other New England states, NH cities and towns retain the power to enact breed-specific ordinances if they choose. However, the practical reality is that the vast majority of NH municipalities, including Nashua and Manchester, have not adopted breed bans, relying instead on the conduct-based RSA 466:31 framework. Some smaller NH towns have historically had breed-specific provisions; ordinance status varies by town and should be confirmed locally. (4) NUISANCE NOISE OVERLAP - NRO Ch. 93 declares animal noise sustained for more than 30 minutes or occurring between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. a nuisance regardless of breed - the rule applies equally to every dog. (5) PRIVATE RESTRICTIONS - HOAs, condo bylaws, apartment leases, and homeowner insurance carriers in Nashua and across New Hampshire frequently restrict specific breeds (commonly pit bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Akitas, Mastiffs, Chow Chows, and wolf hybrids) regardless of the City's silence on breed. Private breed restrictions are enforceable under contract law independent of municipal code. (6) INSURANCE - homeowner and renter insurance carriers in NH frequently apply breed-based underwriting (exclusion, surcharge, or cancellation) for the same breed list; buyers should verify coverage before adopting. (7) WOLF HYBRIDS - NH treats wolf-dog hybrids under the general dog-control framework, with conduct-based determinations under RSA 466:31. NH Fish & Game has additional rules for true wolves and other wild canids under Fis 800 series. Field enforcement of Nashua's dog rules is by the Nashua Police Department Animal Control Unit.