Multnomah County, OR Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Basis for restriction
- Documented dog behavior, not breed
- Governing sections
- MCC § 13.401 – § 13.406
- Classification levels
- Level 1 through 4, plus dangerous animal
- Coverage
- Unincorporated county only, not Portland
Summary
Multnomah County classifies dogs as potentially dangerous or dangerous based on documented behavior, not breed. There is no pit bull or other breed-specific ban in the county code.
Classification of a dog as potentially dangerous shall be based upon specific behaviors exhibited by the dog. For purposes of this subchapter, behaviors establishing various levels of potentially dangerous dogs are the following:
(A) Level 1 behavior is established if a dog at large is found to menace, chase, display threatening or aggressive behavior or otherwise threaten or endanger the safety of any person.
(B) Level 2 behavior is established if a dog, while at large, causes physical injury to any domestic animal.
(C) Level 3 behavior is established if a dog, while confined so as not to be at large, as defined in § 13.002, aggressively bites any person.
(D) Level 4 behavior is established if:
(1) A dog, while at large:
(a) Aggressively bites any person; or
(b) Kills or causes the death of any domestic animal or livestock; or
(2) A dog classified as a Level 3 potentially dangerous dog that repeats the behavior in division (C) of this section after the owner or keeper receives notice of the Level 3 classification.
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County Code Chapter 13 does not name or restrict any dog breed. Instead, § 13.401 sets four behavior-based dangerousness levels (menacing while at large, injuring an animal, biting while confined, biting or killing while at large) and § 13.402 defines a dangerous dog as one causing serious injury or death to a person or used as a weapon in a crime. Classification and resulting restrictions (secure enclosure, muzzle, insurance, ID marking) attach to the individual dog's conduct under § 13.404, regardless of breed. This applies countywide including unincorporated areas; Portland, which has its own municipal code, is not governed by this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Failing to comply with imposed restrictions after a dangerous or potentially dangerous classification is a chapter violation subject to a civil fine and possible impoundment under §§ 13.404 and 13.999; a Level 4 repeat offender's dog can be seized and denied return until security requirements are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Multnomah County ban pit bulls or other breeds?
What triggers a dangerous dog classification here?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
How Multnomah County compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon animal ordinances overview
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