San Diego, CA Animal Ordinances: Breed Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Breed Bans
- None
- State Preemption
- CA F&A Code 31683
- Regulation Basis
- Individual behavior
- Dangerous Dogs
- Any breed can be declared
Summary
San Diego does not impose breed-specific legislation (BSL). No dog breeds are banned. California state law (Food & Agriculture Code Section 31683) preempts local breed-specific bans. Dogs are regulated based on individual behavior, not breed. Dangerous/vicious dog declarations apply to any breed.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a city or county from adopting or enforcing its own program for the control of potentially dangerous or vicious dogs that may incorporate all, part, or none of this chapter, or that may punish a violation of this chapter as a misdemeanor or may impose a more restrictive program to control potentially dangerous or vicious dogs. Except as provided in Section 122331 of the Health and Safety Code, no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed.
Full Breakdown
The City of San Diego does not ban or restrict any specific dog breed. California Food & Agriculture Code Section 31683 preempts local governments from enacting breed-specific legislation, meaning no California city can ban a particular breed. Instead, San Diego regulates dogs based on individual behavior through dangerous and vicious dog declarations. A dog that bites or threatens humans or other animals may be declared dangerous regardless of breed, requiring conditions such as enclosed containment, muzzling in public, liability insurance, mandatory spay/neuter, and a special permit. Some homeowner insurance policies may have breed-specific exclusions, but these are private contractual matters, not city law. All dogs must comply with general control, licensing, and vaccination requirements.
Violations & Fines
No breed-related violations exist. Dangerous dog declarations carry requirements that, if violated, may result in the dog being impounded or euthanized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pit bulls banned in San Diego?
What happens if my dog is declared dangerous?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
How San Diego compares: Cities with No Dog Breed Restrictions·California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Breed Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle breed restrictions.