Washington does not ban breed-specific rules outright, but since 2020 RCW 16.08.110 bars any city or county from regulating dogs by breed unless it also offers a good-behavior exemption. Whatcom County and Bellingham regulate dangerous dogs by conduct, not breed.
Washington is not a full preemption state, but a 2019 law, RCW 16.08.110, sharply limits breed-based dog rules. A city or county may not prohibit or restrict a dog by breed unless it also maintains a process to exempt any dog that passes the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test or an equivalent. Whatcom County and Bellingham take the behavior-based route: dangerous and potentially dangerous dogs are designated under RCW 16.08 based on an individual dog's conduct, such as an unprovoked attack, then subjected to confinement and insurance requirements. Landlords and insurers may still restrict breeds by private contract.
A breed-based ordinance without the required exemption process is unenforceable under RCW 16.08.110. Dangerous-dog designations follow an individual dog's behavior, with confinement, muzzling, or insurance ordered.
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See how Whatcom County's breed restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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