Breed Restrictions: Cleveland vs Lakewood
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH?
Cleveland has fewer restrictions than Lakewood.
Cleveland, OH
Cuyahoga County
Cleveland does not have a breed-specific dog ban. In 2012, Ohio amended Revised Code §955.11 to remove pit bulls from the statutory definition of "vicious dog," effectively preempting breed-specific legislation statewide. Dogs in Cleveland are classified based on individual behavior as "nuisance," "dangerous," or "vicious" under state law, not by breed. Owners of dogs designated dangerous or vicious must comply with confinement, leash, muzzle, and liability insurance requirements.
View full Cleveland rules →Lakewood, OH
Cuyahoga County
As of April 2018 Lakewood repealed its pit-bull ban and no longer has any breed-specific legislation. All dogs are welcome, but Chapters 505 and 506 impose behavior- and bite-history-based classifications, and Section 505.18(b) still bans wolves and wolf hybrids.
View full Lakewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cleveland | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Ban | None — preempted by ORC §955.11 (2012) | None - pit-bull ban repealed 4/2/2018 |
| Classification Basis | Individual behavior, not breed | - |
| Vicious Dog Insurance | $100,000 liability minimum | - |
| Licensing | Annual via Cuyahoga County Auditor | - |
| Designation Authority | County dog warden or law enforcement | - |
| Code Reference | - | Chapters 505 & 506 (rev. April 2018) |
| Basis | - | Behavior and bite history |
| Still Banned by Species | - | Wolves and wolf hybrids (Sec. 505.18(b)(30)) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cleveland FAQ
Are pit bulls legal in Cleveland?
Yes. Ohio removed pit bulls from the statutory "vicious dog" definition in 2012 (ORC §955.11), and Cleveland does not have any breed-specific ban. Dogs are classified based on individual behavior.
What rules apply to dangerous dogs in Cleveland?
A dog designated dangerous must be kept confined, muzzled and leashed in public, and registered with the county. Vicious dog owners must also carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance.
Lakewood FAQ
Are pit bulls banned in Lakewood?
No. Lakewood repealed its breed-specific legislation on April 2, 2018. All dog breeds are welcome; restrictions now depend on a dog's behavior and bite history under Chapters 505 and 506.
Are wolf hybrids allowed?
No. Although there is no breed ban for domestic dogs, Section 505.18(b)(30) lists wolves and wolf hybrids as prohibited dangerous animals.
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