Breed Restrictions: Dallas vs Fort Worth
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Dallas, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Dallas and Fort Worth have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas does not have breed-specific legislation. Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.047 prohibits cities from creating breed-specific restrictions. Dallas regulates dogs based on individual behavior under its dangerous dog provisions.
View full Dallas rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Fort Worth does not ban any dog breed. Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 822.047 preempts cities from enacting breed-specific legislation. Instead, Fort Worth regulates individual dogs under its 'dangerous' and 'aggressive' dog provisions in Chapter 6.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Breed Bans | None - prohibited by state law | - |
| State Law | TX Health & Safety Code §822.047 | - |
| Standard | Conduct-based, not breed-based | - |
| Local Code | Chapter 7 | - |
| Code Reference | - | Fort Worth Code Ch. 6 |
| State Preemption | - | Tex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 822.047 |
| Aggressive Dog Fence | - | 72-inch perimeter barrier |
| Breed-Specific Ban | - | None |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Does Dallas ban pit bulls or any dog breeds?
No. Texas law (Section 822.047) prohibits cities from enacting breed-specific legislation. Dallas regulates dogs based on individual behavior, not breed.
What makes a dog 'dangerous' in Dallas?
A dog may be declared dangerous based on unprovoked attacks or aggressive conduct, regardless of breed, under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 822.
Fort Worth FAQ
Are pit bulls banned in Fort Worth?
No. Fort Worth has no breed-specific ban, and Texas state law (Sec. 822.047) prohibits cities from banning specific breeds. Dogs are regulated individually based on behavior, not breed.
What rules apply to aggressive dogs in Fort Worth?
Chapter 6 requires aggressive dogs to be confined behind a 72-inch perimeter barrier, with additional containment, leash, and insurance requirements depending on the dog's classification.
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