Breed Restrictions: Detroit vs Livonia
How do breed restrictions rules compare between Detroit, MI and Livonia, MI?
Detroit and Livonia have similar restriction levels.
Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Detroit does not ban pit bulls or any specific dog breed. The city regulates dogs by behavior under Chapter 6's Dangerous Animals Ordinance (amended October 2021), which classifies and restricts individual animals adjudicated dangerous regardless of breed.
View full Detroit rules →Livonia, MI
Wayne County
Livonia does not ban any specific dog breeds and follows Michigan dangerous dog law (MCL 287.321), which focuses on individual dog behavior rather than breed type.
View full Livonia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Detroit | Livonia |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Behavior-based, not breed-based | - |
| Primary Code | Detroit Ch. 6 (2021 amendment) | - |
| Enclosure | Locked, 6 ft tall | - |
| Off-Property Restraint | Muzzle + 6 ft leash | - |
| State Law on BSL | Currently permitted statewide | - |
| Breed bans | - | None in Livonia |
| State law | - | MCL 287.321 dangerous animals |
| Dog license | - | Required through Wayne County |
| Rabies vaccine | - | Required for licensing |
| Insurance | - | May impose separate restrictions |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Detroit FAQ
Does Detroit ban pit bulls?
No. Detroit does not ban pit bulls or any specific breed. The city uses a behavior-based Dangerous Animals Ordinance under Chapter 6, amended in October 2021, applied to individual animals adjudicated dangerous regardless of breed.
What restrictions apply to a dangerous dog in Detroit?
Owners must confine the animal in a locked enclosure at least 6 feet tall, muzzle and restrain it on a leash of 6 feet or less off-property, post warnings, and use only handlers age 18 or older.
Could Detroit enact a breed ban?
Under current Michigan law cities may enact breed-specific legislation, but Detroit has not. Pending state Senate Bill 741, if enacted, would prohibit Michigan municipalities from regulating dogs based on breed.
Livonia FAQ
Are pit bulls legal in Livonia?
Yes. Livonia has no breed-specific ban, and pit bulls are treated the same as any other breed under Michigan dangerous animal law.
What happens if my dog bites someone?
Animal control investigates, the dog may be quarantined, and the court can declare it dangerous with confinement requirements.
Compare other topics
See how Detroit and Livonia compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool