Texas Statewide Rule

Texas Bans Breed-Specific Dog Restrictions Statewide

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Texas (2026)

Texas Health & Safety Code 822.047 prohibits any Texas city or county from regulating dogs based on breed. Local breed bans against pit bulls, Rottweilers, or other breeds are unenforceable in every Texas municipality.

Key Facts

Statute: TX HSC 822.047
Local breed bans: Prohibited statewide
Applies to: All Texas cities and counties
Dangerous dog rules: Allowed if breed-neutral

Source: Texas Statutes

Full Breakdown

Under Texas Health & Safety Code Section 822.047, a county or municipality may place additional requirements on the ownership of a dangerous dog only if the requirements are not breed-specific. This means Texas cities and counties cannot ban, restrict ownership of, or impose extra rules on dogs simply because they are pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, or any other breed. Local rules must instead focus on individual dog behavior. Owners across Texas may keep any breed, though dangerous-dog laws still apply once a specific dog has bitten or attacked.

Violations & Penalties

There are no breed-based violations in Texas. Local breed bans are void; enforcement focuses on individual dangerous-dog determinations and bite history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Texas city ban pit bulls?

No. Texas Health & Safety Code 822.047 prohibits any city or county from passing breed-specific dog restrictions. Any local pit bull ban or breed-based ordinance is unenforceable.

What dog rules can my city pass instead?

Cities can adopt breed-neutral rules — leash laws, registration, and dangerous-dog procedures based on a specific dog's behavior, bite history, or court determination, not on appearance or breed.

Does this rule apply in unincorporated counties?

Yes. The statute applies to both counties and municipalities throughout Texas, so unincorporated areas are equally barred from breed-specific regulation.

Sources

TX Health & Safety Code 822.047

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Texas city ban pit bulls?

No. Texas Health & Safety Code 822.047 prohibits any city or county from passing breed-specific dog restrictions. Any local pit bull ban or breed-based ordinance is unenforceable.

What dog rules can my city pass instead?

Cities can adopt breed-neutral rules — leash laws, registration, and dangerous-dog procedures based on a specific dog's behavior, bite history, or court determination, not on appearance or breed.

Does this rule apply in unincorporated counties?

Yes. The statute applies to both counties and municipalities throughout Texas, so unincorporated areas are equally barred from breed-specific regulation.