Recent rumors have circulated online claiming that California has just banned several dog breeds statewide. However, a closer look at the law and local ordinances reveals a more nuanced reality. Here’s what California residents and dog lovers need to know.
No Statewide Ban on Specific Dog Breeds
Contrary to viral social media posts, California does not have a statewide law banning any specific dog breeds. The state itself does not prohibit ownership of breeds often labeled as “dangerous” or “aggressive,” such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Akitas, or German Shepherds.
Local Breed-Specific Regulations and Restrictions
While the state does not enforce breed bans, some counties and cities have enacted their own regulations. For example:
- San Bernardino County requires Pit Bulls to be spayed or neutered to curb overbreeding and address safety concerns, as unneutered males are responsible for a significant portion of dog bites.
- Orange County mandates that all dogs, regardless of breed, be leashed in public and restricts dogs from certain public spaces like beaches and parks unless they are service animals.
These local rules do not constitute outright bans but rather impose conditions or additional requirements for ownership.
Insurance and Housing Breed Restrictions
Many homeowners insurance policies in California and across the U.S. do restrict or refuse coverage for certain breeds. The most commonly excluded breeds by insurers include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweilers
- Doberman Pinschers
- Chow Chows
- Wolf-dog hybrids
- Akitas
- German Shepherds
If you own one of these breeds, you may face difficulties obtaining or maintaining homeowners insurance, but this is not a government ban—it is a private business policy.
Recent Local Developments: Ojai’s Breeding Ban
In October 2024, the city of Ojai passed a strict ordinance prohibiting the breeding of dogs and cats with certain anatomical features, targeting brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds and those with short limbs. This includes:
- Boston Terriers
- Boxers
- Bullmastiffs
- Bulldogs (English and French)
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Pugs
- Shih Tzus
- Dachshunds
- Basset Hounds
This law is limited to Ojai and does not apply statewide. It restricts breeding, not ownership, and is based on animal welfare concerns related to inherited health issues.
What About Fines and Enforcement?
There are no statewide fines or penalties for owning any particular breed in California. Local ordinances, if violated, may result in penalties, but these are specific to the city or county and generally relate to licensing, leash laws, or breeding restrictions—not outright bans on ownership.
Summary Table: California Dog Breed Laws
| Area | Statewide Ban? | Local Restrictions? | Insurance Restrictions? |
|---|---|---|---|
| California (State) | No | Yes (some counties/cities) | Yes (varies by insurer) |
| Ojai | No (ownership) | Yes (breeding certain breeds) | Not applicable |
Conclusion
Despite recent headlines and online rumors, California has not enacted a statewide ban on any dog breeds as of May 2025. Breed-specific regulations do exist at the local level and through private insurance policies, but ownership is still legal statewide. Always check your local laws and insurance policy before adopting or moving with a breed that may be subject to restrictions.
If you are considering adopting a dog, focus on responsible ownership, proper training, and understanding your local regulations to ensure a safe and happy home for your pet.
Sources:-
[1] https://okhovatlawfirm.com/banned-dog-breeds-in-california/
[2] https://en.as.com/latest_news/not-just-pit-bulls-and-rottweilers-this-is-the-complete-list-of-dog-breeds-banned-in-ca-and-the-fine-if-you-own-one-n/
[3] https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/restricted-dog-breeds-by-state
[4] https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Main-Menu/Base-Information/Prohibited-Dog-Breeds/
[5] https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/banned-dog-breed-lists/
[6] https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/ojai-california-adopts-severe-dog-breeding-restrictions-highlights-need-local-government-vigilance-fanciers-breeders/
[7] https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB793/id/3129408/California-2025-AB793-Introduced.html
[8] https://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/pet-care/banned-breeds-a-state-by-state-guide