Owning an American Bully in Michigan: BSL Laws, Housing Restrictions, and Liability Guide
May 13, 2026
Michigan has no statewide ban on American Bullies, but that doesn’t mean you’re free to own one without restrictions. Dozens of Michigan cities and townships have enacted their own breed-specific ordinances, and navigating that patchwork of local rules is one of the most important things you can do before bringing an American Bully home.
Whether you’re a current owner, a prospective adopter, or someone relocating to Michigan with a bully breed, understanding the legal landscape could save you from fines, forced rehoming, or worse. This guide breaks down exactly what Michigan state law says, which local jurisdictions impose restrictions, and what your obligations are as an owner.
Key Insight: Michigan law does not define or ban any specific breed at the state level, but it does hold owners strictly liable for dog bites—regardless of breed. Local ordinances can go further and impose breed-specific restrictions.
Are American Bullies Banned or Restricted in Michigan?
At the state level, American Bullies are not banned in Michigan. The Michigan Dog Law of 1919, which governs dog ownership statewide, does not identify or prohibit any specific breed. However, Michigan law explicitly allows local municipalities to enact their own ordinances, and many have done exactly that—targeting breeds they classify as “pit bull type” dogs, a category that often sweeps in American Bullies.
The American Bully (Canis lupus familiaris) is a relatively modern breed developed in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. Breeders crossed several foundation breeds to create the American Bully, including the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. Because of this lineage, many local ordinances that target “pit bull type” dogs can apply to American Bullies even when the breed is not named explicitly.
Michigan cities with documented breed restrictions or outright bans affecting pit bull type dogs—and by extension potentially American Bullies—include:
- Hamtramck – maintains a pit bull ban that has historically been enforced against bully-type breeds
- Ypsilanti Township – has imposed restrictions on pit bull type dogs including mandatory registration and containment rules
- Waterford Township – has ordinance language broad enough to cover bully breeds based on physical characteristics
- Muskegon Heights – prohibits ownership of pit bull type dogs within city limits
- Harper Woods – has enacted breed-specific restrictions targeting pit bull type dogs
This list is not exhaustive. Michigan has over 1,800 local units of government, and ordinances change frequently. Before settling in any Michigan municipality with an American Bully, you should contact the local city or township clerk directly to confirm current ordinance language.
Important Note: “Pit bull type” is not a scientific classification—it is a legal one. Local ordinances often define it by physical traits such as head shape, chest width, and muscle definition, which means an American Bully can be designated a restricted breed even without a DNA test confirming its lineage.
Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) and American Bullies in Michigan
Breed-specific legislation refers to laws and ordinances that regulate or prohibit ownership of dogs based on breed or physical appearance rather than individual behavior. Michigan’s approach to BSL is decentralized, meaning the state itself does not mandate or prohibit BSL—each municipality sets its own rules within the boundaries of state law.
You should understand how BSL typically works in Michigan municipalities, because the structure is fairly consistent even when the specific rules differ. Most Michigan BSL ordinances fall into one of two categories: outright bans and regulated ownership. An outright ban prohibits you from keeping the breed within city limits entirely. Regulated ownership allows you to keep the dog but imposes specific requirements such as mandatory spay/neuter, microchipping, liability insurance, muzzling in public, and secure enclosure standards.
The American Bully’s classification under BSL is complicated by the fact that it is a newer breed not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club as a full member breed, though it is recognized by the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service. Because it lacks universal recognition, animal control officers in BSL jurisdictions often classify American Bullies based on visual assessment rather than breed documentation, which creates legal ambiguity for owners.
There is a growing national movement against BSL. Major veterinary and animal welfare organizations—including the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Kennel Club—oppose breed-specific laws on the grounds that they are ineffective at reducing dog bites and place an unfair burden on responsible owners. Several Michigan municipalities have repealed BSL in recent years, reflecting this shift. However, many ordinances remain on the books and are actively enforced.
Pro Tip: If you believe your American Bully has been misidentified under a local BSL ordinance, you have the right to challenge the classification. Request a formal hearing and consider obtaining a veterinary statement or breed DNA test to support your case.
For broader context on how these laws interact with your overall responsibilities as a dog owner in Michigan, reviewing the full scope of Michigan pet laws is a useful starting point alongside any breed-specific research.
American Bully Ownership Requirements in Michigan
Even in municipalities that allow American Bullies without breed-specific restrictions, Michigan state law imposes baseline requirements on all dog owners. You must comply with these regardless of where in Michigan you live.
Michigan requires all dogs four months of age or older to be licensed annually. Licensing is administered at the county level, and fees vary by county. Your dog must also be vaccinated against rabies as a condition of licensing. Failure to license your dog can result in a civil infraction and fines under the Michigan Dog Law of 1919.
In BSL-regulated jurisdictions, American Bully owners may face additional requirements. The most commonly imposed ownership conditions include:
- Mandatory microchipping – permanent identification required before the dog can be legally kept in the jurisdiction
- Spay or neuter requirements – some ordinances require all restricted breed dogs to be sterilized
- Secure enclosure standards – fenced yards with minimum height requirements, often six feet, with lockable gates
- Leash and muzzle rules – when off your property, the dog may be required to wear a muzzle and be on a leash no longer than a specified length
- Registration with animal control – separate from county licensing, some jurisdictions require breed-specific registration with local animal control
- Posted signage – some ordinances require you to post warning signs on your property indicating a restricted breed dog is present
Michigan’s dog leash laws also apply to American Bully owners across the state. Under Michigan law, dogs must be under control at all times when off the owner’s property, and many municipalities define “under control” as being on a physical leash rather than under voice command alone.
Common Mistake: Assuming that complying with state-level licensing requirements is sufficient. If you live in a BSL municipality, local ordinance requirements stack on top of state requirements—you must satisfy both.
Housing and Property Restrictions for American Bullies in Michigan
Even if your municipality permits American Bully ownership, your housing situation may impose its own set of restrictions. This is one of the most overlooked legal challenges for bully breed owners, and it can affect you whether you rent, own a home in a planned community, or live in a condominium.
If you rent, your landlord has broad legal authority in Michigan to prohibit specific breeds as a condition of your lease. This is a private contractual matter rather than a government regulation, which means fair housing laws generally do not override a landlord’s breed restrictions unless the dog qualifies as a trained service animal or emotional support animal under federal law. You should review your lease carefully before acquiring an American Bully, and get any breed approval in writing before signing or renewing.
Homeowners Association (HOA) rules present a similar challenge. If your property is governed by an HOA, the association’s CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) may prohibit specific breeds or dogs above a certain weight. American Bullies, particularly XL and XXL variants, frequently exceed weight limits set by HOAs. These restrictions are enforceable as private contractual obligations, and violating them can result in fines or legal action by the HOA.
For condominium owners, the condominium association’s bylaws may contain breed or size restrictions that apply to all units. Michigan’s Condominium Act allows associations to regulate pet ownership within the development, and breed restrictions are a common feature of those regulations.
Pro Tip: Before purchasing a home in any Michigan development with an HOA or condominium association, request the complete CC&Rs and bylaws and have them reviewed specifically for pet and breed restrictions. Sellers are not always forthcoming about these limitations.
If you are a renter seeking to keep an American Bully as an emotional support animal (ESA), federal Fair Housing Act protections may apply even in buildings with breed restrictions. However, ESA protections are not unlimited—landlords can still deny or restrict ESAs that pose a direct threat to health or safety, and some courts have upheld breed-based denials for certain bully breeds in ESA cases. You should consult with a housing attorney if you intend to rely on ESA status to override a breed restriction.
Insurance Requirements and Liability for American Bully Owners in Michigan
Michigan is a strict liability state for dog bites. Under Michigan Compiled Laws Section 287.351, if your dog bites someone, you are liable for damages regardless of whether you knew the dog had any prior history of aggression. You do not need to be negligent—the bite itself is sufficient to establish your liability. This strict liability standard applies to all dog breeds, but it has significant practical implications for American Bully owners because of how insurers treat bully breeds.
Many homeowners and renters insurance companies in Michigan either exclude coverage for dog bites involving specific breeds or charge substantially higher premiums for policies that cover them. American Bullies are frequently listed alongside pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans on breed exclusion lists maintained by major insurers. If your policy excludes your breed and your dog bites someone, you will be personally liable for all damages—medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering—without insurance coverage to protect you.
You should take the following steps to protect yourself financially as an American Bully owner in Michigan:
- Review your current policy – contact your insurer directly and ask whether your American Bully is covered and whether any breed exclusions apply
- Shop breed-neutral insurers – several insurance companies, including State Farm and USAA, have historically offered coverage without breed exclusions, though policies change and you should verify current terms directly
- Consider umbrella liability coverage – an umbrella policy can provide additional liability protection beyond your homeowners or renters policy limits
- Document responsible ownership – training certifications, Canine Good Citizen credentials, and veterinary records demonstrating regular care can support your position in a liability dispute
Some Michigan BSL ordinances go further and make liability insurance a legal requirement for keeping a restricted breed dog. In those jurisdictions, you may be required to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage—commonly $100,000 or more—and provide proof of that coverage to local animal control as a condition of keeping your dog.
Key Insight: Michigan’s strict liability dog bite law means that even a single incident with no prior warning signs can expose you to significant financial damages. Carrying adequate liability insurance is not just a legal requirement in some jurisdictions—it is essential financial protection for any American Bully owner in the state.
Michigan’s strict liability framework also extends beyond formal dog bites. Under the state’s dog law, you can be held liable if your dog injures someone by knocking them down or causing an accident, even without a bite occurring. This broader liability exposure makes comprehensive insurance coverage especially important for owners of large, powerful breeds like the American Bully.
For comparison, it’s worth understanding how similar liability frameworks apply to other animals in Michigan. The state applies strict and regulated ownership standards across a range of animals, from domestic pets to exotic pets regulated under federal and state law, reflecting a consistent philosophy of owner accountability.
Penalties for BSL Violations Involving American Bullies in Michigan
If you violate a local BSL ordinance in Michigan involving your American Bully, the consequences can be severe and can escalate quickly. Penalties vary by municipality, but the enforcement mechanisms available to local governments follow a consistent pattern under Michigan law.
For a first violation, most Michigan municipalities impose civil fines ranging from $100 to $500. However, repeat violations or violations involving an incident—such as a dog bite or an escape from required enclosure—can result in criminal misdemeanor charges. Michigan law allows municipalities to classify animal ordinance violations as misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail, depending on the severity and the specific ordinance language.
Beyond financial penalties, BSL violations can trigger the following consequences:
- Mandatory impoundment – your dog can be seized by animal control while the violation is adjudicated
- Forced removal from the jurisdiction – you may be ordered to permanently remove the dog from the municipality even if you are not facing criminal charges
- Euthanasia orders – in cases involving a bite or attack, or in jurisdictions with outright bans, a court may order the dog to be euthanized
- Prohibition on future ownership – some ordinances bar individuals convicted of BSL violations from owning restricted breeds in the jurisdiction in the future
Important Note: Impoundment fees in Michigan can accumulate rapidly. If your dog is seized and held while a BSL violation is being resolved, you may be responsible for daily boarding fees charged by the animal control facility, which can reach hundreds of dollars before the matter is resolved.
Michigan’s Dangerous Animal Act (MCL 287.321–287.323) provides an additional enforcement layer beyond local BSL ordinances. Under this statute, a dog that causes serious injury or death to a person can be declared a “dangerous animal,” and the owner faces felony charges punishable by up to four years in prison and fines up to $2,000. Owning a breed that is already restricted under local BSL does not automatically trigger this statute, but a bite or attack incident involving a restricted breed is likely to be prosecuted more aggressively.
If you are facing a BSL enforcement action involving your American Bully, you have procedural rights under Michigan law. Most ordinances require the municipality to provide written notice and an opportunity for a hearing before your dog is permanently removed or euthanized. You should request that hearing immediately upon receiving any notice of violation and consult with an attorney who has experience in animal law before the hearing date.
Understanding the full range of dog-related legal obligations in Michigan—from leash requirements to liability exposure—helps you stay ahead of enforcement actions before they occur. Reviewing Michigan’s dog leash laws and the broader framework of Michigan pet ownership laws alongside BSL-specific research gives you the most complete picture of your legal responsibilities as an American Bully owner in the state.
Responsible ownership is your strongest defense against both BSL enforcement and liability exposure. Keeping your American Bully properly licensed, vaccinated, trained, and contained—and carrying adequate liability insurance—demonstrates the kind of conscientious ownership that can make a meaningful difference if you ever face a legal challenge involving your dog.