Breed Specific Regulations

Requirements for bully breed owners in the city of Omaha

City of Omaha Breed Specific Regulations

This ordinance applies to dogs that live in Omaha and display a majority of the characteristics of a Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentina, Presa Canario, or Cane Corso.

Omaha ordinance requires that if you own a dog over 6 months of age, that fits the above category, you will be required to leash, harness, and muzzle your dog whenever he is outside, unless he is in a securely fenced yard. He also needs to be under the control of someone 19 years or older. In order to license these dogs, you must be 19 years old and show proof of $100,000 liability coverage.

There are two exceptions

  1. Dogs that meet the BSL requirements, but are participating in an organized approved dog event shall not be required to be leashed and muzzled while outdoors and being shown or otherwise actively competing in the event.
  2. Dogs that are Breed Ambassadors.

Breed Ambassadors

Pitbulls and included bully breeds and mixes who are gentle and well trained can get a muzzle exemption if they apply for and receive Breed Ambassador Status.

Breed Ambassador Requirements

Once the dog receives the Breed Ambassador Designation he/she can exchange the muzzle for a Breed Ambassador Vest proclaiming his/her status.

  • When outside a fenced area, the dog will need to wear both a harness and collar with a connector, and be restrained with a 6 foot leash.
  • Breed ambassadors need to re-up their status each year.
  • Breed ambassadors can’t violate any pet ordinances or their status could be revoked. For more information contact cguinane@nehumanesociety.org or (402) 905-3472.

I think my dog is a mix, not a majority

If you don’t believe that your dog has a majority of the traits of a Pitbull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentina, Presa Canario, American Bulldog or Cane Corso, or a mix of these breeds as defined by American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club standards, you can do a DNA test in order to clarify that.  NHS Licensing/registration will accept DNA tests for dogs and apply those to registration records. 

What’s a Proper Muzzle?

A proper muzzle would be a basket muzzle that covers the dogs mouth and snout and prevents biting, but allows the dog to open its mouth, pant and drink.  Cloth medical muzzles or cinch down muzzles don’t allow the dog to pant and breathe freely.  Those types of muzzles can hurt your dog by causing him to overheat.

How Do I Get Insurance?

The requirement for $100,000 worth of liability insurance is covered by most homeowner policies.  Most homeowner insurance offers $100,000 to $300,000 worth of liability as a standard amount, while most renters insurance offers $100,000 as a standard amount.  If you have homeowners or renters insurance already—you likely are covered.  Check your policy to see what your liability coverage is.  If you are in doubt you can call your agent and simply ask how much liability coverage your policy carries.  

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