An ESA can be any species of animal or breed, while a service animal must be a dog. The ADA does not restrict the type of dog breeds that can be service animals. Nor can service animals be excluded based on assumptions or stereotypes about the animal’s breed or how the animal might behave.
Even if a municipality has a ban on certain dog breeds, an exception must be made for a service animal of a prohibited breed, unless the dog poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.