Craig Greve, 23, of Cardiff, is alleged to have breached an order banning him from having a dog and owning a dog which was dangerously out of control.
Rhona Greve, 64, of Ely, died after she was bitten 16 times by the American bulldog called Solo on 20 March.
Mr Greve was remanded in custody after the hearing at Merthyr Crown Court.
A grandson has appeared in court accused of illegally owning a dog which killed his grandmother in her home.