Category 1 and 2 dogs in France: the list and the requirements
The French law of January 6, 1999 places certain dogs considered potentially dangerous into two categories, defined by the ministerial order of April 27, 1999. The classification depends on the breed and, for dogs without a pedigree, on their appearance.
Category 1: attack dogs
These are dogs without a LOF pedigree whose appearance resembles the Staffordshire Terrier or the American Staffordshire Terrier (the dogs often called “pit bulls”), the Mastiff (“boerbulls”) or the Tosa. Breeds not recognized in France, such as the American Bully or the Boerboel, fall into this category when they look like them.
Category 2: guard and defense dogs
These are Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Tosas registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF), Rottweilers with or without a pedigree, and dogs without a pedigree that look like a Rottweiler. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a different breed, is not restricted.
What the law requires
For both categories
- • A dog ownership permit issued by the town hall, after a training course for the owner and a behavioral assessment of the dog.
- • Liability insurance, identification and up-to-date rabies vaccination.
- • Muzzle and leash in public places and in the shared areas of apartment buildings, with the leash held by an adult.
- • Not allowed for minors, adults under guardianship or people convicted of certain offenses.
Also for Category 1
- • Buying, selling, giving away and importing are prohibited.
- • Spaying or neutering is mandatory.
- • Banned from public transportation and from places open to the public, except public streets; not allowed to stay in the shared areas of apartment buildings.
This summary does not replace the official texts. The full rules and procedures are on service-public.gouv.fr.
Looking for a protective dog without these constraints?
Our list of guard dogs that are not restricted brings together breeds with a strong protective instinct that don’t require a permit.