Having a category dog: what are the rules?
Verified 07 November 2025 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Some dogs, considered to be potentially dangerous, are subject to specific regulations. In France, these dogs are classified as 2 categories : attack dog and guard and defense dog. If you keep a dog belonging to one of these categories, you are subject to certain obligations (detention permit, behavioral evaluation of the animal, specific conditions of access of the animal to public spaces, etc.).
The attack dogs, said of 1re category, are dogs from crosses morphologically similar to dogs of the following breeds:
- American Staffordshire terrier (commonly known as pit bulls)
- Mastiff (commonly known as boerbulls)
- Tosa.
Dogs of 1re category have no pedigree. The recognition elements of these dogs of 1re categories are defined by order.
The guard and defense dogs, said of 2e category, are the dogs of the following breeds :
- American Staffordshire terrier
- Rottweiler
- Tosa.
These dogs of 2e category have a pedigree.
The category of guard and defense dogs also includes dogs derived from crosses comparable by their morphological characteristics to Rottweiler breed dogs. These dogs don't have pedigree.
Reminder
Dogs of the breed are dogs entered in the breeding book of French origins (LOF) kept by the Centrale Canine Business or on a book from another country, but recognized by the Centrale Canine Business.
If categorized dogs are by default considered dangerous, a dangerous dogs are not necessarily categorized dogs.
Only a veterinarian is competent to determine the racial type of an animal and, if in doubt, it is recommended that people obtain a veterinary certificate that can be presented to law enforcement in the event of a check.
Since January 6, 1999, it has no more buying, selling or giving a dog of 1re category.
The act of buying, selling or giving, importing or introducing into the metropolitan territory, in the Drom: titleContent, in Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon a dog of 1re category is an offense punishable by 6 months imprisonment and €15,000 of a fine.
The following additional penalties may also be imposed:
- Confiscation of the dog(s) concerned
- Prohibition, for a maximum of 5 years, of engaging in the professional activity which led to the preparation or commission of the offense
- Prohibition of holding an attack dog (from 1re category) or a guard and defense dog (of 2e category) for a maximum of 5 years.
However, if you have a dog of 1re category or if you own a dog of 2e category, you are subject to certain obligations that we detail.
1st category
You have no not the right to keep a dog of 1re category if you are in one of the following situations:
- You're a minor
- You are of legal age (unless authorized by the guardianship judge)
- You have been convicted of a felony or given a suspended or unsuspended sentence for an offense listed in bulletin n°2 of your criminal record (or in a document equivalent to bulletin n°2 of the criminal record, if you are a foreigner)
- The property or custody of a dog has been taken away from you.
The detention of a dog of 1re category by an unauthorized person is punishable by 6 months imprisonment and €7,500 of a fine.
The following additional penalties may also be imposed:
- Confiscation of the dog(s) concerned
- Prohibition to keep a categorized dog for up to 5 years.
The dog must must be identified by a veterinarian, by electronic chip, to the national identification file for domestic carnivores (Icad).
Identification allows the animal to be assigned a unique number and the name and address of its owner to be recorded in the national identification file for domestic carnivores.
Identifying your pet allows you to be identified and contacted if your pet is found after being lost or stolen. It is also a guarantee of its origin and a means of combating trafficking.
The fact, for the owner or keeper of a 1re category of failure to have the animal identified shall be punished by a fine of €750.
Please note
If your contact details change (address, phone number), please inform Icad to remain reachable in case of loss or theft of your pet.
A dog of 1re category must mandatory be sterilized.
This sterilization gives rise to a veterinary certificate.
Keeping a dog of 1re unsterilized category is an offense punishable by 6 months imprisonment and €15,000 of a fine.
The following additional penalties may also be imposed:
- Confiscation of the dog(s) concerned
- Prohibition, for a maximum of 5 years, of engaging in the professional activity which led to the preparation or commission of the offense
- Prohibition of holding an attack dog (from 1re category) or a guard and defense dog (of 2e category) for a maximum of 5 years.
A dog of 1re This category must be vaccinated against rabies even if you live in a rabies-free department.
Primary vaccination can be carried out from the age of 3 months and is valid only after 21 days.
Only the European pet passport issued by the veterinarian can certify vaccination against rabies, including when the animal does not leave French territory.
The frequency of reminders is indicated in the passport.
Not having a 1-year-old dog vaccinated regularlyre category against rabies is liable to a fine of €450.
You must take training to certify that you are fit to keep a dog of 1re category.
The training takes place over 1 day.
It focuses on dog education and behavior and accident prevention.
The training consists of a theoretical part and a practical part.
The theoretical part deals with the knowledge of dogs and the relationship between the owner and the dog and aggressive behaviors and their prevention.
The practical part consists of demonstrations and scenarios.
At the end of the training day, the trainer will deliver a attestation of fitness. A second copy is sent by the training organization to the prefect of the department of your residence.
The training costs are at your expense.
You will find a list of accredited trainers by contacting your town hall or the Departmental Directorate of Population Protection (DDPP).
Please note
The certificate of fitness is attached to your person and not to your dog.
Between 8 months and 1 year, a dog of 1re This category must be subject to a behavioral assessment by a licensed veterinarian.
Who shall I contact
The purpose of the assessment is to investigate the potential hazard posed by the dog.
The veterinarian evaluates and classifies the dog to one of the 4 levels of risk of danger.
Depending on the level of danger in which it is classified, the behavioral assessment must be renewed within a certain period of time:
Level of dangerousness of the dog | Evaluation | Maximum time between 2 evaluations |
|---|---|---|
Level 1 | No particular risk apart from those inherent to the canine species | |
Level 2 | Risk of low hazard for certain people or in certain situations | 3 years |
Level 3 | Risk of critical dangerousness for certain people or in certain situations | 2 years |
Level 4 | Risk of high hazard for certain people or in certain situations | 1 year |
Depending on the classification level of the dog, the veterinarian offers preventive measures with the aim of reducing its danger.
The veterinarian also makes recommendations to limit contact with certain people and situations at risk.
They may advise you to conduct a new behavioral assessment after implementing their recommendations.
In case of classification of the dog at level 4, the veterinarian advises placing the dog in a suitable place of detention or having it euthanized.
A suitable place of detention is a place where, under your responsibility, the animal cannot cause an accident.
The veterinarian communicates the conclusions of his assessment to the mayor of your municipality of residence and to the national identification file of domestic carnivores (Icad).
The evaluation fee are at your expense.
FYI
If your dog bite somebody, you have to put them through a behavioral assessment.
If you do not perform the behavioral assessment, you will be fined €750 maximum.
You must have a liability insurance which guarantees your civil liability for any damage that your dog may cause to third parties.
Your family members are considered third parties.
If you do not have insurance, you will be fined up to €450.
The detention of a dog of 1re category is subject to the issuance of a detention permit by the mayor of your municipality of residence.
If your dog is less than 8 months old and has therefore not yet undergone the behavioral evaluation, you will be issued a provisional permit valid until 12 months.
You'll have to ask for a permit by producing all the necessary parts before the 12 months of your dog.
If you have several dogs, a request permit must be made for each dog.
The permit is free.
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Pre-trial detention permit (dog under 8 months)
The application for a provisional detention permit is made at the town hall of your place of residence or, if you live in Paris, at the police prefecture.
General case
You must apply for a provisional permit using form cerfa n°13997:
Application file for an interim permit for a dangerous dog
The form must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Photocopy of european pet passport of your dog justifying its identification at Icad and its valid rabies vaccination
- Certificate of civil liability justifying that you are covered by an insurance contract in case your dog causes damage to a third party
- Photocopy of your dog's European passport justifying its sterilization
- Certificate of fitness obtained after compulsory training on dog education and behavior and accident prevention
- If you are breeder, proof of your professional certification.
You must withdraw your permit at the town hall, with the original of your dog's European passport.
In Paris
You must apply for a provisional permit using form cerfa n°13997:
Application file for an interim permit for a dangerous dog
Who shall I contact
Police Prefecture of Paris - Pole in charge of animal police
1 bis, rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
By appointment only
Telephone
3430 (0,06 €/min + price of a call)
The form must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Photocopy of european pet passport of your dog justifying its identification at Icad and its valid rabies vaccination
- Certificate of civil liability justifying that you are covered by an insurance contract in case your dog causes damage to a third party
- Photocopy of your dog's European passport justifying its sterilization
- Certificate of fitness obtained after compulsory training on dog education and behavior and accident prevention
- If you are breeder, proof of your professional certification.
You must withdraw your license at the Paris Police Prefecture by presenting the original of your dog's European passport.
Permanent detention permit (dog over 8 months)
The application for a permanent detention permit is made at the town hall of your place of residence or, if you live in Paris, at the police prefecture.
General case
You must apply for a detention permit using a form that must be sent or filed with the town hall.
Application file for a permit to detain a dangerous dog
The form must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Photocopy of european pet passport of your dog justifying its identification at Icad and its valid rabies vaccination
- Certificate of civil liability justifying that you are covered by an insurance contract in case your dog causes damage to a third party
- Photocopy of your dog's European passport justifying its sterilization
- Certificate of fitness obtained after compulsory training on dog education and behavior and accident prevention
- Behavioral Assessment Findings
- If you are breeder, proof of your professional certification.
You must withdraw your permit at the town hall with the original of your dog's European passport.
If the results of your dog's behavioral assessment warrant it, the mayor may refuse to issue you a detention permit.
In Paris
You must apply for a detention permit using a form that must be sent or filed with the Paris police prefecture.
Application file for a permit to detain a dangerous dog
Who shall I contact
Police Prefecture of Paris - Pole in charge of animal police
1 bis, rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
By appointment only
Telephone
3430 (0,06 €/min + price of a call)
The form must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Photocopy of european pet passport of your dog justifying its identification at Icad and its valid rabies vaccination
- Certificate of civil liability justifying that you are covered by an insurance contract in case your dog causes damage to a third party
- Photocopy of your dog's European passport justifying its sterilization
- Certificate of fitness obtained after compulsory training on dog education and behavior and accident prevention
- Behavioral Assessment Findings
- If you are breeder, proof of your professional certification.
You must withdraw your license at the Paris police prefecture with the original of your dog's European passport.
If the results of your dog's behavioral assessment warrant it, the mayor may refuse to issue you a detention permit.
Once the license has been granted, you must constantly ensure that the rabies vaccine is up-to-date and have liability insurance.
Failure to hold a temporary or permanent detention permit is punishable by a fine of up to €750.
The mayor (or the police prefecture of Paris) can give you formal notice to regularize the situation within 1 month.
In the absence of regularization, the mayor may order the animal to be impounded and have its euthanasia carried out without delay and without further notice.
The costs of capture, transport, custody and euthanasia are at your expense.
You also face the following penalties:
- 3 months imprisonment
- Up to €3,750 of fine
- Confiscation of the dog(s) concerned in the event that euthanasia is not pronounced
- Prohibition of keeping an animal definitively or not.
Having a provisional or definitive license and not presenting it at a police check is punishable by a fine of up to €450.
If you move and change municipality of residenceHowever, you must present your detention permit to the town hall of your new home.
Public places
The access of a dog of 1re category for public transport, public places (except public roads) and premises open to the public is prohibited.
You are also not allowed to park with your dog in the common parts of collective buildings.
On the public road or in the common areas of a collective building, your dog must be kept on a leash and muzzled.
Accommodation
The landlord or a co-owner who is aware of a case of danger of a dog residing in a dwelling can seize the mayor or, in Paris, the prefect of police.
General case
In Paris
Who shall I contact
Police Prefecture of Paris - Pole in charge of animal police
1 bis, rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
By appointment only
Telephone
3430 (0,06 €/min + price of a call)
If the dog may pose a danger to people or other pets, the mayor or police prefect may ask you to take measures to prevent the danger.
In the event of serious and immediate danger to persons or pets, the mayor may order that the dog be impounded and, if necessary, euthanized.
A dog of 1re category is considered to be of serious and immediate danger in the following situations:
- It is held by a person who does not have the right to hold such a dog (minor, adult under guardianship, etc.)
- It circulates without being muzzled and kept on a leash in the common areas of a collective building
- Its owner does not hold the certificate of suitability for the possession of such a dog.
The costs of capture, transport, custody and euthanasia are borne by the owner.
Every animal is a sentient being.
It must be placed in conditions compatible with the biological imperatives of its species.
It is forbidden to abuse a domestic animal.
Attacks on animal welfare shall be punished by a fine and/or imprisonment.
If you witness an act of mistreatment of an animal, you can alert the gendarmerie or the national police by carrying out a confidential and anonymous reporting using the following online service:
In the event of an emergency or ongoing events which requires immediate intervention for the survival of the animal, call the police or gendarmerie.
2nd category
You are not allowed to keep a dog of 1re category if you are in one of the following situations:
- You're a minor
- You are of legal age (unless authorized by the guardianship judge)
- You have been convicted of a felony or given a suspended or unsuspended sentence for an offense listed in bulletin n°2 of your criminal record (or in a document equivalent to bulletin n°2 of the criminal record, if you are a foreigner)
- The property or custody of a dog has been taken away from you.
The detention of a dog of 2e category by an unauthorized person is liable to 6 months imprisonment and €7,500 of fine. The following additional penalties may also be imposed:
- Confiscation of the dog(s) concerned
- Prohibition to keep a categorized dog for up to 5 years.
The dog, whether it is a puppy or an adult animal, must must be identified by microchip to the National Identification File for Domestic Carnivores (Icad).
A dog cannot be given away without being identified. Even outside any transfer, a dog must be identified at 4 months.
This identification obligation applies regardless of the method and place of purchase, whether you purchase it for payment or free of charge, from a breeder, a seller, an animal protection association or an individual.
The identification must be made by the owner who transfers the animal, at his expense.
Identification allows the animal to be assigned a unique number and the name and address of its owner to be recorded in the national identification file for domestic carnivores.
Identifying your pet allows you to be identified and contacted if your pet is found after being lost or stolen. It is also a guarantee of its origin and a means of combating trafficking.
The owner who transfers the animal to you must issue you at the time of the transfer a document attesting to the identification.
And it must send within 8 days to the national identification file of domestic carnivores (Icad) the document attesting to the change of owner.
You will then receive an animal identification card in your name by email from Icad.
The fact, for the owner or keeper of a dog of 2e category not having had the identification carried out of this animal is punished by a fine of €750.
Please note
If your contact details change (address, phone number), please inform Icad to remain reachable in case of loss or theft of your pet.
A dog of 2e This category must be vaccinated against rabies even if you live in a rabies-free department.
Primary vaccination can be carried out from the age of 3 months and is valid only after 21 days.
Only the European pet passport issued by the veterinarian can certify vaccination against rabies, including when the animal does not leave French territory.
The frequency of reminders is indicated in the passport.
Not having a 2-year-old dog vaccinated regularlye category against rabies is liable to a fine of €450.
You must follow a training to certify that you are fit to keep a dog of 2e category.
The training takes place over one day.
It focuses on education, dog behavior and accident prevention.
The training consists of a theoretical part and a practical part.
The theoretical part deals with the knowledge of dogs and the relationship between the owner and the dog and aggressive behaviors and their prevention.
The practical part consists of demonstrations and scenarios.
At the end of the training day, the trainer will deliver a attestation of fitness. A second copy is sent by the training organization to the prefect of the department of your residence.
The training costs are at your expense.
You will find a list of accredited trainers by contacting your town hall or the Departmental Directorate of Population Protection (DDPP).
Please note
The certificate of fitness is attached to your person and not to your dog. In the event of an assignment from your dog, the new owner will have to obtain this certificate.
Between 8 months and 1 year, a dog of 2e This category must be subject to a behavioral assessment by a licensed veterinarian.
Who shall I contact
The purpose of the assessment is to investigate the potential hazard posed by the dog.
The veterinarian evaluates and classifies the dog to one of the 4 levels of risk of danger.
Depending on the level of danger in which it is classified, the behavioral assessment must be renewed within a certain period of time:
Level of dangerousness of the dog | Evaluation | Maximum time between 2 evaluations |
|---|---|---|
Level 1 | No particular risk apart from those inherent to the canine species | |
Level 2 | Risk of low hazard for certain people or in certain situations | 3 years |
Level 3 | Risk of critical dangerousness for certain people or in certain situations | 2 years |
Level 4 | Risk of high hazard for certain people or in certain situations | 1 year |
Depending on the classification level of the dog, the veterinarian offers preventive measures with the aim of reducing its danger.
The veterinarian also makes recommendations to limit contact with certain people and situations at risk.
They may advise you to conduct a new behavioral assessment after implementing their recommendations.
In case of classification of the dog at level 4, the veterinarian advises placing the dog in a suitable place of detention or having it euthanized.
A suitable place of detention is a place where, under your responsibility, the animal cannot cause an accident.
The veterinarian communicates the conclusions of his assessment to the mayor of your municipality of residence and to the national identification file of domestic carnivores (Icad).
The evaluation fee are at your expense.
FYI
If your dog bite somebody, you have to put them through a behavioral assessment.
If the behavioral assessment is not carried out, you are liable to a fine of €750 maximum.
You must have a liability insurance which guarantees your civil liability for any damage that your dog may cause to third parties.
Your family members are considered third parties.
The absence of insurance is punishable by a fine of up to €450.
The detention of a dog of 2e category is subject to the issuance of a detention permit by the mayor of your municipality of residence.
If your dog is less than 8 months old and has therefore not yet undergone the behavioral evaluation, you will be issued a provisional permit valid until 12 months.
You'll have to ask for a permit by producing all the necessary parts before the 12 months of your dog.
If you have several dogs, a request permit must be made for each dog.
The permit is free.
Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement
Pre-trial detention permit (dog under 8 months)
The application for a provisional detention permit is made at the town hall of your place of residence or, if you live in Paris, at the police prefecture.
General case
You must apply for a provisional permit using form cerfa n°13997:
Application file for an interim permit for a dangerous dog
The form must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Photocopy of european pet passport of your dog justifying its identification at Icad and its valid rabies vaccination
- Certificate of civil liability justifying that you are covered by an insurance contract in case your dog causes damage to a third party
- Certificate of fitness obtained after compulsory training on dog education and behavior and accident prevention
- If you are breeder, proof of your professional certification.
You must withdraw your permit at the town hall, with the original of your dog's European passport.
In Paris
You must apply for a provisional permit using form cerfa n°13997:
Application file for an interim permit for a dangerous dog
Who shall I contact
Police Prefecture of Paris - Pole in charge of animal police
1 bis, rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
By appointment only
Telephone
3430 (0,06 €/min + price of a call)
The form must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Photocopy of european pet passport of your dog justifying its identification at Icad and its valid rabies vaccination
- Certificate of civil liability justifying that you are covered by an insurance contract in case your dog causes damage to a third party
- Certificate of fitness obtained after compulsory training on dog education and behavior and accident prevention
- If you are breeder, proof of your professional certification.
You must withdraw your license at the Paris police prefecture with the original of your dog's European passport.
Permanent detention permit (dog over 8 months)
The application for a permanent detention permit is made at the town hall of your place of residence or, if you live in Paris, at the police prefecture.
General case
You must apply for a detention permit using a form that must be sent or filed with the town hall.
Application file for a permit to detain a dangerous dog
The form must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Photocopy of european pet passport of your dog justifying its identification at Icad and its valid rabies vaccination
- Certificate of civil liability justifying that you are covered by an insurance contract in case your dog causes damage to a third party
- Certificate of fitness obtained after compulsory training on dog education and behavior and accident prevention
- Behavioral Assessment Findings
- If you are breeder, proof of your professional certification.
You must withdraw your permit at the town hall with the original of your dog's European passport.
If the results of your dog's behavioral assessment warrant it, the mayor may refuse to issue you a detention permit.
In Paris
You must apply for a detention permit using a form that must be sent or filed with the Paris police prefecture.
Application file for a permit to detain a dangerous dog
Who shall I contact
Police Prefecture of Paris - Pole in charge of animal police
1 bis, rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
By appointment only
Telephone
3430 (0,06 €/min + price of a call)
The form must be accompanied by the following documents:
- Photocopy of european pet passport of your dog justifying its identification at Icad and its valid rabies vaccination
- Certificate of civil liability justifying that you are covered by an insurance contract in case your dog causes damage to a third party
- Certificate of fitness obtained after compulsory training on dog education and behavior and accident prevention
- Behavioral Assessment Findings
- If you are breeder, proof of your professional certification.
You must withdraw your license at the Paris Police Prefecture by presenting the original of your dog's European passport.
If the results of your dog's behavioral assessment warrant it, the mayor may refuse to issue you a detention permit.
Once the license has been granted, you must constantly ensure that the rabies vaccine is up-to-date and have liability insurance.
Failure to hold a temporary or permanent detention permit is punishable by a fine of up to €750.
The mayor (or the police prefecture of Paris) can give you formal notice to regularize the situation within 1 month.
In the absence of regularization, the mayor may order the animal to be impounded and have its euthanasia carried out without delay and without further notice.
The costs of capture, transport, custody and euthanasia are at your expense.
You also face the following penalties:
- 3 months imprisonment
- Up to €3,750 of fine
- Confiscation of the dog(s) concerned in the event that euthanasia is not pronounced
- Prohibition of keeping an animal definitively or not.
Having a provisional or definitive license and not presenting it at a police check is punishable by a fine of up to €450.
If you move and change municipality of residenceHowever, you must present your detention permit to the town hall of your new home.
Public places
You must keep your dog in leash and put a muzzle when driving in the following places:
- On the public road
- In the common parts of a collective building
- In public places
- In premises open to the public
- In public transport.
Accommodation
The landlord or a co-owner who is aware of a case of danger of a dog residing in a dwelling can seize the mayor or, in Paris, the prefect of police.
General case
In Paris
Who shall I contact
Police Prefecture of Paris - Pole in charge of animal police
1 bis, rue de Lutèce
75195 Paris Cedex 04
By appointment only
Telephone
3430 (0,06 €/min + price of a call)
If the dog may present a danger to persons or other domestic animals, the mayor or police commissioner may ask the owner to take measures to prevent the danger.
In the event of serious and immediate danger to persons or pets, the mayor may order that the dog be impounded and, if necessary, euthanized.
A dog of 2e category is considered to have a serious and immediate danger in the following situations:
- It is held by a person who does not have the right to hold such a dog (minor, adult under guardianship, etc.)
- It circulates without being muzzled and kept on a leash in the common areas of a collective building
- Its owner does not hold the certificate of suitability for the possession of such a dog.
The costs of capture, transport, custody and euthanasia are borne by the owner.
Every animal is a sentient being.
It must be placed in conditions compatible with the biological imperatives of its species.
It is forbidden to abuse a domestic animal.
Attacks on animal welfare shall be punished by a fine and/or imprisonment.
If you witness an act of mistreatment of an animal, you can alert the gendarmerie or the national police by carrying out a confidential and anonymous reporting using the following online service:
In the event of an emergency or ongoing events which requires immediate intervention for the survival of the animal, call the police or gendarmerie.
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
Articles L211-11 to L211-16
Penalties for the detention of a 1st or 2nd category dog
Penalties relating to the detention of a 1st category dog, sterilization
Penalties relating to detention permits
Articles D211-3-1, D211-3-2, D211-3-3
Items R211-5 to R211-5-4, R211-6 to R211-7
Sanctions (identification, insurance, vaccination, etc.)
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Agriculture