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Do I Need a Special License for My Dog?

Owning a dog is a responsibility that may include obtaining a special license depending on the type of dog you own. These regulations are in place to protect society while ensuring the well-being of the animals.

This article examines the various cases where a license may be required in France, Spain, the USA, and South America, as well as the steps to follow to comply with the law.

Category 1 and 2 Dogs in France

French legislation distinguishes two categories of dogs considered "dangerous":

Category 1: attack dogs, such as Pitbulls not registered with the LOF.
Category 2: guard or defense dogs, such as Rottweilers.

To own these dogs, a detention permit is mandatory. This permit requires meeting several criteria, such as undergoing training, obtaining a behavioral evaluation of the dog, and having liability insurance.

Regulated Dogs in Spain

In Spain, certain breeds of dogs are considered potentially dangerous ("Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos" or PPP). To own these dogs, owners must obtain a special license ("licencia PPP"). This license requires:

Being of legal age and having no criminal record.
Passing a psychological exam certifying the ability to control the animal.
Obtaining liability insurance covering damages that may be caused by the dog.
Registering the dog in a municipal registry.

The breeds concerned include Rottweilers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and similar dogs.

Dog Licenses in the USA

In the United States, laws vary from state to state and sometimes from one municipality to another. States may impose special rules for:

Dogs classified as "dangerous" or "vicious" due to aggressive behavior.
Specific breeds, such as Pitbulls, in certain jurisdictions ("Breed-Specific Legislation" or BSL).

Generally, owners must register their dog with local authorities, provide proof of rabies vaccination, and in some cases, obtain liability insurance. The exact conditions depend on local laws.

Regulated Dogs in South America

In South America, legislation varies considerably from one country to another, but there are some common points:

In Brazil, owning breeds such as Pitbulls or Rottweilers often requires liability insurance and the mandatory use of muzzles in public spaces.
In Argentina, some municipalities require mandatory registration of dogs deemed dangerous. Owners must also undergo training on managing potentially aggressive dogs.
In Chile, a national law ("Ley Cholito") requires owners of dangerous dogs to obtain a special license, vaccinate their dogs, and ensure their identification via an electronic chip.

Many other South American countries impose similar rules, often focused on public safety and animal welfare.

Examples of Breeds Requiring a License

Here are some examples of dog breeds for which a license is required in the mentioned countries:

France: Pitbulls (not registered with the LOF), Rottweilers, Tosa Inu.
Spain: Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentino, American Pit Bull Terrier.
USA: Pitbulls (according to local legislation), Akita Inu, Chow Chow.
Brazil: Pitbulls, Fila Brasileiro, American Staffordshire Terrier.
Argentina: Rottweilers, Dogo Argentino, Doberman.
Chile: American Staffordshire Terrier, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso.

These examples are not exhaustive, and the rules may vary depending on the jurisdiction. Consult local authorities for details.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the detention permit obligations can result in fines, confiscation of the animal, or even legal prosecution. It is therefore crucial to comply with the legislation.