Categorized dogs in France: 1st and 2nd categories, breeds concerned, ownership permit. Kangal, Cane corso, Staffie: prohibited or not?
By Pedibase
In France, categorized dogs are divided into two groups by Article L211-12 of the Rural Code: category 1 (attack dogs, without pedigree) and category 2 (guard and defense dogs). This concerns the American Staffordshire terrier, the Rottweiler and the Tosa, dogs without pedigree that resemble them, as well as Mastiff-type dogs without pedigree. The Kangal, Caucasian Shepherd, Anatolian Shepherd or Cane corso are not categorized dogs: they are not prohibited in France.
This guide covers the regulations as presented by service-public.fr (fact sheet verified on 07/11/2025). Rules may change: before any plans, check with your town hall and seek advice from a veterinarian.
The law of 6 January 1999 created two categories of dogs “likely to be dangerous”. Their precise list is set by the decree of 27 April 1999.
The pedigree therefore changes everything. An American Staffordshire terrier registered with the LOF is a category 2 dog; a dog that resembles it but has no pedigree falls under category 1. To understand what this studbook guarantees, read What is the LOF? and how to check that a breeder is LOF.
Only a veterinarian can determine a dog's type. If in doubt about a dog without pedigree, service-public.fr recommends requesting a veterinary certificate, to be presented in the event of an inspection.
Category 1 dogs are not prohibited from being kept by those who already have one, but it is no longer possible to buy, sell, give away or import them. According to service-public.fr, this offense is punishable by 6 months' imprisonment and a €15,000 fine.
These dogs must also be sterilized, with a veterinary certificate. They are not allowed on public transport, in public places (except public roads) or in premises open to the public. They may not remain in the common areas of a building. On public roads, they must be kept on a leash and muzzled.
The relevant Pedibase profiles describe these dog types for information purposes:
The case of the American bully is delicate. This breed is not recognized by the FCI. Depending on its morphology, a veterinarian may consider that an American bully without a recognized pedigree can be treated as a category 1 dog. Obtain a veterinary opinion before making any plans, and beware of an advertisement claiming that it “is not categorized” without supporting documentation.
These breeds may be bred, sold and adopted, but their ownership is regulated. They are all powerful breeds, which their Pedibase profiles do not recommend as a first dog.
Pedibase data as of 08/10/2026: stated weights and prices on breed profiles, breeders listed in France.
For a category 1 or category 2 dog, service-public.fr lists the following obligations:
Without a permit, the owner faces a fine and, if the situation is not regularized, the dog may be placed in a pound. These procedures also have a cost (training, insurance, veterinarian): include it in your puppy budget.
No. These livestock guardian dogs are not included in the categories of Article L211-12. They are not prohibited in France and do not require an ownership permit.
They are nevertheless among the most imposing dogs: their Pedibase profiles indicate up to 85 cm at the withers for the Kangal and up to 100 kg for the Caucasian Shepherd. Both advise against them for beginners and apartment living. The Kangal profile sums it up: “it is never a first dog”.
In France, there are 10 Kangal breeders on Pedibase (Kangal breeders). The Caucasian Shepherd and the Anatolian Shepherd have very few breeders in France (data as of 08/10/2026).
Several powerful breeds often come up in searches, even though they are not categorized in France:
Pedibase data as of 08/10/2026: breeders listed in France.
Not being categorized does not mean “without rules”. To help you choose a guardian suited to your life, consult the ranking of the best guard dogs or take the which dog to choose test.
As service-public.fr points out, an uncategorized dog can also be dangerous. If a dog poses a danger, the mayor may impose measures on its owner, including placement in a pound in the event of serious and immediate danger (Article L211-11 of the Rural Code).
If your dog, whatever its breed, bites a person, you must report it to the town hall, have it monitored by a veterinarian and submit it to a behavioral assessment. Good socialization from an early age remains the best prevention: ask your veterinarian or a dog trainer for advice.
Each country has its own rules. For example, the British Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 prohibits, among others, the Pit-bull terrier, the Tosa, the Dogo Argentino and the Fila brasileiro. Before traveling or moving, inquire with the embassy or authorities of the country concerned.
A category 2 dog should be bought from an identified breeder, who provides the LOF pedigree, identification and a transfer certificate. Beware of advertisements offering a “American Staff type” puppy without papers: a dog without pedigree of this type falls under category 1, and its sale is prohibited.
To choose well, follow our guide on how to choose a dog breeder and read Pedibase's ethical charter.
Category 1 includes dogs without pedigree that resemble the American Staffordshire terrier (pit bulls), the Mastiff (boerbulls) or the Tosa. Category 2 includes American Staffordshire terriers, Rottweilers and Tosas registered with the LOF, as well as dogs without pedigree that resemble the Rottweiler (Article L211-12 of the Rural Code and decree of 27 April 1999).
No. The Kangal does not appear in any category and does not require an ownership permit. However, it is a very powerful dog, which its Pedibase profile advises against for beginners and apartment living. The same applies to the Caucasian Shepherd and the Anatolian Shepherd.
It all depends on the pedigree. Registered with the LOF or in a studbook recognized by the Société centrale canine, it is a category 2 dog. Without pedigree and with similar morphology, it is a category 1 dog, which cannot be bought, sold or given away.
No. It does not appear on the list in the decree of 27 April 1999, which concerns the American Staffordshire terrier. If in doubt about a dog without pedigree, request a certificate from a veterinarian.
Contact the town hall of your municipality (in Paris, the police prefecture) with the dog's European passport (identification and up-to-date rabies vaccination), a civil liability insurance certificate, your certificate of aptitude and the conclusions of the behavioral assessment. Before 8 months, a provisional permit is issued. The permit is free.
According to service-public.fr, buying, selling, giving away or importing a category 1 dog is punishable by 6 months' imprisonment and a €15,000 fine. Keeping a categorized dog without a permit exposes the owner to a fine and then, if the situation is not regularized, placement of the dog in a pound.
Explore full listings for the breeds mentioned in this article.
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