Potentially dangerous dogs

Which breeds are on the list, which licence is required and which duties the keeper has.

What to do, step by step

1. 1On the legal list: Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Tosa Inu, and their crosses. A dog of any breed that has attacked may also be classified as dangerous.
2. 2Keeping one requires a licence from the parish council or municipality, with requirements such as civil liability insurance, neutering, criminal record, minimum age and keeper training.
3. 3In the street: short leash and a working muzzle, always; the dog may not be walked by minors.
4. 4At home: housing that prevents escape and visible signage of the animal presence.
5. 5Confirm the current requirements with your municipality and DGAV: the rules change and the fines are high.

Useful contacts

• Câmara Municipal / Centro de Recolha Oficial (CRO)

  Municipal veterinary service of your municipality: stray animals, removal of dead animals from public roads.
• DGAV — Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária

  National veterinary authority: animal welfare, registration, travel.
  Open
• PSP — Polícia de Segurança Pública

  Your local station (in cities the PSP takes the complaints).
  Open

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General information, with no legal or veterinary value. In an emergency call 112 or a vet right away; always confirm procedures with the official bodies.