Dangerous Dogs

Owners need to be informed of the new Laws.

The Junta De Andalusia has added Bull Terriors, Presa Canarious, Napolitan Mastiffs and Boxers to the list of Dangerous Dogs. These breeds now cannot be taken out in Public without a lead and muzzle and must be registered at the Town Hall.

Any person owning a potentially Dangerous dog (Perros potencialmente peligrosos) in Spain must have an appropriate licence (by Law of article 3 of the Royal Decree 287/2002, of 22 of March 2002) and the dog must be registered with the municipality.

Handlers and walkers of dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs must also be licenced (article 1, 2 of Law 50/1999, of December 1999) A licence is valid for 5 years.

Potentially dangerous dogs are identified as being, in one of three categories:

Breeds and breed crosses classified as potentially dangerous.

• Akita Inu
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Boxers
• Bull Terriors
• Dobermans (Andalucia only)
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Napolitan Mastiffs
• Pit bull Terrier
• Presa Canarios
• Rottweiler
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Tosa Inu

Dogs with certain characteristics of these breeds are also classed as potentially dangerous.

Breeds and breed crosses classified as potentially dangerous.

Big square head with a wide skull and strong jaws.
Broad, short and a muscular neck.
Deep chest (60 – 80 cms) height of over 50 cm and a weight over 20 kg.
Short hair.
Straight parallel forelegs and muscular hindquarters, relatively long back legs standing at an angle.
Strong muscular, powerful or athletic constitution, robustness, agility, vigour and endurance.

Dogs that have a track record of aggression towards humans and other animals must also be licensed and registered.

Dog owner licence application.

The licence application is made to the municipality of the place of residence. The applicant (who must be over 18 years of age) must take the following.

Proof of identity (passport or residence card)
Proof of having no criminal convictions
Proof of being mentally and physically capable of looking after one of these animals. (There are centres test of physical and psychological aptitude can be done and a certificate issued. The certificate must have been issued in the previous 12 months)
An insurance contract for the dog with a liability of at least 120,000€ (175,000€ in Andalucía)
Proof of fully up-to-date vaccinations
Proof of identification by microchip
Proof that the dog is or has been attending training school.

Dog Registration.

Potentially dangerous dogs must be registered with the municipal registry for dangerous dogs (Registro Municipal de Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos) registration of the dog must be renewed annually.

Take with you:

Certificate from the vet stating that the dog is in good health.

Proof of identification and microchip number(s) certificate.

Walking a potentially dangerous dog.

Dog owners or handlers must carry the licence and dog registration document when out with the dog. The dog must be muzzled and on a lead of no more than 2 meters long (1 meter in Andalucia). Only one dog may be handled per person. In andalucia, dangerous animals are banned from entering children's leisure or recreational areas.

NB: In most Municipalities only one dog may be registered to one person. The property where the dog are kept must be enclosed by a 2m high barrier/fence.