Step · Pets
Get a license for a potentially dangerous dog
Owning a dog classed as potentially dangerous needs a license from the council where you live. The national rules (Ley 50/1999 and Real Decreto 287/2002) list the breeds, the requirements and the rules for walking these dogs.
- Why it matters
- Breeds such as Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier and Akita Inu are on the national list, so owners bringing one to Spain need the license.
- When
- You own or plan to own a dog of a listed breed, a cross of one, or a dog with most of the listed traits.
- How long it takes
- Register the dog within 15 days of getting the license; the license lasts 5 years and can be renewed.
- Official page
- Ley 50/1999, sobre el Régimen Jurídico de la Tenencia de Animales Potencialmente Peligrosos (texto consolidado)
- Last checked
- 26 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 4 steps, what to bring (4 items), and 4 Easy to miss lines, with every official source.
One Easy to miss, on us
Crosses of the listed breeds count too, not just purebred dogs.