I think it is based on a doctor’ survey of dog bites they have treated, and the breed of dog responsible. So yes flawed, but does make the point that many breeds bite. And death by dog bite is really very rare,
Many German Shepherds are used for guarding property and often not socialised properly if they are owned as pets.
When my ex- wife suggested buying a GS bitch puppy I was a little concerned. Her new son was a toddler and he was very jealous of the dog suddenly receiving all the attention when they were walking in the local area. She was a beauty. He was quite cruel to her but she never once showed her teeth. She only ever barked at cats, and we wondered whether she would even show aggression to an intruder. My ex and I introduced her to as many people and other dogs as possible. My son and I had such fun with her. She was the perfect dog and I will always be a huge fan of the breed.
I would have thought that unlikely as they are a banned breed, anyone you talk to would be under the radar?
Indeed. One does not see many pitbull types, although I guess there are many if you know where to look.
We do not have to licence a dog in France, nor declare dog ownership on a carte de sejours, so it is perfectly feasible for you to retire here, and one day appear with a dog. Your problem will arise after an incident, or, if someone - it could be your ordinary person on the 33 Clapham omnibus - registers an objection with an authority. Only then will you have to have your dog verified by a vet and a representitive of the Canine Centrale. If their conclusion is that your dog is a banned breed, the dog will be destroyed and you in hot water for knowingly importing etc etc.
You will not, or should not, get a different answer from a group of pitbull enthusiasts. For the third time, I urge you to get a DNA test rather than hope for a way out because there is not one. With a DNA result, you can contact the Canine Central who are the ultimate authority on what you can and cannot do…
5 Likes
Any dog, cat or ferret (yes, why a ferret ?) coming from outside of France will have to have a pet passport. It has to be microchipped and registered in France and the registration must include the breed. So, you won’t be able to retire here and just turn up with a dog.
Being pedantic, Pet travel certificate for outside France eg UK.
Especially when you need to visit a vet who have strict rules too and need to make a dossier on the animal for their computer details. When all my animals passed away, I sent off the relevent part of their Tattoo & Microchip paperwork to the central bureau to be cancelled.
Don’t know a group, but you might find this official guidance helps. If your dog fits the category then not possible to import him. If he falls into category 2 then possible with all the various caveats /training etc.
What is on his papers?
If he is cat 2 of course the problems is getting the various confirmations from outside France.
You could talk to a breeder? There re several, eg
Aren’t you making this complicated? Pit Bulls are banned in the UK as well so …
If your worried then as already said DNA test.
I seem to recall @Holly is American, so not sure any ban in the UK is relevant.
1 Like
Without a vet’s evaluation I don’t think a DNA test will make any difference. The worry is that the dog will be removed on arrival, and not allowed in the country.
1 Like
This sort of problem may be why some people hold off moving so long as they have their pet.
Of course it could be worth getting the DNA test as Adam1 says and perhaps you’d need your friendly local vet to explain the results to you and provide a certificate and any other certificates or innoculations required to come to France, if his opinion is it’s not a breed of concern.
How will your pet be transported to France? Can you have them on the same plane as you in cabin or hold? (this may differ by airline, and even if arranged might turn out not to happen on the day.). If your pet must travel cargo, what are the airline and immigration requirements? Is quarantine on arrival required? This can be expensive, and some animals do not do well in weeks of quarantine without their owners.
I think if you look online in French you will also find official sources which clearly explain the rules France will apply. I’d start by googling gouv.fr and “importation animaux” or ask your nearest Consulate office of France - but one thing airlines do is protect themselves so I’d look at requirements of 2 or 3 airlines.
Certainly the way the UK legislation worked, no DNA test was ever relevant. The legislation referred to types of dog, not to breeds, and the legality of a type of dog like American Pit Bull depended on its physical characteristics. There was no such breed, at least as regards DNA. The physical characteristics were assessed by expert evidence.
I can see that is the approach adopted in the link @JaneJones posted.
I would guess that, unfortunately for the OP, any assessment of an incoming dog is likely to be very cautious (it’s France!).
Better to do your research, and get any bad news, sooner, like you’re doing.
2 Likes
A bull terrier clip to make you smile
3 Likes
So he’s not just a dog but a cat as well?
3 Likes
That’s the answer… Tell the customs officials that he’s transbreed and no longer sees himself as a Pitbull since he started identifying as a cat 
6 Likes
I have a feeling the OP didn’t quite have this direction for the conversation in mind. 
Thats some of us 
1 Like
No - she’s new!
You must be new here
It’s not how I’d have gone about making a first impression but welcome to the site nonetheless.
6 Likes