Published on September 2, 2026
Portugal is one of the more approachable countries in Europe for relocating with a dog, but a handful of breeds fall under a separate set of rules. If your dog is one of them, it changes your paperwork and, if you’re staying long-term, some of your day-to-day obligations once you’re settled. It does not change whether you can move at all. For the full picture of what every pet needs to enter Portugal, see our guide to moving your pet to Portugal.
Which Breeds Are on Portugal’s Restricted List?
Under Portuguese Decree-Law 315/2009, seven breeds are classified as potentially dangerous:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Tosa Inu
The breeds listed above, along with their crosses with each other or with other breeds, where the result is a similar build, are officially classified as potentially dangerous.
Does Portugal Ban These Breeds, or Just Restrict Them?
Restricted, not banned. None of these breeds are turned away at the border. Restricted means added paperwork and, depending on your length of stay, added ongoing responsibilities once your dog is living in Portugal, layered on top of the standard EU entry process every pet already goes through.
What Paperwork Do I Need for a Short Stay Under Four Months?
Alongside the usual EU entry documents, pet parents traveling with one of Portugal’s seven restricted breeds have an extra step at the border. At the Point of Entry for Travelers (Lisbon, Porto, or Faro), you’ll sign a Statement of Responsibility, a declaration of responsibility confirming the stay will be under four months. Dogs with proof of registration in an officially recognized pedigree book are exempt from this step. Stays of four months or longer call for a different document, the Stay Notification, along with additional requirements like sterilization.
This applies to the Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, and their crosses.
For the official service listing, see DGAV’s entry.
What Do I Need to Relocate Long-Term With a Restricted Breed?
A permanent or long-term move brings a few more steps. Plan on:
- A special ownership license, obtained through the parish council of the area of residence of the owner
- Liability insurance covering your dog
- Mandatory sterilization, unless your dog holds LOP or equivalent pedigree registration
None of this needs to be resolved before you land. It’s a task for your first weeks of settling in, alongside things like local registration and finding a vet. If you’re relocating to Lisbon specifically, our Lisbon pet-friendly resources guide has vet and grooming recommendations to get you started.
Are There Leash or Muzzle Rules for Restricted Breeds in Portugal?
Yes. Restricted breeds are required to be leashed and muzzled in public spaces at all times, regardless of how long the dog has lived in Portugal or its individual temperament. It’s worth budgeting for a properly fitted muzzle as part of your prep rather than an afterthought.
Is Portugal’s Restricted Breed List the Same as My Airline’s Breed Policy?
No, and this is a distinction that’s easy to miss. Portugal’s restricted breed list and your airline’s breed policy are two unrelated things. Airlines set their own limits independently, most often around brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds due to the respiratory risks of cargo travel. Confirm your specific airline’s breed and crate policy separately from confirming Portugal’s entry requirements. Clearing one doesn’t tell you anything about the other.
Where Should I Start if My Dog Is a Restricted Breed?
Begin with the same vaccination and microchip timeline every pet needs, since that clock runs the same regardless of breed, then layer the breed-specific paperwork on top once you know your length of stay. Request a quote and a member of our team can walk through exactly which documents apply to your situation and when each one needs to happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Pit Bull allowed in Portugal? Yes. Pit Bull Terriers can enter and live in Portugal, but they’re classified as a restricted breed, which means extra registration paperwork and, for longer stays, a special ownership license and liability insurance.
Is a Rottweiler restricted in Portugal? Yes, Rottweilers are one of the seven breeds on Portugal’s restricted list under Decree-Law 315/2009, along with the added paperwork that comes with it.
Can I bring a mixed-breed dog to Portugal if one parent breed is restricted? Yes, entry isn’t barred. But the restriction does carry over: Portuguese law classifies first-generation crosses of a restricted breed as potentially dangerous, the same as a purebred. So a dog with one restricted parent falls under the same paperwork, licensing, and insurance requirements as a purebred of that breed.
Do I need a special license before I arrive in Portugal, or after? After. The license is a Portugal-side administrative step handled once you’ve arrived and are settling in, not a requirement for entry itself.
Does the muzzle and leash rule apply everywhere in Portugal, or just certain areas? It applies to public spaces generally, not just specific zones like parks or public transit.
Can a well-behaved dog be exempted from Portugal’s restricted-breed requirements? No. The classification is based on breed, not on an individual dog’s behavior or training history.
Moving your pet across the world just got less stressful. Valerie Neyra, Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and devoted cat mom to Lucky, creates the guides, tools, and resources pet parents need to navigate domestic and international pet transport with confidence. Her mission? Making sure no pet owner feels alone during a global move.