Dog diagnosis: definition and remedies

Morphological criteria for categorization

1st or 2nd category dogs are designated by law n° 99-5 of January 6, 1999 as "dangerous dogs" .

As a reminder, dogs of 1^{era category are dogs not registered in the Book of French Origins (LOF) type:}

• American Staffordshire Terrier (or “pit bulls”),
• Mastiff (or “boerbulls”),
• Tosa.

As for dogs of 2^{th category, these are Rottweiler-type dogs not registered in the LOF or dogs registered in the LOF of breed:}

• American Staffordshire Terrier,
• Tosa,
• Rottweiler.

With the exception of dogs registered with the LOF (and therefore the breed can be proven with the dog's birth certificate or pedigree), their belonging to the 1^eraor 2^{th category is made according to morphological criteria specified by the decree of April 27, 1999. Amstaff, Mastiff, Tosa or Rottweiler "type" dogs are therefore categorized according to morphological characteristics which physically bring them closer to the races concerned.}

The morphological criteria in question are given in the decree of April 27, 1999 and summarized in the table below:

American Staffordshire Terrier (Pit-bulls)Mastiff (boerbull)TosaRottweiler

Dog type	Morphological criteria
	Small mastiff of variable color having a thoracic circumference measuring approximately between 60 cm and 80 cm, Weight from 18 to 40kg, Height at the withers from 35 to 50 cm, Muscular, short-haired dog of powerful appearance with a massive front and a comparatively light rear, Slightly marked stop, muzzle about the same length as the skull while being narrower, nose in front of the chin, Strong jaws with bulging cheek muscles.
	Generally fawn-coloured Mastiff, short-haired, tall, muscular, with a tall, massive and long body, Thoracic perimeter>80 cm, Height at the withers: 50 to 70 cm, Weight>40 kg, Broad head with a broad skull and a rather short muzzle, hanging lips, Wide neck with skin folds (dewlap), Fairly thick and cylindrical body Belly volume close to that of the chest.
	Short-haired Mastiff, fawn, brindle or black, large in size and of robust build, Thoracic perimeter>80 cm, Height at the withers: 60 to 65 cm, Weight>40 kg, Head with broad skull, marked stop and muzzle of medium length, Strong upper and lower jaws, Muscular neck with skin folds (dewlap), Wide and high chest, Belly tucked up, Thick tail at the base.
	Short-haired Mastiff, black and tan coat, Stubby, somewhat long dog with a cylindrical body, Chest circumference greater than 70 cm, Height at the withers: 60 to 65 cm, Weight>30 kg, Skull is broad with a domed forehead and muscular cheeks, Muzzle is medium to strong jaws, Strong stop, Nose at chin height.

What is a diagnosis?

A diagnosis is an examination carried out by an approved veterinarian to determine whether or not a dog belongs to one of the categories of so-called "dangerous" dogs (category 1 or 2). At the time of the examination, precise measurements such as height at the withers or weight are taken to determine if the dog has the morphological characteristics that would place it in one or the other of the categories.

At the end of the consultation, the veterinarian gives an official document to the owner of the dog by which he assumes his responsibility. Sometimes the veterinarian cannot determine with certainty whether or not the dog belongs to category 1 or 2, when the dog is too young. If necessary, he will indicate it on a diagnostic report and a new determination must be made when the dog is between 8 and 12 months old.

When is a diagnosis made?

A veterinarian may be required to carry out a diagnosis:

• when there is doubt about whether a dog belongs to one of the two categories, at the request of the owner or a town hall,
• before carrying out a behavioral assessment requested by the owner of a category 1 or 2 dog as part of his legal obligations or by a town hall.