If you keep one of the three listed breeds in Berlin, you must comply with strict regulations: the Berlin Dog Act (Hundegesetz) sets clear rules on owner certification, insurance, and dog tax for dangerous dogs in Berlin.
Berlin classifies only three breeds as dangerous dogs: the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Bull Terrier. To keep one, you'll need a certificate of competence (Sachkundenachweis), a passed temperament test, a clean criminal record certificate, and a permit from the local veterinary office. Additionally, pet liability insurance is mandatory for every dog in Berlin. This guide breaks down the legal duties for both listed and non-listed breeds, along with local dog tax costs.
Dangerous Dogs in Berlin at a Glance
- Listed breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier
- Not listed: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not classified as a dangerous dog in Berlin
- Requirements for listed breeds: Certificate of competence, temperament test, clean police record, permit from the veterinary inspection office
- Mandatory for all dogs: Pet liability insurance, microchipping, and registration in the central Berlin dog register
- Everyday rules: General leash requirements in public spaces; muzzle mandates for listed breeds, as well as for all dogs on public transport (unless in an enclosed carrier)
- Dog tax: €120 annually for your first dog, €180 for each additional dog; no increased tax rate for listed breeds
The Legal Basis
The rules are grounded in the Berlin Dog Act (HundeG Berlin). Unlike most other German federal states, Berlin doesn't use multiple risk categories — its list remains notably short.
Dangerous Breeds
Under Berlin law, only three specific breeds and their crossbreeds are deemed dangerous by default:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Bull Terrier
This streamlined breed list is unique to Berlin: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is deliberately excluded.
What Owners Need to Do
To legally keep a listed dog, the veterinary office requires a certificate of competence, a successfully passed temperament test for the dog, and a formal certificate of conduct (Führungszeugnis). Only after submitting these documents along with proof of third-party dog liability insurance will the official keeping permit be issued.
Regardless of breed, every single dog owner in Berlin must meet two core obligations: holding valid third-party liability insurance and registering their pet in Berlin's central dog register.
Insurance
Mandatory for all dogs, not just listed breeds. Berlin is one of several German federal states requiring comprehensive third-party liability insurance for every dog owner.
Everyday Rules and Regulations
A general leash mandate applies across public spaces in Berlin, and every dog must be microchipped. Listed dogs must wear a muzzle in public streets and squares. Keep in mind the transport regulations for Berlin's public transit network (BVG and S-Bahn): all dogs — regardless of breed or listing status — must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle unless they travel inside a closed transport box or carrier.
Dog Tax (Hundesteuer)
The annual dog tax in Berlin is €120 for your first dog and €180 for each additional dog. Berlin doesn't charge a punitive tax rate for listed breeds, though the fee scales with the total number of dogs in your household.
Official Contacts
Your primary points of contact are your local district office (Bezirksamt / Veterinär- und Lebensmittelaufsicht) and the Berlin Veterinary Chamber (Tierärztekammer Berlin).
Summary
Berlin's breed-specific regulations are among the most straightforward in Germany, but keeping an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or Bull Terrier still requires meticulous preparation. Contact your district veterinary office well ahead of time, and register your dog in the municipal register right after arrival to ensure you stay fully compliant with local laws.
Frequently Asked Questions About Listed Dogs in Berlin
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier a dangerous dog in Berlin?
Yes. The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of three breeds legally categorized as dangerous in Berlin, alongside the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Bull Terrier.
Is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier listed in Berlin?
No. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not on Berlin's breed list, which is a notable exception compared to many other German federal states.
What requirements apply to listed dogs in Berlin?
You must provide a certificate of competence, pass an official temperament test with your dog, supply a clean criminal record certificate, maintain dog liability insurance, and obtain a formal permit from the veterinary authority.
How much is the dog tax in Berlin?
Dog tax costs €120 per year for your first dog and €180 for each additional dog. Berlin doesn't charge an increased tax rate for dangerous breeds.