If you own a restricted breed in Hamburg, you'll need to follow strict local rules: depending on the category, you must obtain a keeping permit, pass a certificate of competence, and complete a temperament test.
Hamburg enforces a two-tier classification system: Category 1 dogs are deemed irrefutably dangerous; keeping them is generally prohibited and requires proving a legitimate special interest. For Category 2 dogs, danger is presumed, but you can refute this assumption by passing a recognized temperament test. In addition, dog liability insurance is mandatory for every dog kept in Hamburg. This guide covers which breeds fall into each category and how much dog tax you can expect to pay.
Hamburg's Restricted Breeds at a Glance
- Category 1 (irrefutably dangerous): American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and their crossbreeds (ownership is strictly prohibited by default; permits require proving a legitimate special interest, with no exemption possible via temperament test)
- Category 2 (presumed dangerous): Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu, and their crossbreeds (exemption possible via temperament test)
- Mandatory for listed breeds: Keeping permit from the local district office (Category 1 strictly requires proof of a special interest), certificate of competence, temperament test, and a clean police clearance certificate
- Mandatory for all dogs: Dog liability insurance, microchip identification, and registration with the Hamburg Dog Register
- Leash and muzzle requirements: Mandatory at all times for Category 1 dogs, and for Category 2 dogs until they pass an official temperament test
- Dog tax: €90 standard rate, €600 for dangerous dogs under Section 2 of the Hamburg Dog Tax Act (HundeStG) (Category 1 dogs always pay €600 without exception; Category 2 dogs pay the standard €90 rate once exempt via temperament test)
Legal Framework
The rules are defined in the Hamburg Dog Keeping and Handling Act (Hamburgisches Hundegesetz – HundeG) of January 26, 2006. Hamburg relies on a two-tier system similar to Bavaria's.
The Two Categories of Listed Breeds in Hamburg
Category 1 (irrefutably dangerous under Section 2 (1) HundeG): American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and their mixes. Dangerousness is legally presumed without exception. Keeping them is prohibited by default under Section 14 HundeG and strictly requires establishing a compelling special interest. A temperament test does not exempt Category 1 dogs from this classification.
Category 2 (presumed dangerous under Section 2 (3) HundeG): Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu, and their mixes. Dangerousness is assumed here unless you prove through a certified temperament test that your dog shows no heightened aggression or danger to the public.
Requirements for Dog Owners
General requirements for any dog in Hamburg:
- Dog liability insurance for every dog (mandatory by law)
- Microchip identification
- Registration in the Hamburg Dog Register (Hamburger Hunderegister)
For restricted breeds:
- Keeping permit from the local district office (Bezirksamt) — Category 1 strictly requires proving a special interest
- Certificate of competence (Sachkundenachweis)
- Temperament test (Wesenstest)
- Police clearance certificate (Führungszeugnis)
Strict examiner standards: Hamburg requires temperament test assessors to submit an approved testing curriculum, demonstrate at least three years of professional canine experience, and complete annual continuing education. Assessor licenses are valid for five years.
Insurance Requirements
Mandatory for all dogs. Hamburg is one of seven German federal states where third-party liability insurance is compulsory for every dog owner, regardless of breed.
Everyday Rules
- Leashes are mandatory in downtown pedestrian zones, public parks, and recreational lawns
- Muzzles are required for Category 1 dogs, as well as Category 2 dogs that have not passed an exemption test
- Mandatory microchipping
- Registration in the official Hamburg Dog Register
Dog Tax (Hundesteuer)
- Standard dogs: €90 per year
- Dangerous dogs: €600 per year under Section 2 of the Hamburg Dog Tax Act (HundeStG)
Key local detail: Category 1 dogs are taxed at the elevated €600 rate with no exceptions, as they cannot be exempted from their dangerous dog classification. If you own a Category 2 dog and pass the official temperament test, the dangerous classification is lifted, dropping your tax bill from €600 down to the standard €90 rate.
Local Contacts
Your local district office (Bezirksamt), the Hamburg Dog Register, and the Hamburg Veterinary Medical Association (Tierärztekammer Hamburg) can provide further guidance. On HonestDog, you'll find thoroughly vetted breeders and shelter dogs ready for adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hamburg's Listed Breeds
Is the Rottweiler a restricted breed in Hamburg?
Yes. The Rottweiler and its crossbreeds fall into Category 2 (Section 2 (3) HundeG) of presumed dangerous breeds, alongside the Dogo Argentino, Kangal Shepherd Dog, and others.
Is the Dogo Argentino a restricted breed in Hamburg?
Yes. The Dogo Argentino is classified as a Category 2 breed (presumed dangerous).
What are the requirements for owning a restricted dog in Hamburg?
You must obtain a permit from the local district office, provide a certificate of competence, pass a temperament test, and submit a clean police clearance certificate. Owning a Category 1 dog is banned by default and additionally requires legally establishing a compelling special interest.
How much is the dog tax in Hamburg?
The standard rate is €90 annually. Under Section 2 HundeStG, dangerous dogs are taxed at €600 per year. Category 1 dogs pay €600 without exception, whereas Category 2 dogs pay the standard €90 rate once they pass a temperament test.
Can I overturn my dog's breed category with a temperament test?
Only for Category 2 dogs: once a certified temperament test proves your dog does not show heightened aggression, the dangerous classification is lifted. This waives the muzzle requirement and reduces the annual tax to €90. For Category 1 dogs (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and their mixes), aggressive traits are legally irrefutable, meaning exemption via a temperament test is not possible.