Are you planning to keep a regulated breed like a Rottweiler in Hessen? Strict requirements apply to banned dog breeds in Hessen (Listenhunde).
Regulated Dog Breeds in Hessen at a Glance
- The 9 regulated breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Kangal Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler, and their crossbreeds.
- Not on the list: Doberman, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, German Shepherd Dog. However, any dog can be classified as dangerous on an individual case-by-case basis following an incident.
- No categories: Unlike Bavaria, Hessen does not divide regulated breeds into Category 1 and Category 2.
- Requirements: Permit from the local regulatory authority (Ordnungsamt), certificate of competence (Sachkundenachweis), liability insurance, leash and muzzle mandates, and the keeper must be at least 18 years old.
- Temperament test: Passing a formal temperament test (Wesensprüfung) is mandatory to obtain a permit (§ 3 HundeVO); passing it also exempts the dog from the general muzzle requirement pursuant to § 9 Para. 2 HundeVO.
- Dog tax: Rates vary significantly by municipality—ranging from flat fees (e.g., €180 in Wiesbaden) to increased rates of €600 to €900 for dangerous dogs.
Legal Basis
Hessische Gefahrenabwehrverordnung über das Halten und Führen von Hunden (HundeVO) — no division into breed categories.
Which Breeds Are Regulated?
In Hessen, nine breeds plus their crossbreeds are classified as dangerous by law:
- Pit Bull Terrier / American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier / Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Dogo Argentino
- Kangal Dog (Karabash)
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- Rottweiler
Additionally, local authorities can classify individual dogs of any breed as dangerous after an incident.
What Owners Need
- Mandatory permit to keep a listed breed
- Certificate of competence for the owner (costs around €250 in total)
- Temperament test (a positive Wesensprüfung is legally required to obtain the keeping permit under § 3 Para. 1 HundeVO)
- Dog liability insurance
- Minimum owner age: 18 years
- Owner must be physically and mentally fit to handle the dog safely
Insurance
Mandatory for all owners of dangerous dogs in Hessen.
Everyday Rules
- Leash mandate outside private enclosed property (maximum leash length of 2 metres)
- Muzzle requirement for dangerous dogs until an official temperament test proves the dog poses no threat to public safety (§ 9 Para. 2 HundeVO)
- Only adults aged 18 and older with a certificate of competence are permitted to walk listed dogs
- Multiple listed dogs must be walked individually, never together
- Exceptions apply to guide dogs, service dogs, and certified search and rescue dogs
Dog Tax Examples
Standard first dog / dangerous dog:
- Frankfurt am Main: €102 / €900 (can be reduced to €225 upon passing a companion dog test (Begleithundeprüfung) pursuant to the Frankfurt am Main Dog Tax By-law)
- Wiesbaden: €180 / €180 (flat rate without an elevated tax for dangerous dogs)
- Kassel: €90 (no elevated tax rate for dangerous dogs specified in the local by-law)
- Darmstadt: €120 / €600
Contacts & Resources
Local public order office (Ordnungsamt) · Hessian Veterinary Association (Hessische Tierärztekammer) · Hessian Ministry of the Interior.
Primary legal sources: Gefahrenabwehrverordnung über das Halten und Führen von Hunden (HundeVO Hessen) and municipal statutes such as the Frankfurt am Main Dog Tax By-law as well as the dog tax statutes for Wiesbaden, Kassel, and Darmstadt.
Thinking about getting a Rottweiler? Check out our breed profile to learn what matters most regarding health testing and choosing a responsible breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions About Regulated Breeds in Hessen
Is the Rottweiler a listed breed in Hessen?
Yes. The Rottweiler is one of the nine breeds explicitly listed under the Hessian HundeVO. You will need a permit from the public order office, proof of competence, liability insurance, and a passed temperament test. Once the dog passes the temperament test, the general muzzle mandate is lifted under § 9 Para. 2 HundeVO, though the leash requirement outside fenced properties remains in place.
Is the Kangal Dog a listed breed in Hessen?
Yes. Hessen is one of the few German states where the Kangal Dog (Karabash) is on the breed-specific legislation list. The exact same requirements apply as for the other eight listed breeds.
Is the Doberman considered a dangerous breed in Hessen?
No. The Doberman is not included on Hessen's breed list. An individual dog can only be classified as dangerous if it is involved in a specific incident.
Is the Bullmastiff a listed breed in Hessen?
No. Unlike in Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg, the Bullmastiff is not listed in Hessen.
Does the American Bully count as a listed breed in Hessen?
The American Bully is not listed by name. However, because it was developed from the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, authorities may classify it as a crossbreed of listed breeds. Check directly with your local Ordnungsamt before acquiring one.
How much is the dog tax for a listed breed in Hessen?
Tax rates are set locally and vary dramatically: Frankfurt am Main charges €900 (discounted to €225 with a passed Begleithundeprüfung), while Darmstadt charges €600. In contrast, Wiesbaden charges a flat €180 for any dog without higher rates for dangerous breeds, and Kassel charges €90 for a first dog with no increased rate specified for listed breeds.