In Saarland, three breeds and their crossbreeds are classified as dangerous: the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. As an owner, you'll need an official permit, a certificate of competence (Sachkundenachweis), and specialized dog liability insurance. Passing a temperament test can formally refute this dangerous classification, lifting all associated restrictions. This guide covers everything you need to know about your legal responsibilities as an owner in Saarland.
Dangerous Dogs in Saarland at a Glance
- Breed list: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and any of their crossbreeds
- Case-by-case assessment: Any dog, regardless of breed, can be deemed dangerous if it has bitten someone, jumped at people aggressively, or been bred/trained for combativeness
- Owner requirements: Official permit, certificate of competence, dog liability insurance covering at least €1 million for personal injury and €500,000 for property damage
- Minimum age: Handlers must be at least 18 years old
- Everyday rules: Mandatory leash and muzzle when outside private property; strict ban on breeding, reproduction, and trade
- Dog tax: Regular tax ranges from €90 to €120 for the first dog; certain municipalities charge €510 to €540 for dangerous dogs (Saarbrücken charges no surcharge)
Legal Basis
Police Ordinance on Protecting the Public from Dangerous Dogs in Saarland (HuV SL) of December 15, 2022 (effective December 23, 2022) — Saarland does not divide breeds into separate statutory categories.
Dangerous Breeds
In Saarland, three distinct breeds along with their crossbreeds are legally deemed dangerous:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Additionally, any individual dog can be classified as dangerous on a case-by-case basis if it displays unprovoked bite behavior, lunges aggressively at people, or shows signs of targeted aggression training or breeding.
Requirements for Owners
- Official permit to keep the dog
- Certificate of competence (Sachkundenachweis)
- Dog liability insurance — minimum coverage of €1,000,000 for personal injury and €500,000 for property damage
- Annual proof of active insurance coverage
- Minimum owner age: 18 years
- A passed temperament test (Wesenstest) can refute the dangerous designation, removing all special restrictions
Insurance Requirements
Mandatory for all dangerous dogs, requiring exceptionally high liability limits (€1 million for personal injury).
Day-to-Day Rules
- Leash and muzzle required whenever you leave private property
- Strict ban on breeding, reproducing, and trading listed dogs
- Exemptions are possible after passing an official temperament test
Dog Tax Overview by Municipality
| City | First Dog (Standard) | Dangerous Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Saarbrücken | €120 | €120 (no dangerous dog surcharge) |
| Neunkirchen | €96 | €540 |
| Homburg | €102 | €510 |
| Völklingen | €90 | €540 |
Key Contacts
Local Public Order Office (Örtliche Ordnungsbehörde) · Saarland Veterinary Chamber (Tierärztekammer Saarland)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier a listed dog in Saarland?
Yes. It is officially listed among the three dangerous breeds in Saarland, alongside the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Is the Bull Terrier considered a dangerous dog in Saarland?
No. The standard Bull Terrier is not classified as a dangerous dog under Saarland's current state dog ordinance.
What requirements must I meet to keep a listed dog in Saarland?
You must obtain an official permit, pass a certificate of competence, and maintain dog liability insurance covering at least €1 million for personal injury and €500,000 for property damage. You must also be at least 18 years old.
How much is the dog tax for dangerous dogs in Saarland?
Rates vary by municipality. Cities like Neunkirchen and Völklingen charge €540 per year, while Homburg sets the rate at €510. Saarbrücken does not levy a dangerous dog surcharge; all dogs are taxed at the standard rate of €120 for the first dog (€168 for each additional dog).
Can a dangerous dog classification be overturned?
Yes. If your dog successfully passes an official temperament test (Wesenstest), Saarland authorities lift all associated restrictions and obligations.