If you keep or plan to get a dog in Saxony-Anhalt, this guide gives you a clear overview of breed-specific regulations, temperament tests, and dog tax requirements.
In Saxony-Anhalt, four breeds are legally classified as dangerous by default: the Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. Passing a temperament test is mandatory for these breeds, and strict breeding, propagation, and commercial trade bans have been in effect since March 2016. The Cane Corso is not on this list; it is only classified as dangerous following an individual case evaluation. Here is what you need to know as an owner.
Dangerous Dogs in Saxony-Anhalt at a Glance
- Breed list: Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier
- Not listed: The Cane Corso is evaluated only on an individual, case-by-case basis
- Temperament test: Mandatory for the four listed breeds within six months; passing removes the statutory "dangerous" classification
- Breeding, propagation, and trade ban: Fully applies to these four breeds since March 2016
- Failed temperament test: Triggers a mandatory legal keeping ban (a general permit is not available as a fallback)
- General owner requirements (all dogs): Dog liability insurance, microchipping, and entry in the state dog register
- Dog tax: €90 to €100 for a standard first dog; €600 to €700 for a dangerous dog
Legal Framework
Saxony-Anhalt Dog Act (Gesetz zur Vorsorge gegen die von Hunden ausgehenden Gefahren — HundeG LSA) — enacted March 1, 2009, with key amendments in 2016.
Dangerous Dogs
In Saxony-Anhalt, four breeds and their crossbreeds are deemed dangerous by law:
- Pitbull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
This statutory list mirrors the federal import restrictions (HundVerbrEinfG). In addition, authorities can evaluate any dog showing behavioral aggression on a case-by-case basis. The frequently questioned Cane Corso does not appear on this list and is assessed purely on individual temperament.
A comprehensive ban on breeding, multiplying, and trading these four breeds has been in place since March 2016 — a specific regional tightening of the rules in Saxony-Anhalt.
Requirements for Owners
If you own one of these four listed breeds, you will need to meet these strict obligations:
- Temperament test: Mandatory for the four listed breeds, with proof submitted within six months of acquiring the dog.
- Passing the test eliminates the statutory classification as dangerous, lifting the associated breed restrictions.
- If the dog fails or misses the test: A strict legal keeping ban applies (Section 4 (1) HundeG LSA) — you cannot keep the dog.
- Keeping permit and proof of competency: The formal keeping permit under Section 4 (2) HundeG LSA mainly applies to individual dogs deemed dangerous through past incidents and strictly requires a passed temperament test, rather than serving as an exemption for a failed one.
- Dog liability insurance: Mandatory for all dogs from three months of age, requiring minimum coverage of €1 million for personal injury and property damage, and €50,000 for financial losses.
- Microchipping: Mandatory for all dogs from six months of age.
- Registration: Every dog owner in Saxony-Anhalt must register their dog in the central state dog register (Landeshunderegister).
Insurance
Liability insurance is mandatory for all dogs once they reach three months of age. Saxony-Anhalt is one of seven German federal states with a universal insurance requirement across all breeds.
Everyday Rules
- Since 2016, there is no blanket statewide leash or muzzle requirement for listed breeds in public spaces once legal prerequisites are met.
- After obtaining a permit for an individually classified dangerous dog, exemptions from leash and muzzle requirements are possible.
- A strict muzzle requirement remains in place for dogs officially designated as dangerous following an incident.
Local Dog Tax Examples
Dog tax is set locally by municipal councils and varies considerably across the state. Here is how annual rates compare in key cities:
- Magdeburg: €96 for your first dog, €144 for the second, €600 for a dangerous dog
- Halle (Saale): €100 / €180 / €700
- Dessau-Roßlau: €90 / €180 / €600
- Tangermünde: €30 for the first dog
Key Contacts
Your local public order office (Ordnungsamt), the Saxony-Anhalt Central Dog Register (Landeshunderegister Sachsen-Anhalt), and the state veterinary association (Tierärztekammer Sachsen-Anhalt). Always check directly with your local municipal office for specific application forms and filing deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dangerous Dogs in Saxony-Anhalt
Is the Pitbull Terrier a listed dangerous dog in Saxony-Anhalt?
Yes. It is one of the four breeds legally classified as dangerous by default across Saxony-Anhalt.
Is the Cane Corso classified as a dangerous dog in Saxony-Anhalt?
No, the Cane Corso is not on the statutory breed list. It can only be classified as dangerous if an individual incident prompts an official temperament review.
What requirements apply to listed breeds in Saxony-Anhalt?
You must present proof of a passed temperament test within six months of acquiring the dog; failing to do so triggers a legal ban on keeping the pet. Additionally, all dog owners in the state must microchip their dog, hold third-party liability insurance, and register their pet in the official state database.
How much is the dog tax for listed breeds in Saxony-Anhalt?
Annual dog tax for a dangerous dog reaches €700 in Halle and €600 in Magdeburg and Dessau-Roßlau, compared to standard rates of €90 to €100 for a first regular dog.
Can you overturn the dangerous dog classification?
Yes. Once your dog successfully passes the official temperament test, the presumption of dangerousness is refuted, lifting the associated legal restrictions.