Schleswig-Holstein abolished its breed-specific legislation on January 1, 2016, and now operates on a completely breed-neutral basis. A dog is only deemed dangerous on an individual, case-by-case basis—such as following a biting incident or aggressive behavior. Mandatory pet liability insurance and microchipping apply to all dogs. This guide explains what these regulations mean for you as an owner in Schleswig-Holstein.
Dangerous Dogs in Schleswig-Holstein at a Glance
- Breed list: None; abolished on January 1, 2016. Schleswig-Holstein evaluates dogs strictly on individual behavior.
- Dangerous on a case-by-case basis: Determined after a biting incident, aggressive behavior, or if the handler lacks the required competence.
- Requirements for all dogs: Pet liability insurance with at least €500,000 personal injury and €250,000 property damage coverage, plus microchipping.
- Requirements for dogs classified as dangerous: Keeping permit, certificate of competence, and temperament test.
- Leash requirements: Applies in pedestrian zones, public parks, and year-round in forests (under the State Forest Act, LWaldG).
- Dog tax: €120 to €144 for the first dog; €540 to €618 for dogs classified as dangerous.
Legal Framework
Dog Keeping Act (HundeG Schleswig-Holstein) — in force since January 1, 2016. With this reform, Schleswig-Holstein removed the breed list for dangerous dogs and has handled dog safety without breed discrimination ever since.
Dangerous Dogs in Schleswig-Holstein: No Breed List
No breed-specific restrictions. In Schleswig-Holstein, a dog is considered dangerous only when the local public order office (Ordnungsbehörde) formally assesses it as such—typically after a bite incident, documented aggression, or significant handler negligence.
Requirements for Owners
For all dogs:
- Pet liability insurance — Minimum coverage of €500,000 for personal injury and €250,000 for property damage; puppies in their first three months of life are exempt.
- Microchip identification
- General duties of responsible dog ownership
For dogs classified as dangerous in an individual case:
- Keeping permit (Haltungserlaubnis)
- Certificate of competence (Sachkundenachweis)
- Temperament test (Wesenstest)
Liability Insurance
Mandatory for all dogs since January 1, 2016. Schleswig-Holstein is one of the federal states with a universal insurance requirement.
The administrative regulations for the HundeG (VwV-HundeG) state that standard market policies providing a two-fold annual aggregate limit are officially recognized as sufficient coverage.
Everyday Rules
- Leashes are mandatory in pedestrian zones, parks, and year-round in forests (§ 17 para. 2 no. 3 LWaldG).
- Muzzles are required only for dogs officially classified as dangerous.
- Dogs may be walked off your secured property provided they remain under control.
- In designated, fenced dog parks, off-leash exercise is permitted, but muzzles remain mandatory for dangerous dogs.
- Forest leash laws: enforced year-round under the State Forest Act.
Dog Tax Examples
| City | First Dog | Second Dog | Dangerous Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiel | €126 | €177 | €618 |
| Lübeck | €144 | €144 | €618 |
| Flensburg | €132 | €180 | €600 |
| Neumünster | €120 | €180 | €540 |
A few smaller municipalities in Schleswig-Holstein (such as Lehmkuhlen, Kletkamp, and Nehmten) do not levy any dog tax at all.
Contact Authorities
Local public order office (Ordnungsbehörde) · Veterinary Chamber of Schleswig-Holstein (Tierärztekammer Schleswig-Holstein)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dangerous Dogs in Schleswig-Holstein
Is there a breed list for dangerous dogs in Schleswig-Holstein?
No. Schleswig-Holstein abolished its breed list on January 1, 2016, and regulates dog ownership based on behavior rather than breed.
When is a dog considered dangerous in Schleswig-Holstein?
Only on an individual basis following a formal assessment by the local public order office—for instance, after a biting incident, extreme aggression, or a demonstrated lack of handler competence.
What obligations apply to dogs classified as dangerous in Schleswig-Holstein?
You need a keeping permit, a certificate of competence, and a passed temperament test. Pet liability insurance and microchipping are mandatory for all dogs across the state.
How much is the dog tax for a dangerous dog in Schleswig-Holstein?
In Kiel and Lübeck, you'll pay €618, in Flensburg €600, and in Neumünster €540, compared to €120 to €144 for an unclassified first dog.
What role does the temperament test play in Schleswig-Holstein?
The temperament test is a mandatory requirement for dogs officially deemed dangerous in individual cases, alongside obtaining a keeping permit and a certificate of competence.