Legal Basis
Bremen Act on the Keeping of Dogs (BremHundeG) of 24 June 2025, in force since 10 July 2025 (Brem.GBl. 2025, p. 598).
Bremen has completely replaced its old dog law from 2001. The trigger was a serious biting incident in November 2023, in which a Rottweiler bit a six-year-old child in the head.
Dangerous Dogs
Four breeds are considered dangerous in Bremen by law (§ 7 para. 3 BremHundeG):
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
— as well as crossbreeds.
Keeping these four breeds is generally prohibited in Bremen (§ 7 para. 3 BremHundeG). Exceptions are only possible via official exemption permits in narrow individual cases (§ 10 para. 4 BremHundeG).
Temporary stay permitted: Anyone travelling through Bremen with such a dog (day stay) can notify the public order office (Ordnungsamt) in advance.
Dangerous in individual cases: A dog can also be classified as dangerous without belonging to these breeds — for example, after an incident or if increased aggression is proven.
What owners need
For all dogs in Bremen (since 10 July 2025):
- Dog liability insurance (§ 6 BremHundeG) — minimum coverage €500,000 for personal injury, €250,000 for property damage
- Microchip identification
- Registration in a recognised pet register
- From 1 July 2026: Sachkundenachweis / dog licence for all new owners
- Theoretical examination before acquisition
- Practical examination within the first year
- Anyone who has kept a dog for at least two years in the last ten years and has passed the theoretical examination is exempt from the theoretical examination
For dogs classified as dangerous in individual cases:
- Permit requirement (§ 8 BremHundeG)
- Age of majority
- Clean certificate of good conduct (no criminal record for the last five years)
- Proof of competence
- Wesenstest (proof of socially acceptable behaviour, § 13 BremHundeG)
- Consent of the landlord and other tenants in the apartment building
Insurance
Mandatory for all dogs — Since July 2025, Bremen is the seventh Bundesland with a general dog liability insurance requirement.
Older guide websites still list the old Bremen legal situation (mandatory only for dangerous dogs). This information is obsolete with the entry into force of the new BremHundeG.
Everyday rules
- Leash requirement in pedestrian zones, parks, public transport, and at events with crowds of people
- Muzzle requirement for dogs classified as dangerous
- General registration requirement for all dogs
- Removal of dog faeces
Hundesteuer
| City | Hundesteuer |
|---|---|
| Bremen-City | Differentiation according to dog tax by-laws — standard rate for normal dogs |
| Bremerhaven | Registration via the city treasury |
In Bremen, the Hundesteuer is levied independently by the municipality of Bremen and the city of Bremerhaven respectively. Dog owners must register their dogs within two weeks of taking them in or after they reach the age of three months. Tax exemptions exist for guide dogs, service dogs, and dogs from the Bremen animal shelter (for one year).
Contact
Local Police Authority Bremen / Bremerhaven · Senate Administration for the Interior Bremen