Legal Basis
Act on the Regulation of Keeping and Handling Dogs (HundeG Hamburg). Hamburg operates with a two-category system similar to Bavaria.
The Two Categories
Category 1 (dangerous): American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bullterrier, Bullterrier.
Category 2 (presumed dangerous): Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu.
Mentioned separately: Bullterrier and Rottweiler crossbreeds may only be walked on a lead and muzzled as long as no Wesenstest with exemption is available.
What owners need
Generally in Hamburg:
- Dog liability insurance for every dog (compulsory insurance)
- Microchip identification
- Registration with the Hamburg Dog Register
For listed dogs:
- Haltungserlaubnis from the district office
- Sachkundenachweis
- Wesenstest
- Police clearance certificate
Special requirements for experts: Hamburg requires that Wesenstest examiners submit their own test concept, prove at least three years of professional dog experience, and participate in annual further training. The accreditation is valid for five years.
Insurance
Compulsory for all dogs. Hamburg is one of the seven Bundesländer with a general insurance obligation.
Everyday rules
- Leash obligation in the city centre, in parks, on play areas
- Muzzle obligation for Category 1 dogs as well as Category 2 without Wesenstest exemption
- Identification obligation
- Registration in the Hamburg Dog Register
Hundesteuer
| City | First dog | Dangerous dog |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburg | 90 € | 600 € |
Important — Hamburg special feature: Anyone who passes a Wesenstest pays the standard rate of 90 € instead of 600 € for the dog. Hamburg links the Hundesteuer directly to the Wesenstest.
Contacts
District Office · Hamburg Dog Register · Hamburg Veterinary Chamber