Legal basis
Lower Saxony Act on Keeping Dogs (NHundG) — one of the most modern dog laws in Germany. Lower Saxony works consistently on a breed-neutral basis.
Dangerous dogs
No breed list. A dog is only considered dangerous if it has been determined as such according to § 7 NHundG due to specific behaviour:
- has bitten people or animals or is particularly prone to aggression
- tends to hunt or maul
- has been trained to increase aggressiveness
What owners need (the Lower Saxony model)
Lower Saxony demands more from the owner than any other Bundesland — but that is precisely why the system works without a breed list:
Before acquiring a dog:
- Theoretical Sachkundenachweis — the Lower Saxony dog licence. Mandatory for all dog owners, not just for owners of dangerous dogs. Online examination is excluded — in-person appointment at the Lower Saxony Veterinary Chamber.
Within the first year of ownership:
- Practical Sachkundenachweis with the dog
For all dogs from the age of 6 months:
- Dog liability insurance — minimum coverage 500,000 € for personal injury / 250,000 € for property damage
- Microchip identification
- Registration in the Lower Saxony Dog Register
For dangerous dogs in individual cases:
- Haltungserlaubnis
- Extended proof of competence requirements
- Wesenstest
Insurance
Mandatory for all dogs from the age of 6 months. Lower Saxony is one of the seven Bundesländer with a general obligation.
Everyday rules
- Leash obligation in open countryside during the breeding and nesting season (1 April to 15 July)
- Local rules on leash obligations in city centres, parks, and forests
- Muzzle obligation only for dogs classified as dangerous
Hundesteuer examples
| City | First dog | Second dog | Dangerous dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hannover | 150 € | 276 € | 720 € |
| Braunschweig | 120 € | 204 € | 720 € |
| Oldenburg | 84 € | 168 € | 720 € |
| Göttingen | 96 € | 240 € | 600 € |
| Osnabrück | 120 € | 240 € | 720 € |
Contact partners
Lower Saxony Veterinary Chamber (proof of competence) · Lower Saxony Dog Register · Local public order office