Status: May 2026
Contents
- What this is about
- Why these rules exist
- Key terms
- How the legal situation works
- What you might specifically need as an owner
- Temperament test and proof of competence
- Keeping permit: Application, documents, process
- Liability insurance
- Dog tax and municipal costs
- Everyday life: Leash, muzzle, equipment and safe keeping
- Travel, import and moving
- Legal expenses insurance
- If something happens: The incident workflow
- Myths and facts
- FAQ, checklist and sources
1. What this is about
Keeping a potentially dangerous dog in Germany is more than just a question of insurance. Depending on where you live, it can mean: a permit from the Ordnungsamt, a Wesenstest for your dog, a Sachkundenachweis for you, mandatory leashing and muzzling, liability insurance with minimum coverage — and often a Hundesteuer that is many times the normal tax.
The tricky part: Whether and which of these obligations apply depends not only on your dog's breed, but also on your place of residence. In Bremen, you practically cannot keep certain breeds. In Brandenburg, there has been no breed list at all since July 2024. In Berlin, you must apply for a permit for three listed breeds — in Munich, it involves a different list with different rules.
This guide explains the entire system: the federal, state (Bundesland) and municipal levels, the tests, the insurance, the tax, and what you must do in an emergency. For detailed rules per state, we refer you to our Bundesländer-Deep-Dive.
Important in advance: This guide does not replace legal advice. The state law, municipal bylaws and information from your responsible authority are always authoritative. In case of legal uncertainty, contact a specialist lawyer for administrative law.
2. Why these rules exist
The German rules on dangerous dogs emerged after several fatal incidents in the early 2000s — especially after the death of six-year-old Volkan in Hamburg in 2000, which forced the Bundestag and state parliaments to act. Since then, regulation has moved in a field of tension between hazard prevention, animal welfare and the property rights of owners.
What surprises many readers: In Germany, not one body regulates the keeping of dangerous dogs, but three.
The Federal Government restricts the import and transport of certain breeds from abroad. Anyone bringing a dog to Germany or adopting one from an animal welfare organization abroad first encounters this layer.
The 16 Bundesländer regulate who may keep which dog under what conditions. This is where the really tough obligations lie: permit, Wesenstest, Sachkundenachweis, leash and muzzle rules. This layer is the main reason for the German "patchwork quilt" — every state decides differently.
The Municipalities levy the Hundesteuer and can set additional requirements in local bylaws. This creates tax rates that can differ by a factor of ten between city and countryside.
And hovering above everything is the EU framework for the movement of pets, which expressly allows national restrictions for reasons of public safety — otherwise the German import ban would hardly be compatible with European law.
This layering explains why general statements like "listed dogs are banned in Germany" are almost always wrong or at least incomplete. What really applies depends on which state and which municipality your dog lives in.
3. Key terms
Before going into detail, here are the ten terms you will encounter again and again throughout the guide. If you feel confused while reading — just come back here.
Listed dog (Listenhund) A dog whose breed or type is on an official list of a Bundesland. "Listed dog" does not automatically mean "banned," but "subject to special rules." The respective state law decides exactly which rules.
Dangerous dog A dog that is legally classified as an increased risk — either because it belongs to a listed breed (presumption by breed) or because it has shown itself to be aggressive in an individual case (individual case assessment). Both paths lead to the same obligations, but through different doors.
Wesenstest A behavioral test of your dog by an officially recognized expert. The test is intended to show how your dog reacts to people, other animals and typical environmental stimuli. Passed = the presumption of danger can be refuted or requirements can be relaxed. More on this in section 6.
Sachkundenachweis Proof that you as an owner have the necessary knowledge for safe keeping. Theory and practical exam, issued by veterinary chambers, recognized veterinarians or dog schools with state recognition. In everyday life, in some places portable between Bundesländer.
Negativzeugnis An official certificate that your dog — despite its breed belonging to a listed dog list — is not considered dangerous in the specific individual case. Especially in Bavaria and some other states, the central lever to get out of the strict category.
Haltungserlaubnis The official authorization to even be allowed to keep a listed or classified dangerous dog. Applied for at the Ordnungsamt or veterinary office of your municipality. Requirements vary, but typical ones are: age of majority, certificate of good conduct, Sachkundenachweis, Wesenstest, liability insurance.
Hundesteuer A municipal expenditure tax on keeping a dog. It is not insurance and does not protect against anything — it is simply a levy to your city or municipality. For listed or classified dangerous dogs, it can be significantly higher than for "normal" dogs.
Liability insurance The insurance that steps in if your dog causes damage to a person or property. Mandatory in several Bundesländer for all dogs or at least for listed dogs, strongly recommended in the others. More on this in section 8.
Legal expenses insurance The insurance that covers your own lawyer and court costs if you get into a legal dispute. Important: Only an administrative legal protection module covers disputes with the Ordnungsamt, not every private legal protection. Details in section 12.
Ordnungsamt The municipal authority responsible for keeping permits, requirements and the enforcement of regulations in most Bundesländer. In some states or cities, it is also called Veterinäramt, Amt für öffentliche Ordnung or similar. In case of doubt: call the city administration, ask for the department responsible for dog keeping.
4. How the legal situation works
4.1 The federal level: Import and transport
At the federal level, there is one important law: the Hundeverbringungs- und -einfuhrbeschränkungsgesetz (HundVerbrEinfG) of April 12, 2001, in force since April 21, 2001 (BGBl. I p. 530) — and unchanged in its substance since then.
The law prohibits the import from third countries and the transport from other EU states to Germany for four breeds:
- Pitbull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
The ban expressly also applies to crosses of these breeds — with each other or with any other breed. Anyone wanting to bring a mixed-breed dog from abroad to Germany whose phenotype looks like one of these breeds is often classified as a "cross" by customs — and the burden of proof then lies with the owner, not customs.
Beyond these four breeds, the federal ban expands dynamically: If the Bundesland in which you want to live presumes another breed to be dangerous, its import is also prohibited. This makes federal law an extension of state law at the border.
There are clearly regulated exceptions. The law allows import in the following cases:
- Returning dogs: Your dog was temporarily abroad, and you already have a valid keeping permit from the Bundesland responsible for you.
- Service and assistance dogs: Dogs of police, armed forces, customs, recognized rescue, guide and disability assistance dogs.
- Tourists: Dogs entering with persons who do not live in Germany, for an uninterrupted stay of no more than four weeks.
Violations are no minor offense. According to § 5 HundVerbrEinfG, intentional import or transport can lead to prison sentences of up to two years or fines. The negligent version costs up to one year in prison or a fine. In addition: The dog can be confiscated — and in practice, that actually happens.
What the EU has to do with it
At first glance, the German import ban seems like a contradiction to the EU internal market. In fact, however, the EU regulation on the movement of pets (Regulation [EU] No. 576/2013, supplemented by Delegated Regulation [EU] 2026/131 from April 22, 2026) expressly allows member states to issue their own restrictions for reasons of public safety. The German ban is based exactly on this clause.
The Federal Constitutional Court confirmed the HundVerbrEinfG as constitutional in 2004 and determined that the protection of human life justifies the interference with property and freedom of movement rights. Thus, the legal situation is stable — and EU-legal attacks on the ban have no prospect of success in practice.
But one thing must be known: Within the EU, there are no systematic border controls. This does not mean that the ban is a toothless tiger — anyone who attracts attention at the vet, when moving or during an incident risks the full severity of the law — but it means that the ban primarily takes effect upon subsequent discovery, not at the border itself.
More on travel and import in section 11.
4.2 The state level: 16 different worlds
This is where most of the complexity lies. Each Bundesland has its own dog law or ordinance, and the systems function in completely different ways.
Some states work with breed lists: certain breeds are automatically considered dangerous or at least in need of regulation. This currently applies in ten Bundesländer (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Hamburg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt).
Other states are breed-neutral: They do not look at the breed, but at the behavior of the individual dog. Brandenburg abolished its breed list on July 1, 2024. Schleswig-Holstein did so in 2016, Thuringia in 2018. Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania work in a breed-neutral way anyway.
Bremen is a special case: Since the new Bremen Dog Law of June 24, 2025 (in force since July 10, 2025), a general keeping ban applies to four breeds, which can only be deviated from in narrow exceptions. More on the Bremen special situation in sections 8 and 11.
The mechanics also differ. Bavaria, Hamburg and North Rhine-Westphalia work with categories (Category 1 = particularly strict, Category 2 = somewhat less strict). Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt have uniform lists without this division. Baden-Württemberg distinguishes between presumed fighting dogs according to § 1 Para. 2 and dogs that are checked in individual cases according to § 1 Para. 3.
In NRW, another special feature is added: Beyond the listed dog rules, there is the 20/40 rule for "large dogs" — all dogs from 40 cm shoulder height or from 20 kg weight must meet certain requirements, regardless of the breed.
You can find the full overview of all 16 Bundesländer with breed lists, tests, permit requirements and authorities in our Bundesländer-Deep-Dive.
4.3 The municipal level: Tax and local bylaws
At the third level, over 10,000 German municipalities decide on the Hundesteuer and local requirements. This is where most of the cost variation lies, and where most surprises happen.
The Hundesteuer is an expenditure tax according to Art. 105 Para. 2a of the Basic Law (GG). Each municipality sets its own tax rate. For "normal" dogs, the rates are usually between 60 and 180 euros per year; for listed or classified dangerous dogs, large cities often charge 600 to 1,000 euros, in peak cases up to 1,200 euros per year.
These high rates are not unlimitedly permissible in court. If a tax has a "strangling effect" — i.e., is effectively equivalent to a keeping ban — it can be challenged. Several test cases are currently underway.
In addition, municipalities can issue further requirements via their bylaws: mandatory leashing in certain areas, bans in parks, special requirements for collars. What applies in Hamburg does not automatically apply in Pinneberg, even though both are practically next to each other.
4.4 What you should take away from this
Always check the Bundesland AND the municipality before you decide on a dog or move. A statement without a local reference is rarely complete in German dog keeping. What is on the internet is often an average of 16 Bundesländer — and in the end, only the law of your place of residence applies to you.
5. What you might specifically need as an owner
Depending on where you live and which dog lives with you, the following can await you. Not every dog needs everything — and not every owner — but every point below is reality in at least one Bundesland.
A keeping permit from the Ordnungsamt Mandatory in most Bundesländer for listed dogs, in some also for mixed breeds classified as dangerous. Applied for before acquisition, with a notice.
A Wesenstest for your dog A behavioral test by an officially recognized expert. In many states, a prerequisite for the keeping permit, often also the only way to refute the presumption of danger. Details in section 6.
A Sachkundenachweis for you Theory and practical exam on dog behavior, law and keeping. In some states mandatory for all dog owners (Lower Saxony, from July 2026 also Bremen), in others only for owners of listed dogs. Also in section 6.
Liability insurance In seven Bundesländer — Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia — mandatory for all dogs. In Bavaria, Brandenburg and several others, mandatory at least for listed or dangerous dogs. In the others, strongly recommended. What you need and how to find the right insurer is in section 8.
Registration with two different bodies For Hundesteuer at the tax office of your municipality — usually within a week of acquisition. In Lower Saxony additionally in a central state dog register. In Bremen also subject to registration since July 2025.
A microchip Mandatory under animal disease law, in practice a prerequisite for insurance and vaccination anyway.
Specific equipment Wire basket muzzle instead of fabric muzzle, short leash (often 1.5–2 m), tear-resistant collar, tax tag visible on the collar. What is in the law and what the Ordnungsamt employee really accepts during an inspection are sometimes two different things. Details in section 10.
Legal expenses insurance with an administrative law module Not legally required, but urgently sensible for a listed dog, because many conflicts end with authorities. Note the three-month waiting period. More in section 12.
You can find out what specifically applies to you in the next sections — and for the detailed rules of your Bundesland in the Bundesländer-Deep-Dive.
6. Temperament test and proof of competence
Two exams, two different examinees. The Wesenstest tests how your dog behaves. The Sachkundenachweis tests what you as an owner know and can do. Depending on the Bundesland, you need one of the two, both — or nothing at all. If something is required, then almost always both together.
6.1 The Wesenstest: What your dog must be able to do
A Wesenstest is a behavioral test of your dog by a state-recognized person. Its purpose is not to "train" your dog, but to judge whether the presumption of danger — which exists by breed or after an incident — can be refuted in the specific case.
Who is allowed to conduct the test
Three types of examiners are recognized:
- Officially appointed experts — private professionals (often veterinarians or experienced dog trainers) who are additionally qualified and officially appointed.
- Official veterinarians — employed veterinarians of the veterinary office of your municipality.
- Recognized assessors — members of associations that the respective Bundesland has approved for testing.
Recognition in most Bundesländer is handled via the Tierärztekammer (veterinary chamber) or the state veterinary office. Hamburg, for example, requires that examiners submit their own test concept, prove at least three years of professional dog experience and participate in annual training before they receive a five-year valid authorization.
Important: Before registering, check whether the chosen expert is actually officially recognized. A list is usually maintained by the responsible veterinary authority or veterinary chamber. A certificate from an unauthorized examiner is worthless for your keeping permit.
How the test works
A Wesenstest typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and takes place in a neutral location — sometimes in a testing facility, often in a quiet park. The dog is constantly stressed, without long rest breaks, because the examiners want to see how it reacts under cumulative stress. A typical sequence has four to five phases:
- Registration and identity check — chip is scanned, vaccination card and insurance are checked. The dog must usually be at least 15 months old, some municipalities allow from 12 or even 6 months.
- Behavior during approach and distraction — how does the dog react to strangers, sudden noises, movements?
- Human encounters — direct approach by strangers, encounters with different groups of people (sometimes children, sometimes people with hats or umbrellas).
- Dog encounters — provided safety allows: encounter with a calm, socialized dog.
- Trigger stimuli — clapping hands, whistling, sometimes opening an umbrella.
The examiner evaluates each phase according to a point scheme: aggression, fear, resource guarding, controllability. In the end, an overall picture emerges — no single mistake decides, but the pattern.
What it costs
The typical range is between 150 and 500 euros for the test itself, depending on the examiner and region. Preparation courses in dog schools cost extra. In total, you should count on 400 to 800 euros if you want to prepare well.
What "passed" means
This is where the Bundesland differences come into play. A passed Wesenstest can, depending on your place of residence:
- Refute the presumption of danger — so that your dog is formally no longer considered dangerous.
- Relax requirements — such as lifting the muzzle obligation outside certain areas.
- Enable the keeping permit — as one of several prerequisites.
- Lower the Hundesteuer — in Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main and several other cities back to the standard rate.
In Bremen, on the other hand, the best Wesenstest brings little because the system there relies on a quasi-ban. In Bavaria and Hamburg, it is the decisive lever to get out of Category 1 — via the Negativzeugnis.
If your dog does not pass
That is not the end, but a setback. You can usually try again after a waiting period — often after three to six months and with documented training work in between. In the event of repeated failure or particularly negative findings, requirements can be imposed that range up to relocation or, in extreme cases, a killing order.
If you reach this point, get a specialized animal rights lawyer immediately. Saving money here is wrong.
6.2 The Sachkundenachweis: What you need to know
While the Wesenstest tests your dog, the Sachkundenachweis tests you. The concept behind it: Anyone who wants to keep a potentially dangerous dog should know more about dog behavior, keeping and the law than an average dog owner.
What is tested
The test consists of two parts:
Theory — usually a written multiple-choice exam, often with about 30 to 40 questions from a pool of around 200. The topics:
- Fundamentals of dog behavior and ethology
- Law (federal and state law on dog keeping)
- Keeping, care, nutrition, health
- Education and training
- Rights and obligations as an owner
The passing threshold is typically 70 to 80 percent correct.
Practice — a demonstration with your dog, in which you show that you can lead it safely:
- Loose-leash walking
- Recall from medium distance
- Calmness in a distracting environment
- Correct application of a muzzle
- Reaction to typical everyday situations
Who tests
The main responsibility lies with the veterinary chambers of the respective Bundesland. They accredit the examiners — usually experienced veterinarians or recognized dog trainers. Some dog schools have recognition specifically for the practical part; for online offers, the following applies: Theory can often be prepared online and sometimes also tested online, the practical part is almost always in person.
What it costs
Typical total cost range: 100 to 250 euros, divided into about 50–125 euros for theory and 50–125 euros for practice. Preparation courses in dog schools usually cost 150 to 400 euros extra. The figures vary greatly by region and provider — you can find the exact rates of your veterinary chamber on their website.
Validity
In most Bundesländer, a passed Sachkundenachweis is valid for life. Whether it is recognized when moving to another Bundesland is not guaranteed — some states accept proof from other states, some require their own test. In case of doubt: ask the new Ordnungsamt before moving.
6.3 What differs by Bundesland
Even if the mechanics are similar everywhere, there are four Bundesland peculiarities you should know:
Lower Saxony is the special case: Here, the Sachkundenachweis is mandatory for all dog owners, not just for owners of listed dogs. It is effectively a "dog driver's license." Theory must even be taken before acquiring the dog. Domestic online testing is excluded in Lower Saxony.
Bremen follows suit from July 1, 2026: With the new BremHundeG, the Sachkundenachweis becomes mandatory for all new owners. Anyone who already keeps a dog is exempt from the catch-up obligation.
Hamburg links the passed Wesenstest directly to the Hundesteuer — anyone who passes the test pays the standard rate instead of the listed dog rate. A reduction after testing is also possible in Frankfurt am Main.
Bavaria and Hamburg know the system of two categories. Anyone keeping a Category 1 dog can formally switch from Category 1 to Category 2 or lower with a Negativzeugnis — based on Wesenstest and authority check.
North Rhine-Westphalia requires a theory competence test for "large dogs" (from 40 cm shoulder height or 20 kg weight), even without breed list reference. Here, online testing via video is possible.
A recommendation: Before you invest money in a test, call the Ordnungsamt of your municipality and clarify exactly which test is required and who is allowed to administer it. The recognitions are not always interchangeable.
7. Keeping permit: Application, documents, process
If your Bundesland requires a keeping permit for your dog, it is the keystone of the entire compliance package — it bundles everything else (Wesenstest, Sachkundenachweis, insurance, living situation) into a single official authorization.
7.1 When it is necessary
You need a keeping permit if your dog belongs to a breed that is presumed dangerous in your Bundesland, or if your dog has been classified as dangerous in an individual case after an incident. The exact triggers are in your state law. The Bundesländer-Deep-Dive shows which breeds trigger which obligation in which Bundesland. Keeping without the required permit risks a fine of up to 10,000 euros and, in the worst case, the immediate seizure of the dog.
7.2 How the procedure works
The typical path looks like this:
1. Application. You fill out an application at your Ordnungsamt or specialized department. In most municipalities, this is now possible online or by mail.
2. Pre-check of your suitability. The authority checks whether you are personally reliable — for example, by viewing your extended certificate of good conduct. If nothing is pending, a provisional keeping permit can be issued, with which you may keep the dog while you submit the remaining proof (Wesenstest, Sachkundenachweis). This provisional permit is limited to about three months in many municipalities.
3. On-site inspection. Employees of the authority inspect your property or apartment. Checked are: escape-proofness (fence, doors), size of the rooms, danger to children or neighbors.
4. Notice. After completion of all checks, you will receive a written notice — either the permit with specific requirements, or the rejection with justification.
Realistic processing time: 4 to 12 weeks. Bottlenecks usually arise when scheduling the on-site inspection.
7.3 Which documents you need
The exact list varies, but the standard package includes:
- Application form, fully completed and signed
- Certificate of good conduct (Type O — the official version, not the normal one) — free of entries due to violence, drug, animal welfare or weapons offenses
- Sachkundenachweis of the owner
- Wesenstest certificate of the dog
- Proof of dog liability insurance with the legally required minimum coverage
- Identity proof of the dog: chip number, vaccination card, pedigree if applicable
- Description of keeping conditions: site plan, photos of the fencing, living situation
- ID card and proof of age of majority (you must be at least 18 years old)
- If needed: Negativzeugnis (especially relevant in Bavaria)
7.4 What it costs
The fees vary considerably depending on the municipality. The official rates of the city of Düsseldorf provide a realistic scale:
- Standard fee keeping permit: 100 euros
- Competence test (by official veterinarian): 40 euros
- Behavior test (by official veterinarian): 50 euros
- Exemption from muzzle/leash obligation: 25 euros
In Hamburg, the regular keeping permit for a dangerous dog costs significantly more — about 610 euros. In Munich, the processing of a Negativzeugnis alone costs between 50 and 150 euros, plus further fees for follow-up tests.
In addition — as external costs that do not go to the municipality:
- Certificate of good conduct: 13 euros
- Wesenstest by private expert: 150 to 500 euros
- Sachkundenachweis exam: 100 to 250 euros
- Possibly preparation courses: 150 to 400 euros
Realistic total budget for a complete permit: 600 to 1,500 euros, depending on the Bundesland and preparation effort. Anyone who goes through all paths themselves and is well prepared comes out at the lower end.
7.5 If the application is rejected
A rejection is not the end, but you must act quickly. As soon as the rejection notice is in your mailbox (often as a yellow letter with delivery certificate), a hard deadline runs: one month to file an objection or lawsuit.
The standard path is:
1. Objection to the authority that issued the rejection notice. Within this month, in writing, with justification. The authority re-examines the case.
2. Lawsuit before the administrative court, if the objection remains unsuccessful or the Bundesland does not provide for an objection. Here you usually need a specialist lawyer for administrative law.
Important note: Official orders regarding dangerous dogs are almost always issued with immediate execution. This means: Even if you file an objection, you must comply with the requirements immediately. Anyone hoping to gain time by suing will be disappointed at a high cost — up to the seizure of the dog.
A full administrative law process takes 6 to 18 months. Lawyer costs and court costs are typically 1,500 to over 5,000 euros. This is exactly what legal expenses insurance is for — more on this in section 12.
8. Liability insurance
Dog liability insurance is not optional coverage for owners of dangerous dogs. It is mandatory in most relevant Bundesländer, it is a prerequisite for your keeping permit, and it is the only policy that stands between you and a six-figure damage sum after a serious incident.
8.1 Where it is mandatory, where not
Seven Bundesländer make dog liability insurance mandatory for all dogs: Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia. Anyone keeping a dog here without insurance commits an administrative offense.
Bremen was long the seventh "with-all-others" Bundesland. With the new Bremen Dog Law (BremHundeG) of June 24, 2025, which came into force on July 10, 2025, the insurance obligation was extended to all dogs (§ 6 BremHundeG). Older guide websites still list the old regulation ("mandatory only for dangerous dogs"). That is outdated. Minimum coverage in Bremen: 500,000 € for personal injury, 250,000 € for property damage.
In the other Bundesländer, the obligation exists at least for listed or classified dangerous dogs. This applies, for example, to Bavaria, Brandenburg, North Rhine-Westphalia and several others. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is the only Bundesland without any insurance obligation.
Even where there is no insurance obligation, it is effectively indispensable for owners of potentially dangerous dogs. A bite injury can trigger six-figure pain and suffering payments, and you are liable for these according to § 833 BGB without fault — i.e., even if you are not personally at fault at all.
8.2 What a good policy must be able to do
Insurers do not treat listed dogs like other dogs. The acceptance is often more restrictive, premiums are higher, and contract conditions can be deceptive. Here are the points that really count:
Acceptance of your breed. This is the filter where many insurers fail. Even large providers that advertise for dogs in general implicitly exclude the four nationwide banned breeds or Category 1 dogs in their acceptance guidelines. Inquire in writing before concluding whether your breed is explicitly covered.
Coverage amount. The market standard is one million euros for personal injury and property damage, some providers go up to five million euros. In several Bundesländer, the law requires minimum sums: typical are 500,000 euros for personal injury and 250,000 euros for property damage (e.g., according to NRW LHundG, NHundG Lower Saxony and BremHundeG).
Rental property damage. If you live in a rented apartment and your dog damages the door, floor or wallpaper, normal dog liability insurance often does not automatically apply. Ensure that rental property damage is expressly included.
Foreign protection. If you travel with the dog, you need protection that also applies outside Germany. Most good tariffs include this, but check the geographical reach and maximum duration.
Waiting period. For dog liability insurance for listed dogs, a waiting period of typically six months is common. Damage that occurs in this initial phase is not covered. Anyone acquiring a dog should therefore conclude the policy before taking it over.
Deductible. A deductible of 150 euros per claim is common and noticeably lowers the premium — but in a real claim, it costs you exactly this amount.
Puppy insurance. Some tariffs automatically include puppies from the mother, others require separate registration. If you plan breeding or take in a puppy, check this.
Exclusions for "foreign strains". Some insurers exclude dogs with documented foreign origin or treat mixed breeds with unclear origin restrictively. If your dog has an international history, make this transparent in the application.
8.3 The reality for listed dog owners
The German market for dog liability insurance for listed dogs is surprisingly small. Despite formal insurance obligations in many Bundesländer, most standard providers reject listed dogs — a practice that becomes a permanent source of frustration for owners.
Anyone comparing should specifically look for providers that explicitly offer their own listed dog tariff — not for providers that claim to insure "listed dogs too," but exclude them in the acceptance guidelines.
Practical tip: Before applying, get a written coverage commitment — not a verbal statement on the phone. You submit this written confirmation to the Ordnungsamt with your permit application. Some authorities only accept it, not the later insurance certificate.
Typical annual premiums for listed dogs are between 550 and 1,300 euros, depending on the breed, Bundesland and insurer, i.e., a multiple of what is due for "normal" dogs.
In the honestdog dog liability comparison, you will find the providers that currently accept listed dogs, with their tariffs and acceptance conditions.
8.4 What you must do after a claim
If your dog causes damage, the following applies: Inform the insurer immediately. Most large German insurers (Allianz, AXA, Zurich, Nürnberger) require notification within a week. In serious incidents with hospitalization, some contracts even set a 24-hour deadline.
What you must not do: Admit fault on site or promise compensation. Both can make your insurance performance-free — you are then personally liable. Remain polite, document everything, and leave the claims settlement to your insurer. More on the incident workflow in section 13.
9. Dog tax and municipal costs
The Hundesteuer acts like a detail in everyday life, but is one of the largest ongoing cost factors for owners of potentially dangerous dogs. In some cities, the tax for a listed dog is eight times higher than for a normal dog.
9.1 Why dog tax is municipal
The Hundesteuer is a municipal expenditure tax according to Art. 105 Para. 2a of the Basic Law. Each of the over 10,000 German municipalities may set its own tax rate within the framework of its bylaw autonomy. The Bundesland at most sets a framework; your city or municipality decides the concrete euro amounts.
This results in the enormous range that surprises many owners. There is no nationwide "dog tax for listed dogs."
9.2 Examples from German cities (Status 2025/2026)
The following examples show the range. The figures are from official dog tax bylaws of the cities, status 2025/2026. You can find a complete overview of all 16 Bundesländer with several cities per state in the Bundesländer-Deep-Dive.
| City | Normal dog | Listed dog / dangerous dog | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 120 € | 120 € | No listed dog surcharge |
| Hamburg | 90 € | 600 € | Reduction to 90 € with Wesenstest |
| Munich | 100 € | 800 € | Reduction to standard rate with Negativzeugnis |
| Nuremberg | 132 € | 1,056 € | Reduction to 264 € possible |
| Augsburg | 84 € | 840 € | — |
| Frankfurt am Main | 102 € | 900 € | Reduction partly possible |
| Düsseldorf | 96 € | 600 € | — |
| Essen | 156 € | 852 € | — |
| Cologne | 174 € (since 2026) | 174 € | No separate listed dog rate; reduced 60 € for low income |
| Stuttgart (since 2026) | 144 € | 816 € | First increase since 1997 |
| Mainz | 186 € | 600 € | Peak value for standard tariff |
| Saarbrücken | 120 € | 720 € | — |
| Dresden | 110 € | 660 € | — |
| Leipzig (since 2026) | 150 € | 150 € | Uniform rate; chipped dog 120 €; deliberately no listed dog surcharge |
| Magdeburg | 96 € | 600 € | — |
| Erfurt | 125 € | 750 € | — |
| Potsdam | 108 € | 648 € | — |
| Cottbus | 72 € | 270 € | Cheapest example city |
Sources: respective municipal dog tax bylaws, status May 2026; see source list in section 15.
9.3 Wesenstest as a tax lever
In some large cities, a passed Wesenstest or a Negativzeugnis can push the Hundesteuer down to the standard rate. This is possible in Hamburg, Munich (via the Negativzeugnis) and in Frankfurt am Main. Whether it is possible for you is regulated by your municipal bylaw — ask directly at the tax office of your municipality.
9.4 What changed in 2026
Several large cities reformed dog tax bylaws as of January 1, 2026 — and not all are taking the same path:
- Stuttgart increases the standard rate from 108 € to 144 €, the listed dog rate from 612 € to 816 €. First adjustment since 1997.
- Cologne increases from 156 € to 174 € per dog. Remarkable: Cologne no longer maintains a separate listed dog rate — dangerous dogs also pay 174 €. The classification as dangerous takes place in Cologne under regulatory law, not tax law.
- Leipzig switches from graduated to uniform taxation: 150 € per dog, regardless of whether it is the first or fifth. With microchip proof, the rate drops to 120 €. The city council deliberately decided against introducing a listed dog surcharge — on the grounds that this would make many animals permanent residents in the animal shelter.
- Erlangen introduces a new dog tax bylaw with its own rates for fighting dogs as of January 1, 2026.
These reforms show that municipalities are increasingly designing their dog tax in a differentiated and partly animal-welfare-friendly way. Anyone moving to another city or adopting a listed dog should read the current bylaw of their municipality instead of relying on old comparison tables.
9.5 When you pay no dog tax
Several exemption facts apply in almost all municipalities:
- Service dogs of the police, armed forces, customs
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs (Cologne expanded the circle in 2026 to include mobility and signal dogs)
- Dogs from animal shelters for a limited initial period after acquisition (Cologne two years, dogs from 8 years permanently exempt)
- Dogs of non-profit animal welfare associations for handover to new owners
The exact conditions are in your municipal dog tax bylaw.
9.6 Are extreme tax rates even permissible?
Not without limits in court. If a dog tax has a "strangling effect" — i.e., is effectively equivalent to a keeping ban — it can be challenged. Several test cases are currently underway, including with the support of the German Animal Welfare Association. The Federal Fiscal Court has drawn limits in several rulings beyond which a tax loses its character as an expenditure tax.
If you feel that the tax in your municipality is disproportionately high, it is worth looking at ongoing proceedings — and writing to the tax office for clarification.
10. Everyday life: Leash, muzzle, equipment and safe keeping
What really happens in everyday life often has little to do with what is in the legal text. The state dog ordinances remain intentionally vague — they speak of "escape-proof and bite-proof" muzzles, of "safe accommodation," of "short leash." What the Ordnungsamt employee accepts during an inspection is another story.
Here is the honest layer that is often missing in legal texts.
10.1 Leash and muzzle obligation
For listed dogs, the following almost always applies: Mandatory leashing outside the enclosed property — i.e., outside your own property. "Enclosed" means: enclosed by a fence, hedge or wall so that your dog cannot leave the premises independently.
The typical requirements:
- Maximum 1.5 to 2 meter leash length in public areas, depending on the Bundesland and municipality
- Tear-resistant material — cheap fabric leashes are prohibited in many Bundesländer for listed dogs
- No tracking leashes — the dog would have too much freedom of movement
- Muzzle obligation for listed dogs outside the enclosed property in most Bundesländer; in NRW it applies to Category 1 and Category 2 dogs
In parks, forests and at public events, additional municipal rules can apply. Some cities have their own "dog ordinances" with mandatory leashing in certain zones — for example, around playgrounds and daycare centers.
10.2 What the law does not say — and what the Ordnungsamt expects
The ordinances almost never prescribe a specific type of muzzle. They speak of "escape-proof" and "bite-proof." Anyone who takes this literally and buys a fabric muzzle can experience a surprise during an inspection.
De facto standard in Hamburg, Bavaria and NRW for Category 1 dogs: a wire basket muzzle (also bite basket muzzle or basket muzzle). Open construction, solid frame made of wire or hard plastic, so that the dog can pant and cannot clamp the snout completely shut — this is animal-welfare-friendly and gives the Ordnungsamt the image it expects.
Fabric or loop muzzles are often rejected in practice, even if they can formally meet the legal requirements. They are okay for short vet visits, not for everyday life with a listed dog.
Practical tip: Before you invest, ask at the Ordnungsamt: "Which muzzle type is accepted during the next inspection?" You usually get a concrete answer.
Specialists like Bumas and Jeggle manufacture wire basket muzzles to measure. This costs 80 to 200 euros, but is exactly the product you need — and the dog will tolerate because it fits.
10.3 Safe keeping at home
When you apply for a keeping permit, the Ordnungsamt checks the escape-proofness of your property on site. The typical requirements — even if they are not always explicitly in the law:
- Fence height: usually at least 1.80 meters, in some cases 2 meters
- Solid material: no chain-link fence for large, jump-strong dogs; rather wooden slat fence, solid fence or solid industrial fence
- Double-lock gates in multi-family houses or with direct connection to public paths
- Privacy screen in densely populated areas so that the dog is not constantly overstimulated by passersby
- For apartment keeping: secured balconies, sufficiently large rooms, written consent of all apartment owners if necessary
In multi-party houses, the written consent of the house community is also often required, especially if the apartment borders a common garden.
10.4 Chip, tax tag, state register
Microchip obligation applies nationwide under animal disease law. Without an ISO chip, no vaccination card, without a vaccination card no insurance, without insurance no permit.
In Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and since July 2025 also in Bremen, you must additionally have your dog entered in a central dog register. Other Bundesländer are currently checking this — the trend is towards more registration.
The tax tag comes from your municipality after you have registered the dog at the dog tax office. It must be worn visibly on the collar. Anyone caught without it risks a fine. Some cities (Leipzig from 2026) are switching to digital QR code tags.
10.5 Landlords, neighbors, multi-party house
If you live in a rented apartment, check your lease. A blanket "dog keeping ban" clause is often ineffective according to BGH case law, but breed-dependent clauses for "fighting dogs" are increasingly being allowed.
Practical advice: Talk to your landlord before acquisition. Written consent saves you a lot of stress later. Some landlords require additional deposit or specific requirements for listed dogs — this is negotiable.
In apartment owners' associations, the community rules can contain dog rules. Here too: better to talk to the house management beforehand, not after moving in.
11. Travel, import and moving
When your dog crosses a border — from outside the EU to Germany, from an EU country to Germany, or from one Bundesland to another — there are additional rules. Some are formal, some operational.
11.1 Import from abroad
The Hundeverbringungs- und -einfuhrbeschränkungsgesetz (HundVerbrEinfG) prohibits — as explained in section 4.1 — the import and transport of four breeds plus their crosses: Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier.
If you want to adopt a dog from abroad or bring one to you in Germany, check two questions:
- Does the dog belong to one of the four banned breeds or is it a cross of them?
- Is it also presumed dangerous according to the regulations of your Bundesland?
If yes to the first question, import is fundamentally prohibited — with the exceptions listed in section 4.1 (return of an already authorized dog, service and assistance dog, short stays up to four weeks, animal welfare return).
If yes only to the second question, the federal ban also applies — via the "state law extension" in § 2 HundVerbrEinfG.
Practical note: Customs works with phenotype profiling for the listed dog check. If your mixed breed looks like an American Staffordshire Terrier, you as the owner will have to prove that it is not. DNA tests are not always accepted in practice. In case of doubt: ask German customs and the Ordnungsamt of your future place of residence before import.
11.2 Which documents you need at the border
For every dog — banned or not — the EU standard package applies:
- EU pet passport (blue, not the yellow national vaccination card)
- Valid rabies vaccination — valid at the earliest 21 days after initial vaccination
- ISO microchip, set before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination
For potentially dangerous dogs additionally:
- Keeping permit from your home Bundesland, if already issued
- Wesenstest certificate, if available
- Proof of dog liability insurance
- Return ticket and proof of residence abroad, if you rely on the tourist exception (max. four weeks)
11.3 EU framework
At first glance, the German import ban seems like a contradiction to EU freedom of movement. In fact, however, EU Regulation No. 576/2013 (supplemented by Delegated Regulation 2026/131 from April 2026) expressly allows member states to issue their own restrictions for reasons of public safety. The German ban is based exactly on this clause, and the Federal Constitutional Court confirmed it as constitutional in 2004.
Important to know: Within the Schengen area, there are no systematic border controls. This does not mean that the ban is meaningless — but it primarily takes effect upon subsequent discovery: at the vet, when registering in the municipality, after an incident.
Anyone bringing a listed dog to Germany unregistered risks a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine according to § 5 HundVerbrEinfG, plus seizure of the dog. That is not a theoretical risk.
11.4 Moving within Germany
If you move with a listed dog within Germany — for example from Berlin to Bremen — the new Bundesland does not automatically take over your previous keeping permit. You must apply for a new one, and depending on the destination state, this can mean:
- New Sachkundenachweis necessary
- New Wesenstest required
- On-site inspection of the new property
- In extreme cases (moving to Bremen): You need an exemption permit because a general keeping ban applies there for four breeds
Plan moves with listed dogs at least three to six months in advance. Talk to the Ordnungsamt of your destination municipality before signing the lease. A permit clarified in advance saves you weeks or months in limbo.
12. Legal expenses insurance
Dog liability insurance pays for the damage your dog causes. Legal expenses insurance pays for your own lawyer and court costs if you get into a legal dispute. These are two different problems, and both hit owners of potentially dangerous dogs more frequently than average.
12.1 Why it is particularly sensible for listed dog owners
Owners of listed dogs get into conflict with authorities and neighbors more frequently than other owners. Typical scenarios:
- Dispute with the Ordnungsamt over classification, requirements or a threatened keeping prohibition
- Neighbor dispute over noise, alleged danger or bite incidents
- Defense against criminal charges according to § 229 StGB (negligent bodily injury), if your dog injures someone
- Dispute with the landlord over keeping bans or special agreements
- Problems with the insurer, if a claim is not or only partially settled
Lawyer costs and court fees for such proceedings start at a few hundred euros and quickly reach the four-figure or five-figure range. A full administrative law process (lawsuit against the Ordnungsamt) can cost 1,500 to over 5,000 euros.
12.2 Which modules you need
Important: Not every legal expenses insurance covers all relevant cases. A pure private legal protection is not enough for Ordnungsamt proceedings. You need a combination of:
Private legal protection — for civil law disputes with private individuals (neighbors, landlords, other dog owners).
Traffic legal protection — for incidents where your dog is involved in road traffic (e.g., in an accident).
Animal owner legal protection (or administrative legal protection) — the key module for listed dog owners. Covers disputes with the Ordnungsamt, associations, veterinary authorities. Without this module, you pay every lawsuit against a notice out of your own pocket.
Criminal legal protection — for defense against criminal charges, e.g., § 229 StGB. Without this module, no paid criminal defense.
A good combination of these four modules typically costs 20 to 50 euros per month, depending on the insurer, coverage amount and deductible.
12.3 The waiting period is the biggest trap
Practically all legal protection contracts in Germany have a waiting period of three months from the start of insurance. This means: If you conclude a policy today and have an incident tomorrow, the insurance does not pay for its consequences.
From this follows a simple principle: Conclude your legal protection before you take over the dog — not afterwards, and certainly not after a first incident.
Anyone trying to conclude a policy quickly after an incident to cover lawyer costs will be rejected by the insurer. That is standardized practice and applies to all large providers.
12.4 Who offers the market
Several large German insurers offer legal protection with listed-dog-compatible modules. In the honestdog legal protection comparison, you will find the providers that are currently relevant for owners of potentially dangerous dogs.
What really counts when comparing:
- Does the tariff explicitly cover administrative proceedings? (Not every "private legal protection" does.)
- Which deductible do you choose? (250 euros per case is a typical value.)
- Which maximum sums apply? (For lawyer costs usually at least 300,000 euros per case.)
- Waiting period clearly regulated? (Three months is standard, some providers have shorter ones for certain modules.)
Important difference to dog liability: Liability pays for the damage your dog causes — i.e., for the injured party. Legal protection pays for your lawyer and court costs. Both are necessary. One does not replace the other.
13. If something happens: The incident workflow
No one wants to think about this moment. But if your dog injures someone — or scrapes past an incident — a lot depends on what you do in the first hour, the first 24 hours and the first week.
This workflow is not for "if it happens." It is a plan you should read and have in your head before the incident.
13.1 The first hour
Secure the scene. Control your dog immediately, lead it away from the event, put it on a leash. If possible: put on a muzzle. Bring it to a place from which it can no longer influence the scene — into the car, into a closed room.
Provide first aid. If someone is injured: rinse the wound with clear water and mild soap for 10 to 15 minutes, disinfect, bandage cleanly. For serious or head-near injuries: call 112.
When else you call:
- 112 for heavy bleeding, head injuries, signs of shock, injuries to children or elderly people
- 110 if the injured person shows hostility, refuses personal details, or if your dog still poses a danger to others
Exchange personal details. Give the injured person your full name, address, phone number and the data of your dog liability insurance. Ask for the data of the injured person and all present witnesses. Not doing so is similar to hit-and-run and can be punishable.
Document. Photos of the location, injuries, surroundings. Note time, weather, lighting conditions. Record the order in which events happened.
What you must not do:
- Do not admit fault. Sentences like "I'm so sorry, that was my fault" will be used against you later — and can make your insurance performance-free.
- Do not promise money. Not even 50 euros "for the torn pants." Claims settlement runs through your insurer.
- Do not sign anything that someone holds out on site.
- Do not "voluntarily" hand over the dog to police or private individuals — only on formal official order of the Ordnungsamt.
13.2 The first 24 hours
Inform the insurer — in writing. Most large German insurers (Allianz, AXA, Zurich, Nürnberger) require notification within a week. Some set a 24-hour deadline for serious incidents with hospitalization. Check your contract and report sooner rather than later.
Write the memory protocol while everything is fresh. Chronological, with all details: when, where, who, what, how. Who said what. Where the leash was. What the weather situation was. This will be priceless in the weeks after.
Get a lawyer immediately if needed. The threshold from which this is necessary:
- Bite to a child or an elderly person
- Hospital treatment or emergency doctor on site
- Several injured parties
- Police were at the scene and took a report
Search for a specialist lawyer for administrative law or animal law. In case of criminal charges additionally (or primarily) a criminal lawyer.
13.3 The first week
The Ordnungsamt will contact you — probably. Hospitals and doctors in Germany are effectively obliged (or at least strongly urged) to report bite injuries to health and safety authorities. The police usually automatically initiate proceedings for negligent bodily injury according to § 229 StGB in case of injuries.
You do not have to actively report yourself to the Ordnungsamt if the incident was small and no one was injured. But if the Ordnungsamt calls: be cooperative and factual, but without exaggerated explanations. In case of doubt: involve a lawyer before you make statements.
The insurance sends a questionnaire. Detailed, with a request for photos, witness details, your account. Answer carefully, but without blaming yourself.
Claims settlement now runs through your insurance. Do not react directly to inquiries from the injured party or their lawyer — forward everything to your insurer.
13.4 The incident dossier
Systematically collect everything in a folder — physically and digitally:
- Chronological memory protocol, dated and signed
- Photos of the location, injuries, surroundings
- Veterinary examination of your own dog after the incident (to document that there was no physical cause)
- Training documentation of your dog (companion dog test, dog school certificates)
- Sachkundenachweis, Wesenstest, keeping permit
- Insurance correspondence with file number
- Correspondence with Ordnungsamt
- If available: Police file number
Retention period: At least three years — this is the regular civil law limitation period according to § 195 BGB.
This dossier is your defense basis in every later proceeding — criminal, administrative, civil.
13.5 What can happen in the worst case
Clearly formulated, without sugarcoating:
For your dog:
- Immediate order of leash and muzzle by the Ordnungsamt
- Order of an official Wesenstest
- Classification as a dangerous dog with lifelong leash and muzzle obligation
- In extreme cases: Seizure or killing order — as a last resort (ultima ratio)
For you:
- Civil liability according to § 833 BGB (without fault): Pain and suffering, treatment costs, loss of earnings, property damage. Damage amounts range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of euros.
- Criminal conviction according to § 229 StGB possible: Fine or prison sentence of up to three years.
- Insurance premium rises significantly or your contract is terminated — afterwards you will find a new insurer only with difficulty.
- Reputational damage in the neighborhood, circle of acquaintances, professionally.
Exactly because this list is so long, preparation (legal protection, insurance, well-documented competence) and a cool head in the first hour are so important.
14. Myths and facts
There are more half-truths than clarity about dangerous dogs. The following five are the most common. We follow each one fairly.
14.1 "Certain breeds are dangerous by nature"
Differentiated. It is true that some breeds were historically bred for certain traits — alertness, hardness against pain, stimulus thresholds, prey drive. These genetic predispositions are real and influence behavior.
But: Genetics determine predisposition, not behavior. What a dog actually does is the product of genetics, socialization, experience, education and daily form.
The Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT) and the Federal Chamber of Veterinarians have been criticizing breed lists for years as scientifically untenable. Their position: Breed alone is a poor predictor for individual dangerous behavior. Owner behavior, socialization and the living situation of the specific dog are better suited to assess risk.
This does not mean that breed lists are politically or legally wrong — it means that the scientific basis is thinner than the lists suggest.
14.2 "A passed Wesenstest makes every dog safe"
Differentiated. A Wesenstest is a snapshot. It shows how your dog reacts on a certain day in a controlled situation. It says nothing about how it will react in five years to an unexpected encounter with a strange child.
Exactly for this reason, the test is valid for a limited time in almost all Bundesländer or must be repeated on special occasions. Exactly for this reason, owner obligations — leash, attention, continuous training — remain even after a passed test.
A passed Wesenstest is a vote of confidence, not a clean bill of health.
14.3 "With good education I don't need liability insurance"
Wrong. Civil law owner liability according to § 833 BGB is without fault (in technical terms: hazard liability). This means: You are liable for the damage your dog causes, regardless of how well you have educated it, how careful you have been, how little you are personally at fault.
Good education lowers the actual risk — it does not lower your legal responsibility if something happens anyway.
A damage sum after a serious bite injury can become six-figure. Anyone liable without insurance can in most cases not shoulder that out of their own pocket.
14.4 "Higher dog tax protects the public"
Mixed evidence. The official justification for higher dog tax on listed dogs is: higher risk = higher tax = deterrent effect = fewer listed dogs = fewer incidents.
Empirically, the connection is not clearly proven. Statistics on incidents with dog bites hardly fluctuate with the level of municipal dog tax. What changes is the social composition of the owners — higher taxes mean that only the wealthy can afford listed dogs, not that fewer dogs are kept.
From a legal point of view, the dog tax is also an expenditure tax, not a preventive measure. If it rises to a "strangling" level — i.e., effectively to a keeping ban — it loses its constitutional basis. Several lawsuits are pending on this.
Remarkable in this context: Leipzig deliberately refrained from a listed dog surcharge in 2026 — on the grounds that extreme taxes would make many animals permanent residents in the animal shelter. A different political lever than the one in Munich or Frankfurt.
14.5 "Listed dogs are banned in Germany"
Differentiated. What is really banned:
- Import and transport of the four federal list breeds (Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier) and their crosses — according to HundVerbrEinfG.
- Keeping of listed dogs in Bremen — general keeping ban since July 2025 with narrow exceptions.
- Breeding and trade with listed dogs in some Bundesländer (e.g., Saxony-Anhalt since 2016).
What is not banned:
- Keeping itself, if the dog is already in Germany and you get a keeping permit.
- Acquisition of a puppy already born in Germany under requirements.
- Taking over from a German animal shelter.
The keeping rules are a state matter — and they range from "very strict with exemption permits" (Bremen) to "normal with requirements" (Brandenburg since 2024). A blanket statement "listed dogs are banned" is wrong.
15. FAQ, checklist and sources
15.1 Frequently asked questions
Do I need special insurance for my dog?
That depends on the Bundesland and the dog. In seven Bundesländer, dog liability insurance is mandatory for all dogs, in several others for listed dogs. But even where there is no obligation, we strongly recommend it — a bite injury can trigger six-figure damage sums. Details in section 8.Is a Wesenstest the same everywhere?
The basic process is similar, but the requirements and above all the *consequences* differ. In Hamburg, a passed Wesenstest can lower the dog tax. In Bavaria, a Category 2 dog escapes almost all requirements with a Negativzeugnis. In Bremen, the best Wesenstest helps you little because the system there relies on a quasi-ban. Details in section 6.Is dog tax the same everywhere?
No, and that is one of the biggest sources of confusion. Dog tax is municipal — over 10,000 German municipalities set their own rates. For "normal" dogs, the range is from 0 to over 180 euros per year; for listed dogs from 0 to 1,200 euros. City examples in section 9.Is good education enough as protection?
Education and socialization are important — they significantly lower the actual risk. But: Legal owner liability according to § 833 BGB is without fault. This means you are liable if your dog causes damage, *regardless of* how well you have educated it. Education does not replace insurance and does not replace a permit.What happens if my dog bites someone?
Immediate first aid, exchange personal details, inform insurer (usually within 7 days), and depending on severity, the police will be involved. Under criminal law, § 229 StGB can apply (negligent bodily injury). The complete incident workflow is in section 13.Can my listed dog move with me within Germany?
Basically yes, but you need a new keeping permit in the new Bundesland — old authorizations are not automatically transferred. Plan this *before* the move, not after. Details in section 11.Who actually decides if my dog is dangerous?
Two paths lead to classification. First: the breed — if your dog belongs to a breed listed in your Bundesland, danger is presumed by law. Second: the individual case — if your dog has caused an incident, the Ordnungsamt can classify it as dangerous regardless of the breed. Both paths lead to the same obligations.Do I need legal protection in addition to liability?
Not mandatory, but sensible for listed dogs. Liability pays for damage *your dog* causes. Legal protection pays for *your own* lawyer and court costs — e.g., if you want to take action against a notice from the Ordnungsamt. Important: three months waiting period, so conclude in time. Details in section 12.What does a keeping permit cost?
The permit itself is usually between 50 and 200 euros, depending on the city. In addition, there is the competence test (about 80 to 150 euros), Wesenstest (about 150 to 500 euros) and certificate of good conduct (13 euros). Details in section 7.Where can I find the exact rules for my city?
In our [Bundesländer-Deep-Dive](#) — there is one page per Bundesland with all breed lists, authorities and tax examples. For the detailed bylaw of your municipality, the website of your city administration is the most reliable source.15.2 Checklist: Before acquisition or moving
Print and scroll-friendly version. Go through the points once before you make a decision.
- In which Bundesland will you keep the dog?
- In which municipality will you live?
- Is the breed (or the presumed phenotype of a mixed breed) on the state list?
- Do you need a keeping permit? Which documents are required?
- Which insurers accept the breed at all? Have you obtained a written coverage commitment?
- Is a Wesenstest required? Which expert in your region is recognized?
- Do you need a Sachkundenachweis? Where can you take it?
- How high is the Hundesteuer in your concrete municipality — for a normal dog and for a listed dog?
- Which muzzle type is accepted in practice in your Bundesland?
- Which leash rules apply — in public space, in the forest, in parks?
- Have you informed your landlord and obtained consent in writing?
- Do you have legal expenses insurance with an administrative law module? (Note three months waiting period.)
- Have you inquired at the Ordnungsamt of your municipality whether local peculiarities apply?
15.3 Sources
Federal law
- Hundeverbringungs- und -einfuhrbeschränkungsgesetz (HundVerbrEinfG) of April 12, 2001 (BGBl. I p. 530), gesetze-im-internet.de
- Hundeverbringungs- und -einfuhrverordnung (HundVerbrEinfVO), gesetze-im-internet.de
- § 833 BGB — Liability of the animal owner (hazard liability), gesetze-im-internet.de
- § 229 StGB — Negligent bodily injury, gesetze-im-internet.de
- § 195 BGB — Regular limitation period, gesetze-im-internet.de
- Decision of the Federal Constitutional Court of March 16, 2004 (1 BvR 1778/01) on the constitutionality of the HundVerbrEinfG
EU law
- Regulation (EU) No. 576/2013 on the movement of pets, EUR-Lex
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of the Commission, applicable from April 22, 2026, EUR-Lex
State law For all 16 Bundesländer with direct links to the state dog laws and ordinances → see Bundesländer-Deep-Dive. Important reforms since 2024:
- Brandenburg — New Dog Owner Ordinance of July 1, 2024 (breed list abolished)
- Bremen — New Bremen Dog Law (BremHundeG) of June 24, 2025, in force since July 10, 2025
Municipal dog tax bylaws (examples)
- City of Stuttgart Dog Tax Bylaw 2026, stuttgart.de
- City of Cologne Dog Tax Bylaw 2026, stadt-koeln.de
- City of Leipzig Dog Tax Bylaw 2026, leipzig.de
Further city examples and direct links of all other cities → see Bundesländer-Deep-Dive
Insurance market
- Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), bafin.de
- Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv), vzbv.de
Professional classification
- Federal Chamber of Veterinarians, bundestieraerztekammer.de
- Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare (TVT), tierschutz-tvt.de
- German Animal Welfare Association, tierschutzbund.de
15.4 Note and update
This guide provides a general overview and is not legal advice. The contents reflect the research status of May 2026. For the legal situation at your place of residence, the state law, municipal bylaw and information from your responsible authority are always authoritative. In case of legal uncertainty, we recommend consulting a specialist lawyer for administrative law.
Status: May 2026 · Next planned review: Q4 2026
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