Legal Basis
Hessian Ordinance on the Prevention of Dangers from Keeping and Handling Dogs (HundeVO) — no categorisation.
Dangerous Dogs
In Hesse, nine breeds plus their crossbreeds are considered dangerous:
- Pitbull Terrier / American Pitbull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier / Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Dogo Argentino
- Kangal (Karabash)
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- Rottweiler
Additionally, a dog of any breed can be classified as dangerous by the authorities (potentially dangerous dogs of other breeds).
What owners need
- Permit requirement for listed dogs
- Sachkundenachweis (proof of competence) for the owner (costs approximately 250 € in total)
- Wesenstest (temperament test) possible to refute the presumption of dangerousness
- Hundehaftpflichtversicherung (dog liability insurance)
- Minimum age of owner: 18 years
- Owner must be physically and mentally capable of handling the dog safely
Insurance
Mandatory for owners of dangerous dogs.
Everyday rules
- Leash requirement outside of private property (max. 2-metre leash length)
- Muzzle requirement for listed dogs
- Only owners with a Sachkundenachweis and over 18 years of age may handle listed dogs
- Individual dogs must be walked individually
- Exceptions for guide dogs, assistance dogs for the disabled, disaster relief dogs, and rescue dogs
Hundesteuer examples
| City | First dog | Dangerous dog |
|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt am Main | 102 € | 900 € (reduction possible with Wesenstest) |
| Wiesbaden | 186 € | 1,116 € |
| Kassel | 144 € | 864 € |
| Darmstadt | 132 € | 660 € |
Contact points
Local public order office · Hessian Chamber of Veterinarians · Hessian Ministry of the Interior