Legal Basis
Police ordinance on the protection of the population against dangerous dogs in Saarland — no category classification. Last amended December 2003.
Dangerous Dogs
In Saarland, four breeds plus crossbreeds are considered dangerous:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
Additionally, a dog of any breed can be considered dangerous in individual cases if it has proven to be prone to biting, has jumped at people in an aggressive manner, or has been bred/trained for aggression.
What Owners Need
- Official permit for ownership (Haltungserlaubnis)
- Sachkundenachweis (proof of competence)
- Dog liability insurance — minimum coverage €1 million for personal injury, €500,000 for property damage
- Annual proof that insurance is in effect
- Minimum age for owners: 18 years
- A Wesenstest (temperament test) can refute the dangerous classification — in which case all requirements are waived
Insurance
Mandatory for dangerous dogs with particularly high minimum coverage (€1 million for personal injury).
Everyday Rules
- Leash and muzzle requirement outside of one's own property
- Ban on breeding, propagation, and trade
- Exemptions possible after a successful Wesenstest
Hundesteuer (Dog Tax) Examples
| City | First Dog | Dangerous Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Saarbrücken | 120 € | 720 € |
| Neunkirchen | 96 € | 540 € |
| Homburg | 102 € | 510 € |
| Völklingen | 90 € | 540 € |
Contacts
Local regulatory authority · Saarland Veterinary Chamber