Legal Basis
Act for the Protection of the Population against Dangerous Dogs (GefHundG Sachsen) — no category classification. One of the shortest breed lists in Germany.
Dangerous Dogs
In Saxony, only three breeds are considered dangerous by law:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Bull Terrier
Note: **Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not on the list in Saxony** — a Saxon peculiarity that differs from most other Bundesländer.
— plus crossbreeds.
Additionally, a dog of any breed can be classified as dangerous on a case-by-case basis.
What owners need
- Haltungserlaubnis from the regulatory authority
- Sachkundenachweis
- Dog liability insurance
- Microchip identification
- Wesenstest possible to refute the presumption of danger
Insurance
Mandatory for owners of dangerous dogs.
Everyday rules
- Leash and muzzle requirement outside of one's own property
- Muzzle requirement in communal areas and stairwells in apartment buildings
- Only one dangerous dog per owner at a time
- Prohibition of access to playgrounds
Hundesteuer examples
| City | First dog | Dangerous dog |
|---|---|---|
| Dresden | 110 € | 660 € |
| Leipzig (since 2026) | 150 € | 150 € (flat rate; no surcharge for listed dogs — deliberate decision) |
| Chemnitz | 100 € | 750 € |
| Zwickau | 96 € | 540 € |
Leipzig peculiarity: During the 2026 Hundesteuer reform, the city council explicitly decided against a surcharge for listed dogs, arguing that extreme taxes would make many animals permanent residents in animal shelters. With microchip proof, the rate drops to 120 €.
Contacts
Local regulatory authority · Saxon Chamber of Veterinarians