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Dog license Germany: Latest State of Discussions [July 2026]
Bremen is getting serious: Since July 1, 2026, a general dog license Germany requirement has been in effect in Germany's smallest federal state for all new dog owners. This once again brings a topic into focus that has divided dog owners, breeders, and politicians for years. While some celebrate the mandatory proof of competence as a long-overdue step toward more safety and animal welfare, others see it as an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle. But what does the current legal situation actually mean for you as a (future) dog owner or breeder? An overview of the patchwork quilt of German dog laws in the summer of 2026.
Bremen follows suit: The new legal situation as of July 2026
The most important innovation this year concerns the northwest of the republic. Anyone getting a dog in Bremen from July 1, 2026, onwards cannot avoid the so-called proof of competence—colloquially called the dog license. The regulation applies to all breeds and sizes without exception. The Bremen model stipulates that the theoretical examination must be successfully completed before taking on the dog. The practical examination then follows within the first year of dog ownership.
For you as a dog owner, this means: impulsive purchases are made more difficult. You must thoroughly familiarize yourself with the needs of your future companion, legal frameworks, and learning theories in advance. Those who had already registered a dog in Bremen before the cut-off date enjoy grandfathering rights and do not have to take the exam for that animal. However, when acquiring a new or second dog, the requirement applies to every single animal, as authorities argue that each animal has its own character and must be handled individually.
Lower Saxony as a pioneer and the North Rhine-Westphalia model
With its move, Bremen is heavily orienting itself toward its neighbor. Lower Saxony is considered a pioneer regarding the dog license and introduced it comprehensively for all first-time dog owners back in July 2013. After more than a decade, the experiences there are predominantly positive: authorities report more sensitized owners and high acceptance among the population.
In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), however, the well-known 20/40 rule remains in effect. Here, the proof of competence is mandatory if your dog reaches a shoulder height of at least 40 centimeters or a weight of at least 20 kilograms when fully grown. In NRW, the exam can often be taken easily with certified veterinarians. Expanding this to all dogs, regardless of their size, is regularly discussed in NRW state politics but had not yet been translated into specific law as of July 2026.
The patchwork quilt: How other federal states operate
If you don't live in Bremen, Lower Saxony, or NRW, your obligations depend heavily on the breed of your dog and your place of residence. In almost all other federal states, proof of competence is mandatory if you want to keep a so-called restricted breed (often referred to as a "fighting dog").
But even without a legal requirement, the dog license can be worth it for you. In cities like Berlin or Hamburg, successfully passing the exam serves as a ticket for leash exemption. Those who have the license are allowed to let their dog run free in certain public areas. In addition, many municipalities nationwide entice owners with financial incentives: A passed dog license can earn you a reduction in annual dog tax. In Hamburg, for example, owners of restricted breeds pay the normal tax rate instead of the heavily increased restricted breed rate after passing a temperament test.
Legal implications for dog breeders
The tightening of laws, particularly through the current move in Bremen, not only affects buyers but also places greater responsibility on breeders. If you sell puppies as a breeder to federal states where the theory exam is mandatory before acquisition, you must adjust your handover processes.
Reputable breeders now insist on seeing the certificate of the passed theory exam before they finalize the purchase contract or hand over the puppy. If you do not do this as a breeder, you are not necessarily breaking the law, but you risk the buyer having to give up the dog during an official check—which inevitably reflects back on you and your kennel. It is therefore advisable to point out regional obligations to prospective buyers at the very first point of contact. You can find a good overview of the character traits and requirements of different breeds, which are also often covered in theoretical exams, in our comprehensive breed overview.
What is required of you in the exam
Regardless of whether you are doing the license voluntarily or are legally required to do so: the content is demanding but absolutely manageable with good preparation. The theoretical part, which is usually taken as a multiple-choice test, covers topics such as:
- Body language and communication: How does a dog show stress, fear, or aggression?
- Learning theory and training: How do I build signals positively, and what does basic obedience mean?
- Health and care: Which vaccinations are important? How do I recognize parasites?
- Law and everyday life: Where does a leash requirement apply? How do I behave when encountering joggers or riders?
In the practical part, you and your dog must prove that you are a good team. The examiner observes you in low-distraction areas and in urban bustle. Does the recall work? Can the dog be led relaxed on the leash, even when another dog crosses? Does the owner show proactive behavior? For optimal preparation, we recommend taking a look at our guides in the HonestDog Education Center.
Conclusion: A nationwide dog license is approaching
The introduction of the general requirement in Bremen in July 2026 clearly shows the direction in which German dog policy is moving. The call for a nationwide uniform regulation is becoming louder to clear up the current legal jungle. For you as a dog owner, this means: knowledge never hurts. Even if you live in a federal state that does not (yet) mandate a general requirement, preparing for a proof of competence is a valuable investment in the relationship with your dog and in the safety of your environment.
At HonestDog, we are at your side as a trustworthy platform. Whether you want to inform yourself about the legal framework, are looking for the right breeder, or need tips for dog training—we accompany you on the path to a responsible and happy life as a dog owner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 2026 dog license
How much does the dog license cost?
The costs consist of several components and vary depending on the federal state and examiner. For the theory exam alone, you should expect between 40 and 80 euros. The practical exam usually costs an additional 70 to 120 euros. If you take a preparatory course in a recognized dog school beforehand, the total costs may be correspondingly higher. A good overview of recognized testing centers is provided, for example, by the North Rhine Veterinary Chamber for NRW.
I've had my dog for years. Do I have to take the exam in Bremen now?
No. The law that came into force in Bremen on July 1, 2026, contains a cut-off date regulation. If you had already taken your dog into your home before this date, grandfathering applies to this animal and you do not need a dog license. Only when you acquire a new dog do you have to prove your competence.
What happens if I fail the exam?
Don't panic, you are allowed to retake the exam. If you fail the theory, you can take it again after a short study break. It is only important that in federal states with an acquisition requirement (such as Lower Saxony and Bremen), you do not bring the dog home until you have passed the theory. If you fail the practical part, the authorities usually grant you a deadline to continue training and retake the exam. Detailed legal requirements and exemptions can be found directly from official sources, such as the Bremen Interior Department.