Listed dogs: rules by state
Which dogs count as listed dogs where, and what do you need to know? All 16 German states plus Vienna, Styria, Zurich and Basel, with a check and sources.
What applies to your dog
A listed dog is not automatically dangerous
The breed lists refer to the breed, not to how your dog behaves. 5 of the 16 German states no longer have a breed list at all and only assess the behaviour of the individual dog. In several other states a temperament test can show that your dog is unremarkable and ease the requirements. That is why it pays to know the rules of your state.
All regions at a glance
| Region | Breed list | Listed breeds |
|---|---|---|
| Baden-WürttembergDE | yes | 12 breeds |
| BavariaDE | yes | 19 breeds |
| BerlinDE | yes | 3 breeds |
| BrandenburgDE | none | behaviour in the individual case only |
| BremenDE | yes | 4 breeds |
| HamburgDE | yes | 15 breeds |
| HesseDE | yes | 9 breeds |
| Mecklenburg-Western PomeraniaDE | none | behaviour in the individual case only |
| Lower SaxonyDE | none | behaviour in the individual case only |
| North Rhine-WestphaliaDE | yes | 14 breeds |
| Rhineland-PalatinateDE | yes | 3 breeds |
| SaarlandDE | yes | 3 breeds |
| SaxonyDE | yes | 3 breeds |
| Saxony-AnhaltDE | yes | 4 breeds |
| Schleswig-HolsteinDE | none | behaviour in the individual case only |
| ThuringiaDE | none | behaviour in the individual case only |
| ViennaAT | yes | 12 breeds |
| StyriaAT | none | behaviour in the individual case only |
| Canton of ZurichCH | yes | 14 breeds |
| Canton of Basel-StadtCH | yes | 10 breeds |
Taking your dog on the train
Company rule: dogs without a transport box must be kept on a lead on the train and wear a muzzle. Guide and assistance dogs without a muzzle. Larger dogs pay half the fare. DB does not name special rules for listed dogs. Source ↗
Company rule: dogs must be secured with a muzzle and lead on the train and need a ticket (10 percent of the full fare, at least €2). Assistance dogs without a muzzle. ÖBB does not name special rules for listed dogs. Source ↗
Company rule or Tarif 600 (tariff 600): dogs on a lead in vehicles and at stops, no muzzle requirement in the tariff. Half price 2nd class or dog day pass; up to 30 cm free in a container. SBB does not name special rules for listed dogs. Source ↗
These are rules of the rail companies, not laws. Regional transport operators may have their own rules.
⚖️ Not legal advice. We summarise laws and official websites and link to them. Only the current legal text is binding. Last checked: 23 Oct 2026. Anything we could not verify is marked as „unknown“. If in doubt, ask the local Ordnungsamt (public order office).
Well equipped on the go. And saving money.
Coupons from 115 shops for harnesses, muzzles, food and more.
Frequently asked questions
What is a listed dog?
A dog of a breed that a German state names in a breed list. Stricter rules apply to these dogs there, such as a permit, temperament test, lead or muzzle. Each state decides which breeds are listed.
Is a listed dog automatically dangerous?
No. The lists refer to the breed, not to how your dog behaves. 5 German states have no breed list at all and only look at behaviour. In several states a temperament test can show that your dog is unremarkable.
Which German states have no breed list?
According to our research: Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia. There a dog only counts as dangerous if it has attracted attention in an individual case.
Can I move or travel with a listed dog?
Within Germany the rules of your new place of residence apply, so check them before moving. Bringing Pitbull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bullterrier and Bullterrier into Germany is banned nationwide, with few exceptions.
Is this legal advice?
No. We summarise laws and official websites and link to them. Only the current legal text is binding. If in doubt, ask the local Ordnungsamt (public order office).
Sources and method
- 📚HundVerbrEinfG (gesetze-im-internet.de) Open source ↗
- 📚§ 2 HundVerbrEinfVO (gesetze-im-internet.de) Open source ↗
- 📚§ 143 StGB (repealed) Open source ↗
- 📚Parlament Österreich (Austrian Parliament): Motion for a resolution 169/A(E) XXVII. GP, uniform rules for keeping dogs Open source ↗
- 📚Canton of Basel-Stadt: Dogs, general rules Open source ↗
- 📚State laws and official websites of each region, linked on every region page
