Listed dogs in Baden-Württemberg

Breed list in Baden-Württemberg

Special rules apply to these breeds in Baden-Württemberg. That says something about the breed, not about your dog.

What applies in Baden-Württemberg

Law

Polizeiverordnung über das Halten gefährlicher Hunde vom 3. August 2000 (GBl. S. 574) ↗

Crossbreeds and mixed breeds

Crossbreeds of the three presumed breeds with each other or with other dogs are also treated as fighting dogs (rebuttable). Crossbreeds of the nine further breeds only if increased aggressiveness has been established.

Temperament test

For the three breeds, fighting dog status can be rebutted by a behaviour test (vet and police dog handler); after that, the muzzle requirement no longer applies. The nine further breeds are only treated as fighting dogs after testing and an official finding.

Permit

Yes. Keeping a fighting dog older than six months requires a permit from the Ortspolizeibehörde (local police authority). Requirements include, among other things, a legitimate interest.

Proof of competence

Yes, a requirement for the permit. According to the Verwaltungsvorschrift (administrative regulation), proof is provided by a theoretical and practical test; it only applies to the dog with which the test was taken.

For all dog owners

State law only regulates fighting dogs and dangerous dogs; a dog licence (dog owner's certificate) for all dogs is not provided for there. Proof of competence is a requirement for the permit for fighting dogs.

Reliability and age

Reliability is a requirement for the permit; a Führungszeugnis (certificate of good conduct) must be submitted. Minors are generally not considered reliable; persons to whom the dog is handed over for walking must be of full age.

Liability insurance

Permit generally depends on proof of liability insurance; minimum cover: unknown, no information found online. State law only regulates dangerous dogs; a requirement for all dogs is not provided for there.

Lead

Fighting dogs, dangerous dogs and dogs of all twelve listed breeds must be kept on a lead outside enclosed private property, with a marked collar.

Muzzle

Fighting dogs over six months and dangerous dogs wear a bite-proof muzzle outside enclosed private property; this no longer applies after passing the behaviour test.

Out and about, banned places

Lead and muzzle outside enclosed private property. Short lead on pavements, no more than 2 m when people or animals are nearby. State law does not name specific bans for playgrounds, schools or public transport.

Who may walk the dog

Only persons of full age who are physically suitable, competent and as reliable as the keeper, and who are not noticeably under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication. Walk the dog on its own and carry a certified copy of the permit or certificate.

Reporting duties

Report to the Ortspolizeibehörde (local police authority) without delay: handing over the dog (with name and address of the new keeper), loss and moving house; when moving, to both the old and the new authority. Reporting requirement in case of death or a biting incident: unknown, no information found online.

Moving, holidays and visits

Without a residence in BW or for stays of up to three months, no permit is required, but lead and muzzle rules also apply to holiday and transit travel. When moving there, a permit is required; tests from other states may be recognised.

Marking on the dog

Regardless of age, the collar must carry identification through which the keeper can be traced. Dangerous dogs must additionally be permanently identified (microchip or legible tattoo).

Microchip and register

Permanent, unalterable identification (ISO microchip or legible tattoo) is a requirement for the permit. Register and microchip requirement for all dogs: unknown, no information found online.

Bans

Fighting dogs may not be bred or crossbred and must be permanently sterilised (proof to the authority). Training to increase aggressiveness is not permitted for these dogs. Trade: unknown, no information found online.

Tax

According to the state portal (City of Heidelberg page), the municipality of residence may levy a higher dog tax for certain breeds, such as fighting dogs.

Notes

Baden-Württemberg distinguishes between fighting dogs (breed) and dangerous dogs (behaviour, e.g. biting incidents). A certified copy of the permit or certificate must be carried when walking the dog.

Dog tax in Baden-Württemberg

• Stuttgart€816 listed dog
• Mannheim€744 listed dog
• Karlsruhelisted dog: unknown
• Freiburg im Breisgaunot higher

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Frequently asked questions