Listed dogs in Berlin

Breed list in Berlin

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

What applies in Berlin

Law

Gesetz über das Halten und Führen von Hunden in Berlin (Hundegesetz, HundeG) vom 7. Juli 2016 und Verordnung zur Bestimmung gefährlicher Hunde ↗

Crossbreeds and mixed breeds

Crossbreeds of the three breeds with each other or with other dogs are considered dangerous. The phenotype is decisive; on application, an expert report can establish that the dog does not belong to any listed breed or crossbreed.

Temperament test

Mandatory for all dangerous dogs (proof within eight weeks, for young dogs up to four weeks after the 15th month of life). Does not exempt listed dogs from the classification or from the muzzle requirement.

Permit

No permit in the strict sense: notification to the Ordnungsamt (local public order office) without delay, followed by proof and a tag. The authority can prohibit keeping the dog.

Proof of competence

Yes, proof of competence must be provided within eight weeks of notification; test with recognised experts.

For all dog owners

No mandatory dog licence (dog owner's certificate) for all. The certificate of competence is voluntary and only needed for exemption from the general lead requirement.

Reliability and age

Keeping and walking only from age 18, with reliability, suitability and competence. A Führungszeugnis für Behörden (certificate of good conduct for authorities) must be applied for within three weeks of notification.

Liability insurance

Mandatory for all dogs from the start of keeping, at least €1 million per insured event, excess no more than €500 per year.

Lead

Outside the escape-proof property, a tear-resistant lead of no more than 2 m; in hallways, public transport and pedestrian zones no more than 1 m. In dog exercise areas, off the lead under certain conditions (including a muzzle).

Muzzle

From the seventh month of life, a bite-proof muzzle outside the escape-proof property; exceptions only for veterinary reasons and for the temperament test.

Out and about, banned places

Muzzle and tear-resistant lead up to 2 m, in public transport, stations, pedestrian zones and commercial buildings no more than 1 m. Prohibited for all dogs: children's playgrounds, swimming pools, bathing areas, designated sunbathing lawns.

Who may walk the dog

Only persons aged 18 or over with reliability, suitability and competence. According to the law, no more than two dangerous dogs at the same time, in a group of no more than four dogs. Carry the notification certificate until the tag is issued.

Reporting duties

Notify the Ordnungsamt (local public order office) of keeping the dog without delay, apply for a Führungszeugnis (certificate of good conduct) within three weeks, provide proof of competence, liability insurance and temperament test within eight weeks. Report moving house, end of keeping and death without delay.

Moving, holidays and visits

The law applies to all dogs kept or walked in Berlin, so on moving there, notification as above. Official certificates of competence from other states are recognised. Visitors need liability insurance of at least €1 million.

Marking on the dog

Green tag issued by the authority on the collar or chest harness as soon as the dog is walked outside the escape-proof property (in apartment buildings, outside the flat).

Microchip and register

All dogs from the third month of life must have a microchip; registration in the central Hunderegister Berlin (Berlin dog register) is mandatory (other pet registers do not replace it).

Bans

Breeding, reproduction and handing over of dangerous dogs are prohibited (handing over to and by animal shelters excepted). The authority can order sterilisation in individual cases.

Tax

Since 01.01.2024, registration or deregistration in the dog register also counts as registration or deregistration for tax purposes with the Finanzamt (tax office).

Notes

Dangerous dogs wear a tag on the collar, and a warning sign is required at every entrance to the property. A dog can also be classified as dangerous after a biting incident or because of its behaviour.

Dog tax in Berlin

• Berlinnot higher

All states compared →

Frequently asked questions