Listed dogs in Brandenburg

Breed list in Brandenburg

What applies in Brandenburg

Law

Ordnungsbehördliche Verordnung über das Halten und Führen von Hunden (Hundehalteverordnung, HundehV) vom 24. Juni 2024 ↗

Crossbreeds and mixed breeds

No breed list, therefore no special rule for crossbreeds. Dogs that were dangerous under the old law solely because of their breed are no longer considered dangerous. Importing certain breeds remains a criminal offence under federal law.

Temperament test

Dangerousness is determined by behaviour, if necessary with an expert report at the keeper's expense. On application, a temperament test at the earliest two years after the permit without incidents; if successful, the dog is no longer considered dangerous.

Permit

Yes, for dangerous dogs; apply without delay, otherwise keeping must be given up within three months. Requirements include, among other things, a legitimate interest and species-appropriate keeping. Animal shelters with a permit are exempt.

Proof of competence

Yes, a requirement for the permit; usually a theoretical and practical test with your own dog. Certain professional groups (e.g. vets, service dog handlers) are considered competent.

For all dog owners

No general dog licence (dog owner's certificate); proof of competence test only required for keepers of dangerous dogs.

Reliability and age

Being of full age and reliability are requirements for the permit; Führungszeugnis (certificate of good conduct) not older than three months. Minors may generally only walk one dog.

Liability insurance

Liability insurance in accordance with the statutory provisions is a requirement for the permit for dangerous dogs; minimum cover: unknown, no information found online. The Hundehalteverordnung (dog keeping ordinance) does not provide for a requirement for all dogs.

Lead

Dangerous dogs outside the property on a lead of no more than 2 m. For all dogs, location- and occasion-specific lead requirement (e.g. parks, stairwells, events).

Muzzle

Dangerous dogs with a muzzle outside enclosed private property. All dogs with a muzzle in administrative buildings and on public transport.

Out and about, banned places

Lead up to 2 m and muzzle outside the property. All dogs: muzzle in administrative buildings and on public transport, lead at funfairs and gatherings of people, among others; ban on playgrounds, sunbathing lawns and bathing areas.

Who may walk the dog

Only persons of full age who guarantee compliance with the ordinance. No other dog may be walked alongside a dangerous dog. Carry the permit or proof and show it on request.

Reporting duties

All dogs: notify the local örtliche Ordnungsbehörde (public order authority) of keeping without delay. Dangerous dogs additionally without delay: handing over (name, address of the new keeper), escape, death, offspring, moving house, change of place of keeping.

Moving, holidays and visits

Permits and certificates from other states should be recognised if they are essentially equivalent. For stays of up to one month, notification and permit are not required; lead and muzzle still apply.

Marking on the dog

Red, circular tag (40 mm) on the collar. Outside enclosed private property, all dogs wear a collar or harness with the keeper's name and address.

Microchip and register

All dogs over eight weeks must have a microchip; keeping must be notified to the local örtliche Ordnungsbehörde (public order authority) with the chip number. Central register: unknown, no information found online.

Bans

Breeding with dangerous dogs and placing them on the market commercially are prohibited; training dogs to be dangerous is prohibited. The ordinance does not contain a neutering requirement.

Notes

Since 1 July 2024, Brandenburg no longer has a breed list, only individual assessment based on behaviour. Dangerous dogs wear a red tag, and warning signs at the entrances are mandatory.

Dog tax in Brandenburg

• Potsdam€648 listed dog

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Frequently asked questions