Listed dogs in Bremen

Breed list in Bremen

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

What applies in Bremen

Law

Bremisches Gesetz über das Halten von Hunden (BremHundeG) vom 24. Juni 2025 ↗

Crossbreeds and mixed breeds

Crossbreeds of the four breeds with each other or with other dogs are included. Indicators of a crossbreed are appearance, body size, weight and bite force.

Temperament test

Mandatory for dangerous dogs, carried out by approved bodies. For listed dogs, a passed temperament test is a requirement for an exemption permit; whether it exempts the dog from the classification: unknown, no information found online.

Permit

Keeping listed dogs is prohibited in principle, only possible with an exemption permit before keeping begins. For dogs that are dangerous due to their behaviour, a permit is required.

Proof of competence

Yes, a passed practical proof of competence test with the dog is a requirement for the permit.

For all dog owners

Yes, since 1 July 2026 proof of competence is mandatory for all keepers: theory before keeping begins, practical part in the first year of keeping. Anyone who started before 1 July 2026 only needs to take the test for dangerous or listed dogs (by 30 June 2028).

Reliability and age

Minimum age 18, reliability and personal suitability. Usually considered unreliable after an intentional criminal offence with more than 90 daily rates in the last five years.

Liability insurance

Mandatory for all dogs from the start of keeping: at least €500,000 for personal injury and €250,000 for property damage.

Lead

Dangerous dogs on a lead outside escape-proof properties. For all dogs, lead requirement at certain places (including pedestrian zones, parks, apartment buildings, public transport).

Muzzle

Dangerous dogs outside escape-proof properties with a bite-proof, animal-welfare-compliant muzzle; on application, the authority can lift the requirement fully or partly.

Out and about, banned places

Lead and bite-proof muzzle outside escape-proof properties. All dogs: lead on public transport, in pedestrian zones, at markets, funfairs and gatherings of people, among others; children's playgrounds prohibited.

Who may walk the dog

The keeper personally or an authorised person with an official certificate (aged 18 or over, reliable, suitable, practical proof of competence test). Carry the permit and, if applicable, the certificate outside the property.

Reporting duties

Registration without delay after keeping begins, permit application without delay after dangerousness has been established, when handing over the dog name and address of the new keeper. Deadlines for moving house, death or a biting incident: unknown, no information found online.

Moving, holidays and visits

Listed dogs only with an exemption permit before keeping begins. Dogs classified as dangerous elsewhere must be reported without delay. Short visit of up to one day or transit: notify the Ortspolizeibehörde (local police authority) in advance.

Marking on the dog

The law does not prescribe a tag or special collar; a microchip is mandatory.

Microchip and register

All dogs must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785) by the end of the third month of life, at the latest before first being passed on; registration without delay in a recognised pet register.

Bans

For listed dogs, breeding, reproduction and trade are prohibited, as are unauthorised selling, handing over, acquiring or arranging placement (animal shelters excepted). Neutering requirement: unknown, no information found online.

Notes

The new law has applied since 10 July 2025 and replaces the Hundegesetz of 2001. Short stays with listed dogs permitted in another state (no more than one day or transit) are possible after prior notification.

Dog tax in Bremen

• Bremenlisted dog: unknown

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Frequently asked questions