Listed dogs in Hamburg

Breed list in Hamburg

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

What applies in Hamburg

Law

Hamburgisches Gesetz über das Halten und Führen von Hunden (Hundegesetz, HundeG) vom 26. Januar 2006 ↗

Crossbreeds and mixed breeds

Crossbreeds with each other or with other dogs count as the breed (§ 2 para. 1 and 3). In case of doubt, the keeper must prove that the dog is not of the breed or a crossbreed (§ 2 para. 4).

Temperament test

For breeds under § 2 para. 3: a passed temperament test allows exemption from §§ 14 to 17 (§ 18), only for a limited period under 15 months. For § 2 para. 1 breeds no exemption; dangerousness is always presumed.

Permit

Yes. Keeping dangerous dogs is prohibited in principle; a permit is required before keeping begins; a special interest must be credibly demonstrated (§§ 14, 15).

Proof of competence

Attending a dog school recognised by the authority is a requirement for the permit (§ 15).

For all dog owners

No requirement for all keepers. A voluntary obedience test exempts the dog from the general lead requirement (§§ 4, 9).

Reliability and age

Reliability required; a Führungszeugnis (certificate of good conduct) must be submitted (§ 16). Minors are generally considered unreliable (§ 16 para. 1 no. 5).

Liability insurance

Mandatory for all dogs since 1 January 2007 (§ 12), at least €1 million for personal injury and other damage, excess no more than €500.

Lead

Dangerous dogs on a tear-resistant lead outside enclosed private property, in the cases of § 8 para. 2 nos. 3 and 4 no more than 2 m (§ 17). In general, a lead requirement applies to all dogs in Hamburg.

Muzzle

Yes, outside your own enclosed private property a muzzle that prevents biting (§ 17). Warning sign at the entrance to the property or flat.

Out and about, banned places

Dangerous dogs with muzzle and lead everywhere, including in exercise areas. Lead no more than 2 m in pedestrian zones, shopping centres, at gatherings of people, near schools and playgrounds. No dogs on playgrounds, at weekly markets or funfairs such as the DOM.

Who may walk the dog

Only hand the dog over to suitable, reliable persons who can hold it securely. One person may not walk several dangerous dogs at the same time. Carry the original permit or application certificate or exemption (§§ 14, 17, 18).

Reporting duties

Registration in the dog register within two weeks of keeping beginning, puppies from three months. Report a move within Hamburg within two weeks. Also report death, handing over and change of insurer (§ 13).

Moving, holidays and visits

Anyone keeping the dog in Hamburg for no more than two months is exempt from microchip, insurance, registration and permit requirements (§ 22 para. 3); muzzle and lead still apply. When moving there, a permit is required before keeping begins (§ 14).

Marking on the dog

No tag required; identification by microchip. Dangerous dogs wear a collar or chest harness outside; a warning sign at every entrance to the property or flat (§ 17).

Microchip and register

Microchip and liability insurance are requirements for registration in the central Hunderegister (dog register); register within two weeks of keeping beginning, puppies from three months (§§ 11, 13, 24).

Bans

Breeding ban and ban on commercial trade in dangerous dogs (§ 21). Surgical castration is a requirement for the permit (§ 15).

Tax

Dog tax for dangerous dogs €600 instead of €90, from 1 January 2027 €900 instead of €120. Exception: § 2 para. 1 dogs from an animal shelter that were found in Hamburg or placed there by the city pay the standard rate.

Notes

Two categories: four breeds are always considered dangerous, eleven further breeds until a temperament test is passed. Liability insurance, microchip and register apply to every dog.

Dog tax in Hamburg

• Hamburg€600 listed dog

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Frequently asked questions