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Listed dogs in North Rhine-Westphalia

Which breeds are on the list in North Rhine-Westphalia, whether a temperament test helps and what applies to permits, leads, muzzles and insurance.

📜 From laws and official websites🔄 Checked on 23 Oct 2026🔒 No sign-up

1Where does your dog live?

2Which breed?

For mixed breeds it often matters whether a listed breed is recognisably involved. Each state handles this differently.

What applies to your dog

A listed dog is not automatically dangerous

The breed lists refer to the breed, not to how your dog behaves. 5 of the 16 German states no longer have a breed list at all and only assess the behaviour of the individual dog. In several other states a temperament test can show that your dog is unremarkable and ease the requirements. That is why it pays to know the rules of your state.

Breed list in North Rhine-Westphalia

Special rules apply to these breeds in North Rhine-Westphalia. That says something about the breed, not about your dog.

List 1 · 4 breeds

Dangerous dogs (§ 3 para. 2)

  • Pittbull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • Staffordshire Bullterrier
  • Bullterrier
List 2 · 10 breeds

Dogs of certain breeds with conditions (§ 10)

  • Alano
  • American Bulldog
  • Bullmastiff
  • Mastiff
  • Mastino Espanol
  • Mastino Napoletano
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Rottweiler
  • Tosa Inu

What applies in North Rhine-Westphalia

Crossbreeds and mixed breeds
Crossbreeds are included if the phenotype of a listed breed is clearly apparent; in case of doubt, the keeper must prove that the dog is not a crossbreed (§ 3 para. 2, § 10).
Temperament test
A behaviour test can exempt the dog from the lead and muzzle requirement (§ 5 para. 3), also for § 10 dogs (§ 10 para. 2). The law does not provide for exemption from the classification.
Permit
Yes, for dangerous dogs (§ 4) and § 10 dogs. For § 3 para. 2 breeds, a special private or public interest is additionally required (§ 4 para. 2).
Proof of competence
Yes, for dangerous and § 10 dogs (§ 6), also for large dogs (§ 11). Certificate issued by designated vets or recognised experts, among others.
For all dog owners
No general dog licence (dog owner's certificate); proof of competence only for dangerous, § 10 and large dogs (from 40 cm or 20 kg).
Reliability and age
Minimum age 18, reliability, Führungszeugnis (certificate of good conduct) (§§ 4, 7).
Liability insurance
Mandatory for dangerous, § 10 and large dogs, at least €500,000 for personal injury and €250,000 for other damage (§ 5 para. 5, § 11 para. 2).
Lead
Dangerous and § 10 dogs on a lead outside enclosed private property and in hallways, stairwells and access paths of apartment buildings (§ 5); large dogs on a lead within built-up areas (§ 11 para. 6).
Muzzle
Yes, for dangerous and § 10 dogs in the same areas as the lead requirement, except for dogs up to six months (§ 5).
Out and about, banned places
Dangerous dogs with lead and muzzle outside the property, including in hallways, lifts and stairwells (§ 5). All dogs on a lead in pedestrian zones, enclosed green spaces including playgrounds, at funfairs, in schools and nurseries (§ 2).
Who may walk the dog
Accompanying persons aged 18 or over with competence and reliability who can hold the dog securely. Only one dangerous dog per person (§ 5 para. 4). Carry the permit or a copy (§ 4 para. 6). Do not walk the dog after increased alcohol consumption (VV No. 5.4.1).
Reporting duties
Keeping, acquisition, handing over, moving house, moving away, loss and death must be notified; on a change of keeper, name and address of the new keeper (§ 8). The law does not set a deadline. Inform buyers of the dog's dangerousness.
Moving, holidays and visits
Permits and proof of competence from other states should be recognised if they are equivalent (§ 14). Without a residence in NRW and only there temporarily: no permit required, but lead, muzzle and walking rules apply (VV No. 4.1.1).
Marking on the dog
No external identification required; a microchip is mandatory, and a tattoo does not replace it (§ 4 para. 7, VV No. 4.6).
Microchip and register
Microchip mandatory for dangerous, § 10 and large dogs (§ 4, § 11 para. 2); keeping must be notified to the örtliche Ordnungsbehörde (local public order authority) (§§ 8, 11).
Bans
Breeding, crossbreeding and trade in dangerous dogs within the meaning of § 3 para. 3 are prohibited; mating must be prevented; the authority can order sterilisation (§ 9).
Notes
In addition to listed dogs, there are § 10 breeds with similar conditions and large dogs from 40 cm height at the withers or 20 kg, which are subject to notification, proof of competence, microchip and insurance requirements.

Taking your dog on the train

Deutsche Bahn

Company rule: dogs without a transport box must be kept on a lead on the train and wear a muzzle. Guide and assistance dogs without a muzzle. Larger dogs pay half the fare. DB does not name special rules for listed dogs. Source ↗

These are rules of the rail companies, not laws. Regional transport operators may have their own rules.

Nationwide in Germany: Importing and bringing into Germany is prohibited. Further breeds are prohibited if the state law at the place of keeping presumes their dangerousness. Penalty: imprisonment of up to two years or a fine; attempt is punishable. The ban also applies to crossbreeds of these breeds with each other or with other dogs (§ 2 para. 1 HundVerbrEinfG). Law ↗

Dog tax in North Rhine-Westphalia

All states compared →

⚖️ Not legal advice. We summarise laws and official websites and link to them. Only the current legal text is binding. Last checked: 23 Oct 2026. Anything we could not verify is marked as „unknown“. If in doubt, ask the local Ordnungsamt (public order office).

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Frequently asked questions

Which dogs are listed dogs in North Rhine-Westphalia?

The list includes: Pittbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bullterrier, Bullterrier, Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Mastiff, Mastino Espanol, Mastino Napoletano, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu. Details and crossbreeds are shown above.

Is a listed dog in North Rhine-Westphalia automatically dangerous?

Not in terms of its behaviour: the list refers to the breed. On the temperament test: A behaviour test can exempt the dog from the lead and muzzle requirement (§ 5 para. 3), also for § 10 dogs (§ 10 para. 2). The law does not provide for exemption from the classification.

Do I need liability insurance in North Rhine-Westphalia?

Mandatory for dangerous, § 10 and large dogs, at least €500,000 for personal injury and €250,000 for other damage (§ 5 para. 5, § 11 para. 2).

Sources and method

Researched by Vanessa, founder of Promo Codes for Pets, together with Flicky. Last checked: 23 Oct 2026.
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