Listed dogs in Rhineland-Palatinate

Breed list in Rhineland-Palatinate

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

What applies in Rhineland-Palatinate

Law

Landesgesetz über gefährliche Hunde (LHundG) vom 22. Dezember 2004 (GVBl. S. 576) ↗

Crossbreeds and mixed breeds

Dogs descended from one of these breeds or this type are also dangerous dogs (§ 1 para. 2).

Temperament test

The law does not provide for rebutting the breed classification through a temperament test. In individual cases, the authority can grant exemption from the muzzle requirement if no danger is to be expected (§ 5 para. 5).

Permit

Yes, a permit from the Ordnungsbehörde (public order authority) is required (§ 3). Requirements include, among other things, a legitimate interest in keeping the dog.

Proof of competence

Yes, certificate of a passed proof of competence test from a body designated by the Landestierärztekammer (state veterinary chamber); only valid with the tested dog (§ 3 para. 2).

For all dog owners

No, the LHundG (state dog act) only regulates dangerous dogs; a general dog licence (dog owner's certificate) is not provided for in it.

Reliability and age

Minimum age 18. Reliability required; the authority obtains an unrestricted extract from the Bundeszentralregister (Federal Central Criminal Register) and a statement from the police (§ 3 para. 3 and 4).

Liability insurance

Mandatory for dangerous dogs: at least €500,000 for personal injury, €250,000 for other damage (§ 4 para. 2). Not regulated for all dogs in the LHundG.

Lead

Yes, outside enclosed private property and in communal areas of apartment buildings; handler at least 18 years old, only one dangerous dog per person (§ 5).

Muzzle

Yes, bite-proof muzzle in the same areas (§ 5 para. 4); exemption possible by the authority in individual cases.

Out and about, banned places

Lead and bite-proof muzzle outside enclosed private property and in communal areas of apartment buildings (§ 5). Specific bans for playgrounds, swimming pools or public transport: unknown, no information found online.

Who may walk the dog

Only persons aged 18 or over may walk the dog; two dangerous dogs may not be walked at the same time (§ 5). Requirement to carry the permit or certificate: unknown, no information found online.

Reporting duties

Report a change of residence without delay to the authority at the new place of residence; report a change of keeper and loss without delay. Handing the dog over to someone else for more than 4 weeks must be reported at least 3 weeks in advance, with the name and address of the carer.

Moving, holidays and visits

Anyone moving from another federal state with a legally kept dangerous dog generally has a legitimate interest; the permit is still required. Holiday or visit: unknown, no information found online.

Marking on the dog

A chip with a veterinary certificate is required (§ 4 para. 3). External identification on the dog: unknown, no information found online.

Microchip and register

Dangerous dogs: electronically readable chip implanted by a vet, proof by certificate (§ 4 para. 3). According to the City of Worms, the ADD (state supervisory authority) keeps a chip identification file.

Bans

Breeding, reproduction and trade in dangerous dogs are prohibited. The authority should order sterilisation if dangerous offspring are likely (§ 2); application forms require proof of castration.

Notes

Breed classification applies by law with no temperament test way out. In addition, a legitimate interest in keeping the dog must be demonstrated.

Dog tax in Rhineland-Palatinate

• Mainz€600 listed dog
• Ludwigshafen am Rhein€840 listed dog

All states compared →

Frequently asked questions