Listed dogs in Saxony
Which breeds are on the list in Saxony, whether a temperament test helps and what applies to permits, leads, muzzles and insurance.
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 Saxony
Special rules apply to these breeds in Saxony. That says something about the breed, not about your dog.
Breeds on the list
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Bullterrier
- Pitbull Terrier
What applies in Saxony
- Crossbreeds and mixed breeds
- Crossbreeds of these breeds with each other are also considered dangerous (§ 1 para. 1 DVOGefHundG). Puppies and young dogs up to 6 months are exempt.
- Temperament test
- The presumption is rebuttable: application to the Kreispolizeibehörde (district police authority) with an expert report (standardised temperament analysis) by a publicly appointed expert. Only applies to the keeper; after a change of keeper, a new one within 1 year.
- Permit
- Yes, permit from the Kreispolizeibehörde (district police authority) (§ 5 para. 1 GefHundG).
- Proof of competence
- Yes, test with a theoretical (oral) and practical part; proof also possible through professional work with dogs (§ 8 GefHundG, §§ 4, 5 DVO).
- For all dog owners
- No, the GefHundG (Saxony dangerous dogs 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. Unreliable, among other things, in the case of certain convictions within 5 years, addiction or legal guardianship (§ 9).
- Liability insurance
- For dangerous dogs, special liability insurance must be proven. Minimum cover: unknown, no information found online.
- Lead
- Yes, outside securely enclosed properties and in stairwells and on access paths of apartment buildings; never several dangerous dogs at the same time (§ 6).
- Muzzle
- Yes, in the same areas (§ 6 para. 1). No access to playgrounds, sunbathing lawns and swimming pools.
- Out and about, banned places
- Dangerous dogs may not be taken onto children's playgrounds, designated sunbathing lawns or into swimming pools (§ 6 para. 4). Outside securely enclosed properties, lead and muzzle apply (§ 6 para. 1).
- Who may walk the dog
- Only persons who are able to do so in terms of age and physical and mental condition; no fixed age limit stated. Never several dangerous dogs at the same time (§ 6 para. 2, 3). Requirement to carry documents: unknown, no information found online.
- Reporting duties
- Report giving up keeping to the Kreispolizeibehörde (district police authority) in writing without delay, with the whereabouts of the dog and name and address of the new keeper (§ 7). Moving house, loss, biting incident: unknown, no information found online.
- Moving, holidays and visits
- The GefHundG does not set specific rules for moving there or holidays. Equivalent proof of competence from other states is recognised (§ 4 para. 6 DVO). After a change of keeper, a new expert report is required within 1 year.
- Marking on the dog
- No external identification on the dog required. A clearly legible warning sign at the entrances to the property or flat is mandatory (§ 5 para. 5).
- Microchip and register
- No microchip requirement regulated in the GefHundG; requirement for a warning sign at the entrances to the property or flat (§ 5 para. 5). Register: unknown, no information found online.
- Bans
- Breeding ban (§ 2) and trade ban (§ 3) for the listed dogs; training to increase aggressiveness is prohibited. Sterilisation can be ordered for dogs classified in individual cases.
- Notes
- The dangerousness of the three listed breeds is rebuttable, but the state does not distinguish categories. Administrative offences up to €25,000.
Taking your dog on the train
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.
Dog tax in Saxony
⚖️ 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 Saxony?
The list includes: American Staffordshire Terrier, Bullterrier, Pitbull Terrier. Details and crossbreeds are shown above.
Is a listed dog in Saxony automatically dangerous?
Not in terms of its behaviour: the list refers to the breed. On the temperament test: The presumption is rebuttable: application to the Kreispolizeibehörde (district police authority) with an expert report (standardised temperament analysis) by a publicly appointed expert.
Do I need liability insurance in Saxony?
For dangerous dogs, special liability insurance must be proven. Minimum cover: unknown, no information found online.
Sources and method
- 📚GefHundG Sachsen (REVOSax) Open source ↗
- 📚DVOGefHundG Sachsen (REVOSax) Open source ↗
- 📚Polizei Sachsen (Saxony police): Information sheet on dangerous dogs Open source ↗
- 📚HundVerbrEinfG (gesetze-im-internet.de) Open source ↗
- 📚§ 2 HundVerbrEinfVO (gesetze-im-internet.de) Open source ↗
- 📚§ 143 StGB (repealed) Open source ↗
