Listed dogs in Styria
Styria has no breed list. Here you can see when a dog still counts as dangerous and which duties then apply.
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 Styria
Only behaviour counts here
Styria has no breed list. A dog only counts as dangerous if it has attracted attention in an individual case.
What applies in Styria
- Crossbreeds and mixed breeds
- Not applicable; there is no breed list. According to oesterreich.gv.at, no special conditions for specific breeds.
- Temperament test
- unknown, no information found online
- Permit
- No breed-related permit. The municipal permit requirement only applies to dangerous animals such as snakes, big cats or bears (§ 3c StLSG).
- Proof of competence
- No breed-specific proof of competence; see Hundekundenachweis (dog knowledge certificate) for everyone.
- For all dog owners
- Hundekundenachweis (dog knowledge certificate: four-hour course with a vet) within one year of acquiring the dog, if no previous dog keeping can be proven in the last five years.
- Reliability and age
- unknown, no information found online
- Liability insurance
- Mandatory for all dog keepers: minimum sum insured €725,000; household or hunting liability insurance is sufficient.
- Lead
- Publicly accessible places: muzzle or lead, so that the dog can be controlled at all times. In public parks always on a lead, except in fenced dog meadows.
- Muzzle
- As an alternative to the lead in publicly accessible places; the muzzle must prevent biting and being pulled off.
- Out and about, banned places
- No listed dogs, therefore no special rules. All dogs in publicly accessible places, including restaurants, pubs and shops: muzzle or lead. In parks always on a lead, except in fenced dog meadows. Rules specifically for public transport, schools or playgrounds: unknown, no information found online.
- Who may walk the dog
- State law does not regulate a minimum age, licence or alcohol limit. Whoever walks the dog must be able to control it at all times. Requirement to carry documents: unknown, no information found online.
- Reporting duties
- Register a dog from 3 months within four weeks with the municipality of your main residence. End of keeping, change of keeper and moving to another municipality must also be reported within four weeks. Reporting requirement after a biting incident: unknown, no information found online.
- Moving, holidays and visits
- When moving there, register within four weeks; a dog levy paid in another Austrian municipality can be credited. Hundekundenachweis (dog knowledge certificate) within one year if no dog keeping can be proven in the last 5 years. Rules for holidays: unknown, no information found online.
- Marking on the dog
- A dog tag is not regulated in the state laws. Identification by microchip under the Tierschutzgesetz (Animal Protection Act); the chip number is reported to the municipality.
- Microchip and register
- Nationwide under § 24a Tierschutzgesetz (Animal Protection Act): identify puppies by the 12th week of life, registration within one month.
- Bans
- Protection dog training and training with attack behaviour against people are prohibited (except federal service dogs). Alcohol limit: unknown, no information found online.
- Tax
- Dog levy (Hundeabgabe) under the Steiermärkisches Hundeabgabegesetz 2013 (Styrian dog levy act); municipalities can issue additional rules.
- Notes
- Violations: fine of up to €5,000; forfeiture of the animal possible. Rules on conspicuous dogs, temperament test or dog licence (dog owner's certificate): unknown, no information found online.
Taking your dog on the train
Company rule: dogs must be secured with a muzzle and lead on the train and need a ticket (10 percent of the full fare, at least €2). Assistance dogs without a muzzle. ÖBB 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 Styria
⚖️ 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 Styria?
Styria has no breed list. A dog only counts as dangerous if it has attracted attention in an individual case.
Is a listed dog in Styria automatically dangerous?
No. Without a breed list, only your dog's behaviour counts in Styria.
Do I need liability insurance in Styria?
Mandatory for all dog keepers: minimum sum insured €725,000; household or hunting liability insurance is sufficient.
Sources and method
- 📚StLSG, current version (RIS) Open source ↗
- 📚oesterreich.gv.at: Keeping listed dogs in Styria Open source ↗
- 📚oesterreich.gv.at: Registration of dogs and microchip requirement Open source ↗
- 📚Steiermärkisches Hundeabgabegesetz 2013, current version (RIS) Open source ↗
