Listed dogs in Vienna

Breed list in Vienna

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

What applies in Vienna

Law

Wiener Tierhaltegesetz (§§ 5, 5a), Wiener Hundeführscheinverordnung, Verordnung über hundeführscheinpflichtige Hunde ↗

Crossbreeds and mixed breeds

Crossbreeds of these breeds with each other or with other dogs are considered listed dogs. Breeds not recognised by the FCI, such as the American Bully, may fall under this depending on their ancestry.

Temperament test

No temperament test mentioned. The Hundeführschein (dog licence) is a test that must be repeated with the dog after 21 to 24 months.

Permit

No keeping permit, but a Hundeführschein (dog licence) requirement for listed dogs from 6 months: test within 3 months of keeping beginning, for custodians already at the start.

Proof of competence

Hundeführschein (dog licence) for listed dogs, repeated after 21 to 24 months. Carry the licence, the Hundekarte (dog registration card) and photo ID. Test only from age 16.

For all dog owners

Everyone: proof of competence (course) before acquiring a dog, unless you have kept a dog in the last 2 years. Hundeführschein (dog licence) mandatory for listed dogs; for other dogs, the Landespolizeidirektion (state police directorate) can require it.

Reliability and age

Reliability required; lacking, among other things, in the case of a conviction for animal cruelty, violent or drug offences. Strafregisterbescheinigung (criminal record certificate) no more than 3 months old.

Liability insurance

Mandatory for all dogs: sum insured at least €725,000.

Lead

Listed dogs: lead and muzzle in public places, including in courtyards and stairwells of residential complexes; off the lead only in fenced dog zones. Other dogs: muzzle or lead; lead requirement in parks.

Muzzle

Listed dogs from 6 months: muzzle in public, including in unfenced dog exercise zones. All dogs: muzzle in restaurants and bars, on public transport, in shops and at gatherings of people.

Out and about, banned places

Listed dogs from 6 months: always muzzle and lead in public places, including in courtyards and stairwells of residential complexes; off the lead only in dog zones fenced on all sides. All dogs: muzzle on public transport, in restaurants and bars, shops and at gatherings of people; not in sandpits or on children's playgrounds.

Who may walk the dog

Only with a valid Hundeführschein (dog licence), test from age 16. Prohibited from 0.5 per mille or under the influence of drugs; alcohol checks possible at any time. Carry: Hundeführschein, Hundekarte (dog registration card) and official photo ID. Custodians with a licence may walk the not yet tested dog in the first 3 months.

Reporting duties

Register a dog from 3 months for the dog levy within 14 days, including after moving. Hundeführschein (dog licence) within 3 months of keeping beginning, also on a change of keeper. Report death in writing. Keeper's reporting requirement after a biting incident: unknown, no information found online; for dogs that bite, the authority requires the Hundeführschein.

Moving, holidays and visits

Muzzle and lead also apply to keepers and custodians who are only in Vienna with a listed dog for a short time. Whether visitors need a Viennese Hundeführschein (dog licence): unknown, no information found online. Dog levy only if the dog is kept for 3 months or more in the year; a levy paid in another municipality can be credited.

Marking on the dog

No dog tag: Vienna has not issued them since 2012. Checks via microchip and the Heimtierdatenbank (pet database); without a chip and registration, no admission to the licence test.

Microchip and register

Identification and registration under § 24a Tierschutzgesetz (Animal Protection Act); registration in the Heimtierdatenbank (pet database) within one month.

Bans

Breeding of listed dogs prohibited since 1.1.2020. Protection dog training prohibited. Walking a listed dog with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 per mille or more or under the influence of drugs is prohibited.

Tax

Register the dog within 14 days and pay the dog levy (Hundeabgabe). The mandatory Hundeführschein (dog licence) does not exempt you from the dog levy.

Notes

Penalties according to the City of Vienna: without a valid licence at least €1,000, alcohol offence €1,000, without a muzzle at least €100. The dog may be taken away.

Dog tax in Vienna

• Viennanot higher

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Frequently asked questions