Dangerous dogs

All federal states have enacted laws or ordinances to avert the dangers posed by dogs. As hazard prevention is the responsibility of the federal states, the regulations of the federal states vary.

In Hesse, all dogs must be kept and managed in such a way that they do not pose a threat to public safety, i.e. to the life and health of people or animals. Dogs may not be left to run unattended outside the owner's enclosed property.

A licence is required to keep a dangerous dog. Regardless of their breed, dogs that show increased aggression or have become conspicuous are considered dangerous. Dogs of the following breeds are also considered dangerous: Pitbull Terrier or American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier or Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Kangal (Karabash), Caucasian Owtscharka and Rottweiler. Crossbreeds with each other or with other dogs are also recorded.

As part of the licensing procedure, the dog's ability to behave in a socially acceptable manner must be proven by means of a temperament test, as must the suitability and reliability of the owner.

The import or movement of dangerous dogs into Germany is regulated by the Act to Combat the Movement or Import of Dangerous Dogs into Germany.