Dangerous Dog Breeds in Germany ("Listenhunde" ): Insurance Guide

The Nationwide List of Dangerous Dog Breeds

Germany has a federal framework that identifies dangerous dog breeds in Germany. The following breeds are listed dogs (Listenhunde) nationwide: Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Bull Terriers. These breeds are legally classified as dangerous across all federal states.

Owning one of these dogs usually comes with strict rules. Dog owners must often provide proof of official authorization, show a pedigree certificate , and, in many cases, the dog must pass a character test certificate to demonstrate that it is not aggressive. Without these steps, keeping such animals may even be subject to an import ban or restrictions under the German Import Restrictions Act.

From my perspective as an expert, this federal list creates clarity, but in practice, it often leads to difficulties for expats and even for rescue animals brought in from abroad. Many federal states supplement their regulations with additional breeds, and local authorities may apply varying interpretations of these regulations. That means the same dog might be allowed in one region but considered dangerous in another.

This nationwide classification underscores the importance of liability insurance. Claims from dog attacks involving strong breeds can easily reach millions, and without proper coverage, the financial consequences for owners would be severe.

Regulations for Additional Dangerous Breeds by State

While the federal list names four breeds nationwide, many states extend the rules to additional dangerous dog breeds. These often include Rottweilers, Mastiffs, Dogo Argentino, Tosa Inu, or American Bulldogs. In practice, the classification is divided into two categories:

• Category 1 (unconditionally dangerous): Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, and their crosses.
• Category 2 (presumed dangerous): Other breeds such as Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, or Mastiff types. Their classification may be lifted if the dog successfully passes a character test and proves to have non-aggressive behavior.

From an expert’s perspective, this dual system causes considerable confusion for dog owners, especially expats. A dog may be fully accepted in one federal state but classified as dangerous in another. The lack of uniform rules often leads to challenges when moving between states or adopting rescue animals from animal shelters.

In addition, in several federal states, not only are listed dogs subject to the same regulations, but also large dogs above a certain shoulder height or weight are subject to the same regulations.

Some states also impose restrictions on breeders who work with certain dog breeds considered dangerous.

Regulations for Owners

Owning a dog that is classified as dangerous comes with significant responsibilities. The rules differ by federal state, but typically include obligations for both the dog itself and the owner.

Personal Requirements for the Owner

• Age: The owner must be at least 18 years old.
• Certificate of good conduct: Local authorities usually require a clean criminal record. Convictions for offenses such as assault, violations of animal welfare, or weapons laws can lead to the assumption that the person is not reliable enough to keep a dangerous dog.
• Proof of expertise (Sachkundenachweis): Owners must pass a theoretical and practical exam demonstrating sufficient knowledge of dog behavior, handling, and responsible care.
• Suitability check: In some cases, authorities review the owner’s overall suitability, including living conditions and family environment.

Obligations for the Dog and its Keeping

• Official authorization: Keeping a listed dog requires a permit from the local authorities. Without it, ownership is illegal. Authorities may also require other certificates, such as proof of sterilization or additional training records.
• Mandatory identification: The dog must be microchipped for clear identification.
• Liability insurance: Dog liability insurance with a minimum coverage amount is compulsory for all listed dogs.
• Leash and muzzle obligations: In public spaces, especially near children’s playgrounds or in contact with other dogs, strict rules apply. Leashes must often not exceed a set length.
• Neutering requirements: In some federal states, castration or sterilization may be required to prevent uncontrolled breeding.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in heavy fines or even the confiscation of the dog. From my expert perspective, this shows that owning a listed breed in Germany is not only a matter of affection but also of legal responsibility. Expats in particular should carefully study the rules in their federal state before acquiring such a dog.

Dog Liability Insurance for Dangerous Breeds

For all dogs that are officially classified as dangerous, liability insurance is mandatory in Germany. This applies without exception to the 4 nationwide listed breeds and, depending on the federal state, to additional dangerous breeds or large dogs above a certain shoulder height.

The reasoning is simple: dog attacks involving strong breeds can cause severe personal injury and high financial losses. Without coverage, owners would be unable to bear such risks.

Typical Coverage and Exclusions

Policies cover personal injury, property damage, and financial losses caused by the dog. This includes medical costs, legal defense, and, in some cases, rental damage.

However, not every insurer is willing to cover dangerous breeds. Some exclude purebred listed dogs entirely, while others require proof of a successful character test certificate. Coverage for mixed breeds is often possible, but conditions differ by insurer.

Costs and Special Conditions

Premiums for dogs considered dangerous are generally higher than those for other breeds. While standard liability for family pets may cost €50–120 per year, insuring a listed dog can be significantly pricier, especially if authorities demand a higher minimum coverage limit. In my experience, responsible owners should always choose the maximum sum insured, as claims from serious accidents can quickly exceed standard amounts.

From an expert perspective, mandatory liability insurance is not just a legal requirement but a vital safeguard for owners of strong or considered dangerous breeds. It ensures that, in the event of an incident, the financial burden does not ruin the owner’s life while still protecting potential victims.

Practical Advice for Expats

Expats considering a move to Germany with a strong or listed breed should prepare carefully. Each federal state has its regulations, and local authorities are the first point of contact for permits and registration. Before adopting or importing a dog, always check whether it is classified as dangerous in your state. Just to let you know, even if your dog is accepted elsewhere, rules may change when you move across state lines.

From experience, the biggest hurdles for expats are rental agreements and local restrictions. Many landlords will generally only allow dogs if liability insurance is in place. So, it’s essential to keep proof of your policy readily available.

If your dog belongs to a sensitive category, expect stricter checks, such as a character test certificate or a higher dog tax. These requirements are manageable if you plan early and stay in contact with the authorities.

Expats adopting through dog transfer programs or bringing rescue animals from abroad should always check whether their breed is classified as dangerous.

Top Providers for Expats in Germany

For expats in Germany, digital insurers are particularly useful because they combine clear English support with simple online management. 2 providers stand out:

Getsafe

Digital-first, with contracts and claims managed entirely in English via app. Covers all breeds, including officially listed dogs, and offers sums insured up to €50 million.

Feather

Focused on expats with clear English-language support. Provides up to €20 million worldwide coverage; excluding purebred dangerous dogs listed nationwide or in federal states; mixed breeds are eligible.

Conclusion

In Germany, dangerous dog breeds are subject to strict regulations, including import bans and leash and muzzle laws. While rules vary between federal states, one point is clear: owners of listed or large breeds must comply with specific legal requirements, including mandatory liability insurance. For expats, this can feel complex, but with careful preparation, the right policy, and early contact with local authorities, it is possible to keep such dogs responsibly and in line with German law.

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