Banned and Restricted Dog Breeds in Germany (2026)
Germany has a federal rule for bringing certain dogs across the border and separate state rules for keeping dogs after arrival. You must clear both legal layers before travelling.
Do not travel on an assumption
A state permit, a positive Wesenstest, or lawful ownership abroad does not automatically make a federally restricted import legal. Confirm the individual case with German Customs and the authority at the destination before travel.
Official federal sources
1. Federal import rules and state keeping rules are separate
Crossing into Germany
Federal law comes first
The federal HundVerbrEinfG controls import and movement into Germany. Its restriction applies at the national border, including movement from another EU country.
Keeping the dog
The destination state comes next
Each state defines its own dangerous-dog categories, permits and public-control rules. Municipal procedures can add another practical step.
This distinction corrects a common misunderstanding: Germany does have a federal breed list for import, even though there is no single nationwide breed list governing how dogs are kept inside every state.
2. The federal import restriction
Section 2 of the federal law generally prohibits bringing the following breeds, their crosses with one another, and their crosses with other dogs into Germany:
The law can also affect additional breeds when the destination state presumes those dogs are dangerous. German Customs publishes a state overview, but the destination authority should confirm the current classification and the documents required for the individual dog.
3. Limited federal exceptions
The federal exceptions regulation covers defined situations, including:
- specified service, assistance, guide, rescue and disaster-response dogs;
- a dog returning after a temporary trip abroad to a German location where it may lawfully be kept; and
- an accompanied dog visiting with a non-resident handler for no longer than four weeks.
An exception is not a general relocation route. Carry the required original evidence and confirm the case before travel. The destination’s state and municipal rules remain relevant.
4. Verified examples: Berlin, Hamburg and Bavaria
These examples show why one national quick-reference table is unsafe. The named breeds, legal categories, tests and permit effects differ materially.
Berlin
REGULATED- Berlin lists Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier and crosses of those breeds as dangerous by breed.
- The holding must be reported to the district Ordnungsamt immediately. Berlin then requires a certificate of conduct within three weeks and proof of expertise, liability insurance and a Wesenstest within eight weeks.
- Breed-listed dogs are subject to a muzzle requirement from seven months old. A positive Wesenstest does not remove that breed-based muzzle requirement.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier is covered by the federal import restriction even though it is not named on Berlin’s current breed-based list.
Hamburg
EXCEPTIONAL PERMIT- American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier and their crosses always count as dangerous under Hamburg rules.
- Keeping such a dog is generally prohibited. An exceptional permit must be obtained before keeping the dog and requires a special interest plus supporting evidence.
- Hamburg also names additional breeds whose dangerousness is presumed. For that second group, an official exemption may be possible after a passed Wesenstest.
Bavaria
TWO CATEGORIES- Bavaria’s first category always presumes fighting-dog status for Pit Bull, Bandog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu and their crosses.
- Its second category includes Bull Terrier, Rottweiler and other named breeds. For an individual dog, the owner can present evidence to the competent authority to rebut that presumption.
- Keeping a dog that legally counts as a Kampfhund requires municipal permission under Article 37. The authority assesses the claimed special interest, reliability and public-safety risk.
5. What to do before moving or travelling
Identify the exact breed or cross
Collect the pedigree, adoption record, chip details and any official breed assessment. A casual visual guess is not a safe basis for border travel.
Check the federal border rule
If you will cross into Germany, check the federal import law first. A local holding permit or Wesenstest does not automatically make a federally restricted import legal.
Check the destination authority
Ask the Ordnungsamt or other competent authority where the dog will live which state and municipal requirements apply to that individual dog.
Get written confirmation before travel
Confirm the lawful route and required original documents with Customs and the destination authority before booking transport. Do not rely on a general article or an informal assurance.
What a local vet can and cannot do
A vet can help with identification records, microchip details and health documents. The vet does not replace Customs, the Ordnungsamt, or written legal permission for import or keeping.
Legal information notice
This guide is general information, not legal advice or an individual clearance decision. Breed identification, crossbreed status, journey type, destination and permit history can change the result. Confirm your case with German Customs and the competent destination authority before travelling or acquiring a dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dog breeds are banned from being brought into Germany?
Federal law generally prohibits bringing Pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers and their crosses into Germany. Further breeds may be affected when the destination state presumes they are dangerous. Limited statutory exceptions exist.
Are the import rule and state keeping rules the same?
No. Federal law controls bringing affected dogs into Germany. State and sometimes municipal law controls whether and under what conditions a dog may be kept at the destination. Both layers must be checked.
Does a Wesenstest allow me to import a restricted dog?
Not automatically. A Wesenstest can matter under a specific state procedure, but it does not by itself cancel the federal import restriction. Confirm the individual case with Customs and the destination authority before travel.
Can a visitor bring a restricted dog to Germany?
The federal exceptions regulation includes a limited temporary-stay exception for an accompanied dog whose handler does not reside in Germany and will stay no longer than four weeks. Required proof must be available, and state rules still need to be checked.
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