Fighting dogs were originally dogs that were bred for gruesome competitions between dogs. Dogs were incited and sent into the "pit". People could bet on the winner of the two dogs. This practice gave rise to various dog breeds that are now banned in many parts of Germany and the world or whose keeping is subject to strict regulations.
Such dog fights have not taken place for many decades, at least not legally. But the dogs have remained and while some see them regardless of their past, others condemn these dogs as dangerous from birth.
When some attacks by such “fighting dogs” ended fatally in the 2000s, politicians had to react. Fighting dogs are therefore on a list and are therefore also called listed dogs. Most federal states have their own breed lists and dogs that are found on them are subject to strict regulations.
Contents: Fighting and listed dogs - What you need to know
- Dog breeds that are considered fighting dogs
- Consequences for listed dogs
- Temperament test for dogs
- The 16 federal states and their rules
Dog breeds that are considered fighting dogs
Apart from the 16 federal states with their own rules, there is also a nationwide import ban for four dog breeds and offspring resulting from cross-breeding. These include: Pitbull Terrier , American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier.
But in Germany, each federal state has its own rules and so the dog breeds on this list differ from state to state. It is not just the breed alone that qualifies for a place on the list. Dogs that have shown themselves to be aggressive and dangerous can also be subject to restrictions.
13 out of 16 federal states have such a list. There are some dog breeds that are listed particularly often and one in particular, because the American Staffordshire Terrier is represented everywhere. These include: Pitbull Terrier, Bull Terrier , Tosa Inu, and crossbreeds.
Consequences for listed dogs
The 16 federal states deal with fighting dogs and listed dogs very differently. Some are very strict, others less so. However, most federal states have similar requirements in principle. For example, dogs must be registered immediately with the relevant authorities, which in many cases requires proof of expertise. In addition, different tax rates may apply to listed dogs and landlords can prohibit keeping them. In addition, in some states there is a temperament test in the form of a report from the official veterinarian, which attests that the animal does not have “increased basic aggressiveness”.
Temperament test for dogs
In accordance with regional regulations, the public order office, veterinary office or a veterinarian carries out a test with the dog and its owner to check whether the dog is showing increased aggression, but also whether the dog listens to its owner - or not. Such temperament tests are not only reserved for listed dogs. Other dogs that have attracted attention can also be subjected to such a test. Dogs that pass the test are not considered particularly dangerous, but the costs of 50 to 200 euros must be borne by the owners themselves.
The 16 federal states and their rules
Baden-Wurttemberg
Image source: d-maps.com
The Baden-Württemberg Fighting Dog Ordinance stipulates that a permit from the local police authority is required to keep a listed dog. In addition, dogs must be kept on a leash and muzzled in public from the age of six months. However, a positive temperament test can disprove their status as a fighting dog.
Category 1:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Pitbull Terrier
Category 2:
- Bullmastiff
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Argentine Dogo
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Fila Brasileiro
- Mastin Espanol
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Mastiff
- Tosa-Inu
Bavaria
The dog breeds in the 2nd category can refute their aggressiveness through a report. However, strict guidelines apply and listed dogs must be approved by the authorities - before they can be bought! In addition, in large cities, listed dogs must be muzzled.
Category 1:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Pitbull Terrier
- Bandog
- Tosa-Inu
Berlin
In Berlin, the categories were abolished at the end of 2018 because they did not want to label too many dog breeds. Since then, only three dog breeds have been on the list of dangerous dogs. Anyone who wants to keep one of these dogs in Berlin must provide a certificate of good conduct, proof of expertise and a temperament test, as well as proof of permanent residence. Last but not least, the origin of the dog must also be fully proven. Illegally imported dogs are excluded. A muzzle is mandatory from the age of six months.
Category 1:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Pitbull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
Brandenburg
Brandenburg completely prohibits dogs and crossbreeds in category 1. There are only a few exceptions, e.g. if the dog was acquired before the relevant rule came into force. Dogs in category 2 can disprove their aggressiveness with a report (character test), but must be registered in any case and require proof of expertise and a clean criminal record from the dog owner. There is also an obligation to microchip listed dogs.
Category 1:
- American Pitbull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Tosa-Inu
Bremen
In Bremen there is only one category, the list of banned dog breeds. It is one of the strictest federal states when it comes to dealing with fighting dogs. Only very strict conditions allow a listed dog to be kept at all. Under certain circumstances, dogs from animal shelters can be taken in. However, nothing can be done without a certificate of good conduct.
Category 1:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Pitbull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
Hamburg
The Hanseatic city has three categories for listed dogs. Only dogs in the third category can be rehabilitated by a positive temperament test. However, strict regulations apply here. These dogs can only be kept in Hamburg with a certificate of good conduct and compulsory dog training.
In addition, all listed dogs must be muzzled and kept on a leash.
Category 1:
- American Pitbull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Mixed breeds with similar appearance
Category 2:
- Bandog
- Argentine Dogo
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Fila Brasileiro
- rottweiler
Category 3:
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- American Bulldog
- Mastiff
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
Hesse
In Hesse there is only one category. The state places great emphasis on the responsibility of the owners, who are required to microchip their dogs and immediately report them to the local regulatory authority. From the age of six months, dogs must be muzzled in public.
Category 1:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Pitbull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Bandog
- Tosa-Inu
Some dog breeds can be invalidated by the temperament test, but must still be registered with the authorities. There are also other dog breeds that Hesse looks at critically and can subject to a temperament test if there are any abnormalities.
- rottweiler
- Alano
- American Bulldog
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
The lists may change from time to time, so it is advisable to contact the State of Hesse for information.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
The state does not have a list of dog breeds and instead looks at the individual dog. If dogs are conspicuous for their increased aggressiveness, they must pass a temperament test. If this is not successful, strict requirements apply here too. There is also a general microchip requirement.
Lower Saxony
There is no list of dog breeds, but dogs that have been identified as suspicious must complete a temperament test. They must also be microchipped. Dogs that do not come from the EU and do not have papers are also considered suspicious and must pass a temperament test.
North Rhine-Westphalia
The most populous federal state, North Rhine-Westphalia, has opted for three categories. These classifications mean that different requirements apply, but here too there is little room for maneuver and strict regulations.
The strictest requirements apply to dogs in category 1; they must prove through a positive temperament test that they do not have increased basic aggressiveness.
Category 1:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Pitbull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
Category 2:
- Alano
- American Bulldog
- Bandog
- St. Bernard
- Argentine Dogo
- Fila Brasileiro
- Kangal (Karabash)
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- rottweiler
Category 3:
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Herd protection dogs
- Mastiff
- Spanish Mastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Tosa-Inu
Rhineland-Palatinate
Rhineland-Palatinate also dispenses with a list and relies on temperament tests for dogs that have been identified as suspicious. A microchip is also mandatory here, as is a comprehensive proof of expertise from the owners.
Saarland
The smallest federal state also does not have a list and only considers dogs that exhibit unusual behavior, which are then subjected to a temperament test. If the dogs do not pass this test, the general requirements apply, such as microchipping, leashes, muzzles, and the owners must provide proof of expertise.
Saxony
There is no list of fighting dogs here either, but in Saxony all dogs are required to be microchipped. In the case of dogs that exhibit unusual behavior, there is also a temperament test. If the dog does not pass the temperament test, it must be muzzled.
Saxony-Anhalt
The state government has also dispensed with a list of dog breeds. However, dogs that are conspicuous are subject to strict conditions and the owner must prove that he has the necessary expertise and that the animal is microchipped.
Schleswig-Holstein
There is no longer a list of dog breeds in the far north either; this was abolished in 2015. Since then, the state has only looked at individual dogs and, if they are showing increased aggression, they are subjected to a temperament test. Here, too, dogs must be microchipped and there is an obligation to have dog liability insurance.
Thuringia
The state has its own list that strictly regulates the keeping of fighting dogs. These must be reported immediately and the owner must prove to be knowledgeable. In addition, an increased dog tax is due. Dogs that do not have increased basic aggressiveness can prove this by taking a temperament test and are removed from the list.
Category 1:
- Pitbull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
Category 2:
- Mastiff
- Spanish Mastiff
- Bandog
- Tosa-Inu
The regulations in Thuringia are very strict and there is not much room for maneuver. In addition, owners who already have dogs that have attracted attention are not allowed to keep any more dogs on the breed list.
In the federal states that do not maintain a list, the focus is on how the dog behaves when living with humans. This initially seems like the better solution, but it also poses some problems. For example, owners can turn an "unobtrusive dog" into a dangerous animal by mistreating it. However, the microchip requirement and the dog insurance requirement are first and very sensible measures to enable coexistence. Remember that this information is intended to provide an overview. The lists and regulations can change from time to time. If you want to be sure, you should always contact the relevant authorities.
Written by dog lover and pet expert G. Mehl (MA)
