Dogs of the following breeds are considered to be particularly dangerous and aggressive:
They are therefore presumed to be fighting dogs. This also applies to crossbreeds between these breeds or with other dogs.
In addition, the classification as a fighting dog may be officially determined on a case-by-case basis, particularly for dogs of the following breeds and their crossbreeds with one another or with other dogs:
For the breeds listed above, a dog is routinely classified as such if there are signs indicating increased aggression or dangerousness, for example following a biting incident.
Please note: Under Section 1(1) of the Fighting Dogs Ordinance, any other dog of an unlisted breed may, in individual cases, be classified as a fighting dog if it displays increased aggression and dangerousness towards people or animals.
If you wish to keep a dog that is suspected of being a fighting dog or has been officially classified as such, you require a licence to keep a fighting dog.
The requirement for a licence does not apply if the suspicion that the dog is a fighting dog has been refuted.
A behavioural assessment is a key basis for determining that the suspicion of the dog being a fighting dog has been refuted.
Please note: If your dog has passed the behaviour test but subsequently proves to be increasingly aggressive and dangerous, it will be irrefutably classified as a fighting dog.
To refute the classification as a dangerous dog:
You must submit a written application to the relevant authority to challenge the presumption that your dog is a ‘dangerous dog’.
The relevant authority will then inform you of any additional documents or evidence required to rebut the classification as a fighting dog.
varies from one local authority to another
Please note: The competent authority will decide at its discretion
Further documentation may be required. Please contact the relevant authority for further information.
varies from one local authority to another
varies from one local authority to another
none
Polizeiverordnung des Innenministeriums und des Ministeriums Ländlicher Raum über das Halten gefährlicher Hunde
Verwaltungsvorschrift des Innenministeriums und des Ministeriums Ländlicher Raum und Verbraucherschutz zur Polizeiverordnung des Innenministeriums und des Ministeriums Ländlicher Raum und Verbraucherschutz über das Halten gefährlicher Hunde (VwVgH) (PDF)
machine generated, based on the German release by: Innenministerium Baden-Württemberg, 16.09.2026