Dogs in Germany: rules by federal state
Leash rules, listed breeds, proof of competence, dog tax, liability insurance and microchipping: for each federal state, see what we have sourced from official sources – with source and date checked.
At a glance
- 16 federal states
- 84 of 96 entries sourced from official sources
- 16 federal states with at least four of six topics sourced
As of: 29 October 2026
The six topics
For every federal state we record the same six topics.
The 16 federal states
For each federal state: how many topics are sourced and which ones we are still checking.
Capital: Stuttgart
5 of 6 topics sourced
Still being checked: We are still checking this information. Until then, the official text applies:
- Dog tax: Official source
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Munich
5 of 6 topics sourced
Still being checked: We are still checking this information. Until then, the official text applies:
- Dog tax: Official source
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Berlin
4 of 6 topics sourced
Still being checked: We are still checking this information. Until then, the official text applies:
- Dog tax: Official source
- Liability insurance: Official source
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Potsdam
6 of 6 topics sourced
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Bremen
6 of 6 topics sourced
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Hamburg
5 of 6 topics sourced
Still being checked: We are still checking this information. Until then, the official text applies:
- Dog tax: Official source
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Wiesbaden
6 of 6 topics sourced
checked on 29 October 2026
Capital: Schwerin
5 of 6 topics sourced
Still being checked: We are still checking this information. Until then, the official text applies:
- Dog tax: Official source
checked on 29 October 2026
Capital: Hanover
4 of 6 topics sourced
Still being checked: We are still checking this information. Until then, the official text applies:
- Leash rules: Official source
- Dog tax: Official source
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Düsseldorf
6 of 6 topics sourced
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Mainz
4 of 6 topics sourced
Still being checked: We are still checking this information. Until then, the official text applies:
- Dog tax: Official source
- Microchip and registration: Official source
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Saarbrücken
5 of 6 topics sourced
Still being checked: We are still checking this information. Until then, the official text applies:
- Dog tax: Official source
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Dresden
6 of 6 topics sourced
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Magdeburg
6 of 6 topics sourced
checked on 29 October 2026
Capital: Kiel
6 of 6 topics sourced
checked on 28 October 2026
Capital: Erfurt
5 of 6 topics sourced
Still being checked: We are still checking this information. Until then, the official text applies:
- Dog tax: Official source
checked on 28 October 2026
Not legal advice
We summarise the rules in plain language. This is a guide and does not replace information from the competent authority.
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