Leash rules: North Rhine-Westphalia
Where do dogs have to be on a leash? This is what the official source says for North Rhine-Westphalia, with the date checked.
sourcedchecked on 28 October 2026
Summary
At certain places, large dogs
The rule
All dogs must be on a leash, among other places, in pedestrian zones and shopping areas, in public parks, gardens and green spaces (except in designated dog exercise areas), at events with crowds of people and in public buildings, schools and kindergartens (§ 2 Abs. 2). Large dogs (at least 40 cm shoulder height or at least 20 kg) must also be on a leash on public streets, paths and squares within built-up areas (§ 11 Abs. 6).
Open points
Leash and muzzle rules for dangerous dogs and § 10 breeds not evaluated individually.
Source
recht.nrw.de: Hundegesetz für das Land Nordrhein-Westfalen (LHundG NRW), version of 27.09.2016
checked on 28 October 2026
Leash rules in the other federal states
- Baden-Württemberg
- Bavaria
- Berlin
- Brandenburg
- Bremen
- Hamburg
- Hesse
- Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Lower Saxony
- Rhineland-Palatinate
- Saarland
- Saxony
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Thuringia
Dog rules North Rhine-Westphalia: all six topicsLeash rules in all federal states
No guarantee
As of: 28 October 2026. The official text alone is authoritative. Source and date checked per row.
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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