Dogs in Hamburg, Germany: rules, tax and travel
Hamburg requires every dog to be registered in the Hunderegister, microchipped and insured, and applies a citywide leash rule. Registering also registers the dog for dog tax.
Hamburg is a city state: the Hamburgische Hundegesetz and the dog tax apply citywide.
The national rules for Germany apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburg | Restricted | American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Kreuzungen (crosses) of the above Hamburgisches Hundegesetz: these four breeds are irrebuttably dangerous; keeping needs a permit, muzzle and leash in public. [1] |
| Hamburg | Restricted | Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, English Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Tosa Second Hamburg list: presumed dangerous unless a Wesenstest proves otherwise. [1] |
Registration and microchip
Every dog must be registered in the Hunderegister within 2 weeks of starting to keep it (puppies at 3 months). The fee is 52 EUR in person or 32 EUR online. Registration also registers the dog for dog tax.[2]
Dogs must be microchipped from 3 months of age by a vet; the chip is a condition for registration.[2]
Dog tax and licence
Dog tax is 90 EUR per calendar year for one dog. A reduction is possible for commercially kept dogs or dogs from the Hamburg shelter. Dangerous dogs are taxed at 600 EUR.[3]
typical 90 EUR a year
Insurance
Liability insurance is compulsory for every dog, with minimum cover of 1 million EUR and a deductible of at most 500 EUR.[2]
Leash and muzzle
A general leash requirement applies across Hamburg unless the owner has an exemption. Dangerous dogs have an unrestricted muzzle and leash duty.[4]
Not confirmed yet: Licence or owner test. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.