Banned Dog Breeds in Germany: What Pet Owners Need to Know

Germany has some of the most layered breed restriction rules in Europe. There's a federal ban, and then there are state-level lists on top of it, and the two systems work differently. Whether your dog can enter and live in Germany depends on both, and they don't always point to the same answer.

Here's how it works.

The Federal Ban: Four Breeds Prohibited Nationwide

Under Germany's Dog Transfer and Import Restrictions Act (Hundeverbringungs- und -einfuhrgesetz), four breeds and all their crosses are banned from import into Germany at the federal level:

Pit Bull Terrier. American Staffordshire Terrier. Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Bull Terrier.

This applies regardless of which state you're moving to. If your dog is one of these breeds, or a cross that includes one, it cannot legally enter Germany for permanent residence under the federal act.

Crosses count. If your dog is a Pit Bull mix, a Bull Terrier mix, or an American Staffordshire cross, the federal ban applies. A DNA test showing a low percentage of the restricted breed may be relevant in some cases, but do not assume this resolves the issue without consulting German customs authorities in advance.

State-Level Lists: Additional Breeds Restricted by Where You Live

Beyond the federal ban, several German states maintain their own lists of additional breeds considered dangerous, separate from the federal ban. These vary significantly by state.

The state-level system works differently than the federal ban. These breeds aren't automatically prohibited, but they are presumed dangerous unless the owner can prove otherwise, typically through a character test certificate and advance authorization from local authorities.

State-level restricted breeds vary but commonly include Rottweilers, Dobermanns, Cane Corsos, Dogo Argentinos, Mastiff-type breeds, and others. The list differs state by state. A Rottweiler may require authorization in Bavaria but face different rules in Berlin.

This means your destination state matters as much as the federal rules. Before committing to a move, confirm which state you'll be living in and check that state's specific dangerous dog regulations. The German Customs website (zoll.de) and your destination state's public order office are the authoritative sources.

Exceptions to the Federal Ban

Germany's federal import ban is not absolute. The following situations are exempt:

Short stays under 4 weeks. Dogs of banned breeds visiting Germany for fewer than four weeks are not subject to the import ban.

Returning dogs. A dog that previously lived in Germany and is returning to a state where the owner already holds an official authorization to keep the dog may be re-imported.

Service and working dogs. Guide dogs, assistance dogs for people with disabilities, search and rescue dogs, and dogs employed by public services or the armed forces can be imported despite the ban.

Military families relocating to Germany on PCS orders should verify whether their specific situation qualifies under the service or armed forces exception. Contact the relevant German customs authority at your receiving installation before assuming the exception applies.

Mixed Breeds: The Harder Question

Germany's federal ban explicitly covers crosses of the four restricted breeds. This is where the rules get complicated in practice.

If your dog's paperwork identifies them as a mix that includes a banned breed, German customs will likely apply the ban. If your dog's paperwork does not identify restricted breed lineage but the dog's appearance suggests it, customs officers have discretion to flag the animal. In some cases, a DNA test establishing that the dog's restricted breed percentage is below a meaningful threshold has helped owners navigate this, but this is not a defined legal exemption, and results vary.

If you're moving to Germany with a dog whose breed or mix is ambiguous, contact German customs authorities before you book your flight. Getting turned away at the border is significantly more expensive and distressing than finding out in advance.

How PetRelocation Can Help

If your dog's breed or mix puts them in a grey area for Germany, this is exactly the kind of situation where working with an experienced pet relocation service matters. We've helped families navigate breed restriction issues across dozens of countries, and we know which questions to ask German authorities before a move is locked in.

Ready to start? Get a free quote from PetRelocation and tell us your dog's breed and destination state. We'll tell you what we know and flag what needs to be confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

My dog is a Pit Bull mix. Can I still move to Germany?

Under the federal Dog Transfer and Import Restrictions Act, crosses of Pit Bull Terriers are included in the import ban. A Pit Bull mix moving to Germany for permanent residence would require an exemption, typically limited to returning dogs with existing authorization, or qualifying service/working dogs. Military families should verify the specific armed forces exception with German customs. For most owners, the answer is that permanent relocation is not possible without an official exemption in place.

Does the breed ban apply if I'm just passing through Germany?

Export and transit are not affected by the federal import ban. If Germany is a layover on your way to another destination and your pet is not being permanently imported, the ban does not apply to transit.

My dog isn't one of the four banned breeds but I'm moving to Bavaria. Do I need to do anything?

Possibly. Bavaria maintains its own list of breeds considered dangerous, including Rottweilers, Cane Corsos, American Bulldogs, Dogo Argentinos, and others. These breeds are not banned outright but require advance authorization from local authorities, a character test certificate, and in some cases proof of liability insurance. Contact the Bavarian public order office (Ordnungsamt) at your destination before travel.

What documents do I need if my dog qualifies for an exception?

For recognized exceptions, German authorities typically require a pedigree certificate, a character test certificate, and documentation supporting the specific exemption (such as service certification for working dogs). Requirements vary by case. Contact German customs at zoll.de to confirm what's needed for your situation.

Requirements verified against German Customs (zoll.de), last checked February 2026. Confirm current state-level restrictions with your destination state's public order office before travel.