Dog tax by breed: What you should know about special tax cases

So you've decided to take in a four-legged family member? Great! But wait, before you take Fiffi for his first walk in the park, there are a few things that need to be sorted out - and no, I'm not just talking about the dog lead. We're talking about the Dog tax, and not just any dog, but from the dog tax by breed. Sounds complicated? Don't worry, we'll make it easy and understandable. So, grab a cup of coffee and let's dive into the world of different dog taxes.

Why the dog tax varies by breed

You may be asking yourself: Why should the tax vary by breed? Good question! The differences in dog tax by breed are often based on specific character traits attributed to certain breeds. Yes, some of you are probably thinking of the so-called fighting dogs. These breeds are often labelled as such because, whether justified or not, they are considered potentially more dangerous.

This assessment leads to them being categorised as dangerous in some cities and municipalities in Germany and therefore having to pay higher tax rates. The idea behind this is usually public safety: higher taxes are intended to help curb potentially dangerous dogs by making owners take on additional responsibility.

Legal situation and statutory regulations

When it comes to dog taxes, there is no standardised solution for everyone. Every city, every federal state can have its own regulations - in other words, there can be considerable differences from state to state. That can make your head spin! But basically it boils down to the following:

• The basic responsibility lies with the local authorities. Each city can decide for itself whether to introduce the race tax and to what extent.
• Some federal states have no specific regulations and leave it entirely up to the municipalities.
• In other federal states, there are lists of dog breeds that are considered potentially dangerous - keyword: breed lists.

Dog tax by breed: these differences exist

Let's take a look at the details. You may wonder why your neighbour's friendly Labrador costs less tax than your bull terrier. The reasons could be many and varied, and are often based on the following criteria:

1. Security concerns: Certain breeds are considered more questionable in terms of their history and temperament.
2. Public opinion: Unfortunately, the prejudice that certain dog breeds are generally aggressive often resonates in practice.
3. Local regulation: Some cities have taken measures to control the number of certain breeds.

One example is the tax on fighting dogs, which can be considerably higher depending on the city. Taxes of 600 to 900 euros and more can be incurred for dogs categorised as dangerous. Incidentally, turning a dog into a fighting dog is quicker than you might think: belonging to a certain breed is often enough.

Special tax cases

Apart from breed lists and high taxes, there are also special tax cases. The world of dog tax has some interesting exceptions and regulations that are not commonplace, but are nevertheless important:

• Service dogs: Guide dogs or assistance dogs may be exempt from taxes.
• Rescue dogs: Some municipalities recognise rescue and therapy dogs as charitable and waive the tax.
• Multi-dog owner: Owners of several dogs can often count on a graduated tax system, where each additional dog becomes more expensive.

Conclusion: keep an eye on costs

In addition to the purely emotional decision, choosing a dog also involves financial responsibility. An important component of this is dog tax. And while dog tax by breed may seem daunting at first, it shouldn't be the only consideration when buying a dog. Walking a plushow through the streets and seeing how it enriches your life can make any tax bill easier to pay.

So if you are looking for the perfect dog, remember: enquire in advance about the tax regulations in your city or state. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises - and you can concentrate fully on what really matters: a lifelong friendship with your best mate on four paws.

With this in mind, good luck in choosing your new family member - and don't forget the dog tax!

FAQs

Does the dog tax depend on the breed?

In Germany, every dog owner is obliged to pay the respective amount of dog tax. It can happen that certain dog breeds have to pay more than others. This often depends on whether your dog is categorised as dangerous. Such categorisations depend on the guidelines of the respective local authority.

Which dogs are not taxable?

Some special types of dogs are exempt from dog tax. These include

• Guide dogs
• Companion dogs
• Therapy dogs
• Herding dogs
• Rescue dogs

Such dogs are often exempt due to their charitable functions and provide their owners with invaluable support - whether in everyday life or in special missions.

How much does a listed dog cost in taxes?

The dog tax for listed dogs can be between 500 and 1,000 euros, depending on the federal state and municipality. Listed dogs include fighting dogs and dogs that are categorised as potentially dangerous. This classification is based on the assumption that such breeds are, on average, more behaviourally conspicuous and aggressive than other dog breeds.

Are there ways to reduce or avoid the dog tax?

In some cases, the dog tax can be reduced or waived, especially if the dog fulfils a useful or supportive function, such as in the case of rescue or therapy dogs. In addition, some local authorities offer discounts for multiple dog owners or if proof of a dog training course is provided. It is worth asking the local authority whether such regulations apply.

How do I register my dog for dog tax?

As a rule, registration is required at the relevant citizens' office or municipal administration. Registration is usually done in writing or online, whereby the dog owner must provide their details and those of the dog. Make sure that you register in good time to avoid any penalties for late registration.