Dog tax by breed: regulations on dog ownership in Germany

Dog tax in Germany is an issue that dog owners should not take lightly. Anyone who thinks that it's just a matter of handing over a few euros to the tax office for their beloved four-legged friend is very much mistaken. In fact, dog tax by breed is a complex construct that varies from city to city, and even from breed to breed. You can find out why this is the case and which regulations apply to dog ownership here.

Why is there a dog tax at all?

First of all, the question arises as to why you have to pay taxes for your dog. Quite clearly, in addition to the idea of controlling the number of dogs in urban areas, local authorities are also pursuing the Dog tax The aim is also to fill the household coffers. Any surplus revenue is often used for infrastructure projects, such as the provision of poo bags or dog businesses. But now we come to the interesting part: the differentiation of dog tax by breed.

Dog tax by breed: a multi-faceted issue

The dog tax by breed is a variation that is particularly evident in the case of so-called list dogs or fighting dogs, which are categorised as dangerous in many federal states. This tax is often significantly higher and in some cases can be many times higher than the normal dog tax.

Why? Legislation assumes that certain breeds pose a higher risk potential - both for the environment and for other people. Factors such as size, strength or the general behaviour of the breed play a role here. However, it is interesting to note that not every municipality categorises the same breeds as dangerous. But first a few numerical examples:

• In Munich, the tax for a dog considered dangerous is up to 800 euros per year.
• In Berlin it can be up to 1000 euros.
• In smaller municipalities, on the other hand, the costs vary, often within a range of 600 to 900 euros.

Valuation and the question of fairness

Many dog owners wonder whether these regulations are really fair. After all, each dog is kept and trained individually by its owner. Legislators, on the other hand, refer to the potential danger posed by certain breeds. This leads to discussions about the legality and fairness of such regulations.

Incidentally, various studies and expert opinions come to different conclusions about the dangerousness of certain breeds. However, there is hardly any consensus, which is why dog owners and associations regularly take legal action against the categorisation of their four-legged friends as list dogs.

Which breeds are on the list?

As already mentioned, the categorisation of dangerous breeds varies from state to state. Nevertheless, there are breeds frequently mentioned in conversation that regularly appear on lists:

1. American Staffordshire Terrier
2. Pitbull Terrier
3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
4. Rottweiler
5. Doberman

However, the exact categorisation and list can vary, which is why it is advisable to take a look at the respective municipal ordinance.

Regulations on dog ownership and what you should bear in mind

Apart from the tax, there are other requirements for dog ownership that must be met:

• Registration: Every dog must be registered with the relevant public order office.
• Liability insurance: Some federal states require liability insurance to cover damage that may be caused by the dog.
• Leash and muzzle requirement: Dogs classified as dangerous must sometimes be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.

In addition to these regulations, there are often training or aptitude tests that may be required of pet owners of certain breeds.

Conclusion: Well informed through the jungle of dog regulations

So, dear dog lovers, it's almost time. Anyone who loves and keeps dogs will inevitably have to deal with dog tax by breed. It's important to always keep an eye on the latest rules and regulations - after all, they change quite often.

However, if you are well informed and adhere to the regulations, you can concentrate on enjoying your days with your faithful four-legged friend to the full. And after all, that's what really matters.

So, keep your nose to the wind and the lead loose! A well-behaved dog will always bring you joy and no trouble - no matter what breed it is.

FAQs on dog tax

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 pay more than others. However, this depends on whether the dog is categorised as dangerous, for example. Local authorities set individual regulations in which so-called list dogs are often taxed at a higher rate.

Which dogs are not taxable?

There are exceptions for certain working and service dogs that are exempt from tax. These include

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

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 tax serves as a social measure to regulate the keeping of these breeds more strictly and to ensure that owners are aware of their responsibilities.

Do I also have to register my dog in another city if I move?

Yes, if you move to another town or municipality, you must re-register your dog there. Each municipality has its own regulations and tax amounts. It is important to take care of the re-registration as soon as possible to avoid fines.

Are there discounts for dog tax?

Yes, there are discounts in some municipalities. These are often provided for pensioners, people on low incomes or multiple dog owners. However, the exact regulations vary from municipality to municipality, which is why it is advisable to enquire directly with the respective municipal administration.