– from the perspective of someone who sometimes gets funny looks themselves and knows what it’s like.
By Milo, French Bulldog, Munich local, and self-proclaimed expert in what really matters in life.- 🐕 Leash requirement everywhere – Fighting dogs without a valid negative certificate must be kept on a leash on all public paths, streets, squares, and in public parks in Munich at all times.
- 💧 No off-leash time – Fighting dogs without a negative certificate are not allowed to run free in Munich; in swimming areas and green spaces, additional usage rules apply.
- 🌿 Negative certificate as the key – Category 2 dogs are no longer considered fighting dogs on an individual basis if they have a valid negative certificate.
- 🚫 Category 1 generally not allowed in Munich – Pit Bulls, Bandogs, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Tosa Inus may generally not be kept in Munich; permission is only possible under very strict conditions.
- 💶 €800 dog tax – for listed breeds without a negative certificate; with a negative certificate, it drops to €100.
- ✅ Recommendation – Category 2 owners should apply for a negative certificate as early as possible; it makes everything easier.
I’ll say it straight, because nobody else does.
I’m a French Bulldog. I sometimes get funny looks. Not because I’m dangerous – but because I look like I could be. Broad head, short snout, stocky build. I know that look.
Anyone walking a Rottweiler, a Cane Corso, or an American Bulldog through Munich knows it even better. And they know the associated questions, regulations, and forms too. The rules for so-called listed breeds and fighting dogs in Munich are complex and not always intuitive – but they are clear. If you know them, you’ll have fewer problems.
I’ll explain them now. Without judgment. I’ll save the discussion on whether breed lists make sense for another time. This is just about what applies in Munich. You can find all other rules for dog ownership in Munich in the big overview.
What are listed breeds and fighting dogs – and what is the difference?
The terms are often used synonymously. In Bavaria, the legal situation is more precise.
Bavaria regulates this in the “Ordinance on Dogs with Increased Aggressiveness and Dangerousness.” In practice, people often speak of Category 1 and Category 2. Additionally, a dog can be considered a fighting dog in individual cases regardless of its breed if it has been trained with the goal of increased aggressiveness or dangerousness.
- 🔴 Category 1 – irrefutable fighting dog characteristics: Pit Bull (American Pit Bull Terrier), Bandog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu – as well as all crosses of these breeds with each other or with other dogs. For these: the characteristics are irrefutably assumed. No temperament test, no negative certificate possible.
- 🟡 Category 2 – refutably presumed fighting dog characteristics: Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Mastín Español, Mastino Napoletano, Perro de Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Rottweiler – as well as crosses. For these: the characteristic is presumed but can be refuted by an expert opinion. Result: negative certificate.
- ⚠️ Individual cases regardless of breed: A dog can also be considered a fighting dog if its characteristics result from training aimed at increased aggressiveness or dangerousness.
An important note for new trendy breeds: Even dogs not mentioned by name in the ordinance – for example, American Bully, Exotic Bully, Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog – can be classified as fighting dogs if they phenotypically correspond to one of the named breeds. DNA analyses are not recognized by the Munich KVR for this classification.
Perfect for: anyone who wants to know which category their dog falls into – before moving to Munich or getting a puppy.What applies to Category 1 dogs in Munich?
This is brief.
Keeping Category 1 fighting dogs is generally not allowed in the state capital of Munich. Legally, permission is only possible under very strict conditions: the owner must prove a legitimate interest, there must be no concerns regarding their reliability, and there must be no threat to life, health, or property. For private dog owners, this is usually not a realistic path.
- 🚫 Ownership in Munich: generally not allowed; permission only under very strict conditions
- 🚫 Breeding: prohibited in Bavaria
- 🚫 Import to Germany: legally restricted (Federal Dog Transfer and Import Restriction Act)
- 🚫 Taking on the MVV: excluded – neither in vehicles nor in S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations
- 🚫 Negative certificate: not possible
Anyone visiting Munich with a Category 1 dog – i.e., not living here permanently – must keep the dog on a tear-resistant leash (max. 2 meters) in all public areas at all times.
Perfect for: anyone who wants to know if they can keep their Pit Bull or American Staffordshire Terrier in Munich. The answer is: generally not.What applies to Category 2 listed breeds in Munich?
This is more nuanced. And there is a way.
For Category 2 dogs – i.e., Rottweilers, Cane Corsos, Bullmastiffs, and the other named breeds – the following applies: the status as a fighting dog is presumed unless it is proven to the responsible authority for the individual dog that it does not show increased aggressiveness or dangerousness towards humans or animals. This proof is provided via the negative certificate.
Without a negative certificate, the following rules apply in Munich:
- 🔗 Leash requirement everywhere: On all public paths, streets, squares, and in public parks throughout the city area – at any time of day or night. The leash must be tear-resistant and a maximum of two meters long.
- 😶 Muzzle: No general muzzle requirement by ordinance – but can be ordered by the KVR in individual cases
- 💶 Dog tax: 800 euros per year – instead of the usual 100 euros
- 🚌 MVV: Fighting dogs may not be taken on MVV vehicles or into S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations
- 🚫 Off-leash: not allowed
With a negative certificate:
- ✅ No leash requirement beyond the normal Munich dog ordinance
- ✅ Dog tax drops from 800 to 100 euros annually
- ✅ MVV transport allowed (like any other dog)
- ✅ Legally no longer a fighting dog within the meaning of the ordinance
The negative certificate is therefore significantly worth it – both financially and in everyday life. Regardless of this, separate special regulations apply to large dogs in Munich – the leash requirement areas for dogs with a shoulder height of 50 cm or more also affect dogs without listed status.
Perfect for: all Category 2 owners in Munich who haven’t applied for a negative certificate yet. That should change.How do I get a negative certificate in Munich?
The negative certificate is issued by the Munich District Administration Office (KVR). It’s not just a form you fill out – it’s an administrative act that requires additional proof depending on the dog’s age.
- 📋 Application: at the Munich KVR, Main Department I Safety and Order, Prevention; according to the City of Munich, a completed application form and two photos of the dog (front and side) are required for the negative certificate
- 🐕 Dog under 18 months: A negative certificate can be applied for; according to the City of Munich, the expert opinion is only additionally required for dogs aged 18 months and older
- 🐕 Dog 18 months and older: Additionally, an opinion from a publicly appointed and sworn expert for canine matters is required. This must prove that the dog does not show increased aggressiveness or dangerousness.
- ✅ If the report is positive: KVR issues the negative certificate – the dog is no longer considered a fighting dog
- ⚠️ Note on dog tax: Without a negative certificate, the increased dog tax for fighting dogs is due in Munich. With a valid negative certificate, the normal tax rate applies in Munich.
- 🔬 DNA tests are not recognized: The Munich KVR does not accept DNA analyses as a basis for breed classification.
A good negative certificate is not a guarantee forever: it can be subject to conditions. And for those not yet familiar with the process: it’s recommended to seek advice from the KVR or a specialized animal lawyer beforehand.
Perfect for: anyone who has just moved to Munich with a Category 2 dog or wants to adopt one here.Leash requirements for listed breeds in Munich: The exact rules
Two meters. Tear-resistant. All day throughout the city area. That is the basic rule for fighting dogs without a valid negative certificate.
The Munich dog ordinance regulates this specifically:
- 📏 Leash maximum 2 meters, tear-resistant, securely attached to the collar or harness
- 🌐 Applies on all public paths, streets, and squares as well as in all public parks throughout the city area
- 🕐 Applies at any time of day or night – no exceptions for early morning hours or deserted places
- 🏡 Does not apply on your own property – general ownership rules apply there
- 🐾 Also applies to visitors from other cities: Anyone coming to Munich with a fighting dog is bound by these rules
For listed breeds with a negative certificate, the normal dog ordinance applies – meaning the same leash requirement areas in Munich as for all other dogs in Munich. These include, for example, the area within the Altstadtring, pedestrian zones, and certain green spaces. Listed breed owners with a negative certificate can also voluntarily take the Munich dog license – however, for Category 1 and Category 2 fighting dogs without a negative certificate, exemption from dog tax through the license is excluded.
Perfect for: anyone who walks their Rottweiler through the city daily and wants to know exactly where the leash is mandatory.What happens in case of violations?
The Munich KVR investigates every reported incident. The range of consequences is broad.
- 📝 Written warning for minor violations
- 💸 Fine of up to 10,000 euros for keeping a fighting dog without the required permit or for Category 2 dogs without a valid negative certificate
- 🔒 Safety orders: leash requirement, muzzle requirement, locking devices on the property
- 🏠 Ban on ownership or secure custody order
- 🐕 In severe individual cases: prohibition of ownership or seizure of the animal can be considered as safety measures
- 📋 Retroactive demand for fighting dog tax
Anyone keeping a fighting dog without permission or a negative certificate can experience all of this at once. This is not a theoretical risk.
Perfect for: anyone still considering whether to postpone registration. You shouldn’t.Quick overview: Listed breeds Munich
| Status | Off-leash / Leash requirement | Everyday life / Tax | Recommendation ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 (Pit Bull, AST etc.) | Generally not allowed; permission only under very strict conditions | Negative certificate not possible | Contact KVR |
| Category 2 without negative certificate | Leash requirement everywhere, all day, max. 2 m | €800 dog tax without negative certificate | Apply for negative certificate |
| Category 2 with negative certificate | Normal Munich rules | Like any other dog | €800 → €100 tax, MVV allowed |
| Dog tax without negative certificate | – | €800 / year | Negative certificate |
| MVV transport fighting dog | – | – | Excluded |
| Visiting Munich with a fighting dog | Leash requirement all day, max. 2 m | No off-leash time | Know the rules before arriving |
Conclusion
Category 1 in Munich: generally not allowed. Category 2 without a negative certificate: heavily restricted and expensive. Category 2 with a negative certificate: largely normal. The negative certificate is the most important step – and you should take it early.
I’ve never been classified as a fighting dog. But then again, I only weigh 12 kilos and snore when I breathe in. That takes away the threat factor.
Munich awaits us. And we await Munich.
Yours, Milo 🐾
Note: The content on this page is based on careful research, official sources, and local experience. Rules on leash requirements, dog ownership, registration, or the use of public spaces can change at short notice or differ depending on the area of the city. This page is for guidance only and makes no claim to be complete or legally binding. When in doubt, the official regulations always apply.
Sources:
– City of Munich, KVR – Negative certificate for fighting dogs: stadt.muenchen.de – Negative certificate
– City of Munich, Dog Ordinance: stadt.muenchen.de – Dog Ordinance
– Bavarian Police, Legal regulations on handling dangerous dogs: polizei.bayern.de
– BayernPortal, Fighting dog permit / Negative certificate: bayernportal.de
– Bayern.Recht, Ordinance on dogs with increased aggressiveness and dangerousness: gesetze-bayern.de – Fighting Dog Ordinance
– Bavarian Ordinance on Dogs with Increased Aggressiveness and Dangerousness (KampfhundeVO): gesetze-bayern.de
FAQs: Listed breeds Munich & Fighting dogs Munich
Which dogs are considered fighting dogs in Munich?
In Munich, the Bavarian Ordinance on Dogs with Increased Aggressiveness and Dangerousness applies. It lists breeds where the status as a fighting dog is always presumed, and breeds where this status is refutably presumed. Additionally, a dog can be considered a fighting dog regardless of its breed if its characteristics result from training aimed at increased aggressiveness or dangerousness.
Am I allowed to keep a fighting dog in Munich?
That depends on the classification. Fighting dogs of Category 1 may generally not be kept in Munich; permission is only possible under very strict conditions. For Category 2 dogs, owners in Munich need a negative certificate. Without a valid negative certificate, they are considered fighting dogs – with strict leash requirements and increased dog tax.
What is a negative certificate and how do I get it in Munich?
A negative certificate is a confirmation from the responsible authority that a Category 2 dog, in its individual case, does not show increased aggressiveness or dangerousness towards humans or animals. For Munich, the KVR is responsible. According to the city, an application form, two photos of the dog, and for dogs 18 months and older, an additional report from a publicly appointed and sworn expert for canine matters are required.
What leash requirements apply to listed breeds in Munich?
Fighting dogs without a valid negative certificate must be kept on a tear-resistant leash of maximum two meters in length on all public paths, streets, and squares as well as in all public parks in Munich at any time of day or night. This leash requirement applies throughout the city area – without exception for specific times or places. With a negative certificate, only the normal Munich leash rules apply, which are the same for all dogs.
How high is the dog tax for listed breeds in Munich?
For fighting dogs or dogs with presumed fighting dog characteristics without a negative certificate, the dog tax in Munich is 800 euros per year. With a negative certificate, the tax drops to the normal dog tax of 100 euros per year. So, the negative certificate saves 700 euros annually – and simplifies everyday life considerably.
Am I allowed to keep my Rottweiler or Cane Corso in Munich without restrictions?
Rottweilers and Cane Corsos are among the breeds where the status as a fighting dog is refutably presumed in Bavaria. Without a valid negative certificate, they are considered fighting dogs in Munich: all-day leash requirement throughout the city, increased dog tax, and exclusion from MVV transport. With a valid negative certificate, this fighting dog classification no longer applies to the individual dog.
Is a fighting dog allowed to ride on the MVV?
No. Fighting dogs are excluded from transport on the entire MVV – in all vehicles and in S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations. This applies to Category 1 and Category 2 dogs without a negative certificate. Anyone who has a valid negative certificate for their Category 2 dog may take them on the MVV like any other dog.
Does the fighting dog tax still apply if my dog has a negative certificate?
In Munich: no. With a valid negative certificate, the dog tax drops from 800 to 100 euros per year – the normal rate. In other municipalities in Bavaria, this may be regulated differently: some continue to levy increased dog tax even if a negative certificate is present. In Munich: negative certificate = 100 euro dog tax.
Can a Pit Bull get a negative certificate in Munich?
No. For Category 1 dogs – including Pit Bulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bandogs, Tosa Inus – a negative certificate is not possible in Bavaria. The fighting dog characteristics of these breeds are classified as irrefutable. A temperament test or expert opinion cannot change this classification.
What happens if I don’t register my listed breed in Munich?
Anyone keeping a fighting dog in Munich without the required permit or without a valid negative certificate risks a range of consequences: a fine of up to 10,000 euros, safety orders by the KVR, and in severe individual cases, prohibition of ownership or seizure of the animal. Additionally, there may be a retroactive demand for the fighting dog tax. The easiest way: apply for a negative certificate, register the dog, and make everything transparent.
