– from the perspective of someone who isn’t big themselves, but knows the rules anyway
By Milo, French Bulldog, Munich local, and self-proclaimed expert in what really matters in life.- 🐕 Large means 50 cm shoulder height or more – measured individually, not by breed average; also always: German Shepherd, Boxer, Doberman, Great Dane (breed-specific)
- 🚫 Additional leash requirement for large dogs: within the Altstadtring, pedestrian zones, traffic-calmed areas, public events, markets, near children’s playgrounds, public transport
- 🌿 Basic principle remains: In the rest of the city, large dogs are also allowed to run free – unless special regulations apply
- ✅ Leash: tear-resistant, max. 2 meters, securely attached to collar or harness
- 💧 Off-leash possible on open meadows, e.g., in Hirschgarten or on the Luitpoldpark North Meadow
- ⚠️ Fighting dogs without a negative certificate: city-wide leash requirement – this is a separate category
I’m 30 centimeters tall. At the shoulder. That’s my contribution to this question.
Anyone who owns a large dog in Munich knows the feeling: You’re somewhere, your dog is running free, and suddenly someone loudly asks if that’s okay. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it’s not. Munich’s dog ordinance distinguishes between small and large dogs – with additional rules for the latter. I’ll explain these rules now. No detours, no gaps.
The special rules for large dogs in Munich concern leash requirements. They apply in certain places in addition to the rules that apply to all dogs. The basic principle – off-leash allowed – still applies to large dogs. Only the list of exceptions is longer.
What counts as a “large dog” in Munich?
According to the dog ordinance of the state capital Munich, dogs are considered “large” if they reach a shoulder height of at least 50 cm. The actual size of the individual animal is decisive – not the average of the breed.
In addition, the ordinance defines certain dog breeds as large dogs regardless of their individual size. These include, in particular: German Shepherd, Boxer, Doberman, and Great Dane. This classification applies from the completed 12th month of life.
- 📏 Large = 50 cm shoulder height or more (measured individually)
- 🐕 Certain breeds are always considered large (e.g., German Shepherd, Boxer, Doberman, Great Dane)
- ⚠️ The Munich City Dog Ordinance is decisive
Where is leashing required for large dogs – additionally
All areas where leashing is required for all dogs naturally also apply to large dogs. Westpark, English Garden, Isarauen, nature reserves, public transport – that’s well-known. In addition, large dogs have their own specific areas.
Additional leash requirement for large dogs in Munich: the entire area within the Altstadtring, all designated pedestrian zones and traffic-calmed areas throughout the city, the immediate vicinity of children’s playgrounds (all dogs are prohibited on the playground itself), as well as at all public markets, events, public festivals, and outdoor gatherings. And: throughout public transport (MVV) – subway, S-Bahn, tram, bus, train stations, and station forecourts. While this also applies to all dogs, it is particularly relevant for large dogs.
- 🐕 throughout the entire area within the Altstadtring
- 🐕 in pedestrian zones and traffic-calmed areas
- 🐕 in the immediate vicinity of children’s playgrounds
- 🐕 at public events, markets, and gatherings
- 🐕 on public transport (MVV) as well as at train stations and forecourts
These additional rules apply in addition to general leash zones such as parks, Isarauen, or nature reserves.
Perfect for: Anyone who walks a large dog through the city center daily and wants to know when the leash needs to be on.What exactly does “Altstadtring” mean?
The Altstadtring is the inner-city area enclosed by the following streets: Odeonsplatz, Ludwigstraße, Von-der-Tann-Straße, Franz-Joseph-Ring, Karl-Scharnagl-Ring, Thomas-Wimmer-Ring, Frauenstraße, Blumenstraße, Sonnenstraße, Karlsplatz, Lenbachplatz, Maximiliansplatz, and Briennerstraße. If you are in this area with a large dog, you must keep it on a leash. Always.
- 🗺️ Altstadtring: defined by Odeonsplatz, Ludwigstraße, Von-der-Tann-Straße, Franz-Joseph-Ring, Karl-Scharnagl-Ring, Thomas-Wimmer-Ring, Frauenstraße, Blumenstraße, Sonnenstraße, Karlsplatz, Lenbachplatz, Maximiliansplatz, Briennerstraße
- 🐕 Within this area: Leash requirement for large dogs
- ⚠️ Applies to all public paths, streets, and squares within this area
What about public transport?
In the MVV – meaning in subways, S-Bahn, trams, buses, and all stations and their forecourts – dogs must generally be kept on a short leash. This applies to all dogs. For large dogs, this is particularly relevant because they need more space and attract more attention. Dogs that could endanger fellow passengers must also wear a muzzle. One dog travels free if the owner has a valid ticket. From the second dog, the child fare applies.
- 🐕 Public Transport: short leash required – for all dogs
- ⚠️ Muzzle: if other passengers could be endangered
- ✅ First dog: free with valid MVV ticket
- 💶 From second dog: child fare
- 🚫 Fighting dogs without a negative certificate: excluded from MVV and S-/U-Bahn stations
Where can large dogs run off-leash?
The basic principle remains: off-leash allowed, unless explicitly forbidden. For large dogs, this means: anywhere where there are no bollards, no special signs, and none of the mentioned special areas apply, a large dog can also run free.
Specific off-leash opportunities for large dogs in Munich: Luitpoldpark (North Meadow – designated dog meadow), Hirschgarten (open meadows, no general leash requirement in the park), Ostpark (two designated dog meadows by the Hachinger Bach), meadows outside the Nymphenburg Palace wall (off-leash tolerated, not officially designated). Mariejoe would run here now. I would look for shade. But that’s our personal business.
- ✅ Luitpoldpark – North Meadow: designated dog meadow, off-leash allowed
- ✅ Hirschgarten: no general leash requirement, open meadows for off-leash running
- ✅ Ostpark: two designated dog meadows by the Hachinger Bach
- ✅ Meadows outside Nymphenburg Palace wall: off-leash tolerated (landscape protection area, not officially designated)
- ⚠️ For large dogs with a hunting drive: watch out for rabbits in Hirschgarten
Fighting Dogs and List Dogs – Legal Classification
Regardless of size, stricter regulations apply to so-called fighting dogs under Bavarian state law.
- ⚠️ Category 1 dogs (e.g., Pitbull, American Staffordshire Terrier) are generally not allowed to be kept in Munich
- ⚠️ Special requirements apply to Category 2 dogs (e.g., negative certificate)
- 🐕 Without a valid negative certificate, a permanent leash requirement generally applies
These regulations do not arise from the Munich Dog Ordinance, but from the Bavarian State Penal and Regulatory Act (LStVG).
→ All about it: List Dogs in Munich – what applies here?
Quick Overview: Large Dogs in Munich – Leash Requirements
| Area | All Dogs | Large Dogs Munich Leash Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| City area generally | ✅ Off-leash principle | ✅ Off-leash principle |
| Westpark, English Garden, Isarauen, nature reserves | 🐕 Leash required | 🐕 Leash required |
| Within Altstadtring | ⚠️ Off-leash principle applies (no special rule) | 🐕 Leash required |
| Pedestrian zones, traffic-calmed areas | ⚠️ Off-leash principle applies (no special rule) | 🐕 Leash required |
| Markets, events, outdoor festivals | ⚠️ Off-leash principle applies (no special rule) | 🐕 Leash required |
| Immediate vicinity of children’s playgrounds | ⚠️ Off-leash principle applies (no special rule) | 🐕 Leash required |
| Public transport (U-/S-Bahn, tram, bus, stations) | 🐕 Short leash required | 🐕 Short leash required |
| Children’s playgrounds (area itself) | 🚫 Entry prohibited | 🚫 Entry prohibited |
The special rules for large dogs in Munich are manageable. They primarily concern the city center, events, and public transport. In the rest of the city, the same rules apply as for any other dog.
→ All leash rules at a glance: Leash Requirements in Munich – the complete overview
→ All rules for dog ownership: Dog Ownership in Munich – Rules and Obligations
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: State Capital Munich – Dog Ordinance (stadt.muenchen.de/infos/hundeverordnung.html, last updated July 2025); State Capital Munich – KVR, Leash Requirement for Dogs (stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/hauptabteilung-i-sicherheit-und-ordnung-praevention/1092435/); MVV Carriage Regulations (mvv-muenchen.de/tickets-preise/tarifstruktur/mitnahmeregelungen).
Frequently Asked Questions: Large Dogs Munich
When is a dog considered a large dog in Munich?
A dog is considered large from a shoulder height of 50 cm. Additionally, certain breeds such as German Shepherd, Boxer, Doberman, and Great Dane are classified as large dogs regardless of their actual size. The basis is the Munich City Dog Ordinance.
Where is leashing specifically required for large dogs?
Large dogs must be leashed additionally: within the Altstadtring, in pedestrian zones, in traffic-calmed areas, in the vicinity of children’s playgrounds, as well as at events and on public transport.
Are large dogs allowed to run off-leash in Munich?
Yes. The principle is off-leash, provided no leash requirements or entry prohibitions apply. The additional rules only concern specific areas.
Is leashing required for dogs on public transport (MVV)?
Yes. Dogs must be kept on a short leash in the MVV. A muzzle is required if there is a risk of endangering other passengers.
What is the Altstadtring?
The Altstadtring encompasses the inner-city area of Munich. Within this area, large dogs are generally required to be on a leash in public spaces.
Are there differences between large dogs and fighting dogs?
Yes. Large dogs are subject to additional leash requirements. Fighting dogs are regulated separately under Bavarian state law and are subject to stricter conditions.
