Permit to keep dogs: application, temperament test & process in

What is a permit to keep a dog?

The permit to keep a dog (also known as a keeping permit) is an official authorization required in Germany for certain dog breeds — restricted breed dogs. Without this permit, keeping the affected breeds is prohibited in many federal states or may constitute an administrative offense.

The permit is issued by the competent regulatory authority (municipality, veterinary office, public order office) and is tied to conditions: proof of the dog owner’s competence, a temperament test for the dog, proof of liability insurance, and, in some federal states, a police clearance certificate. The requirements vary greatly from one federal state to another.

Background + scientific context

Svartberg and Forkman (2002, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, PubMed 12076800) studied personality traits in domestic dogs and their consistency across different test situations: behavioral traits such as curiosity, playfulness, hunting motivation, and aggressiveness show measurable consistency over time and across situations. This scientific basis for temperament tests demonstrates that individual behavior assessment provides reliable information about temperament — but with limitations: single measurements in artificial test situations do not reflect the full behavioral repertoire.

Mehrkam and Wynne (2014, Learning & Behavior, PubMed 24356938) analyzed behavioral differences between dog breeds: breed differences in behavioral traits exist, but they explain only part of the individual variation. Individual differences within a breed often exceed the differences between breeds. The implication: breed-based laws fall short; individual behavior assessment (temperament test) is more valid for risk assessment than the breed restriction list.

Klaassen et al. (1996, Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde, PubMed 8997546) evaluated dangerous dog laws: legislation based solely on breeds, without individual assessment, shows no consistent reduction in bite incidents. Regulations with individual behavior assessments and dog owner competence requirements had better outcomes. The conclusion: a permit to keep a dog with a temperament test is a better tool than breed bans.

Vitomalia position

The keeping permit is a bureaucratic tool with a scientific core: individual assessment of the dog and dog owner is more meaningful than blanket breed bans. Dog owners who take the process seriously often gain valuable knowledge about their animal. The effort is justified — even if the system is inconsistent nationwide.

When is a keeping permit required?

• When keeping a breed on the breed restriction list of the respective federal state
• After official classification as a dangerous dog (e.g., after a biting incident)
• When moving to a federal state with stricter legislation
• When transferring the dog to new dog owners in regulated federal states
• As a prerequisite for insurance with some providers

Practical application

Typical application process steps:

Step	Content	Responsibility
1. Notification	Register dog with the authority	Public order office/municipality
2. Proof of competence	Dog handler’s license or competence test	dog owner
3. Proof of insurance	Liability insurance policy	dog owner
4. Health certificate	Veterinary examination	Veterinarian
5. Temperament test	Behavior assessment by a recognized examiner	Dog + dog owner
6. Permit notice	Authority decides based on documents	Authority

Temperament test — what is assessed: - Response to strangers, children, other dogs - Handler responsiveness and controllability by the dog owner - Response to stressful situations (noise, unexpected events) - Signs of aggression under controlled conditions

Common mistakes & myths

• “I don’t need a permit for a good dog.” The permit requirement is breed-based — regardless of the individual behavior. Without a permit, fines may be imposed and, in extreme cases, the animal may be taken away.
• “The temperament test is passed if the dog does nothing.” Temperament tests assess active behavior in defined situations, not just the absence of aggression. Preparation and training pay off.
• “Once approved — no further obligations.” In many federal states, ongoing requirements apply: leash requirement, muzzle requirement, obligation to report a change of address, renewal when the dog owner changes.

Scientific status 2026

Behavior assessment tools for dogs (temperament tests) are being further developed scientifically. The reproducibility and predictive validity of standard temperament tests are limited — a one-time test in a stressful situation does not fully capture a dog’s complete behavioral repertoire. Behavior experts recommend multiple observations in different contexts. Harmonization across federal states is being discussed politically, but is still lacking.

Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need for the ownership permit?

Varies by federal state, typically: ID card/proof of residence, proof of liability insurance, veterinary health certificate for the dog, vaccination record, certificate of competence (dog handling license), result of the temperament test, and in some cases a police clearance certificate. Ask the responsible authority about the current requirements.

What happens if the ownership permit is denied?

Without a permit, the dog may not be kept — the authority can order surrender or removal. Objections and legal action are legally possible. In some cases, corrective action may be possible, such as repeating the temperament test after training. Legal advice is recommended.

Is the ownership permit valid nationwide?

No — ownership permits are state-specific. A restricted breed dog approved in Bavaria must be approved again after moving to North Rhine-Westphalia. Different breed restriction lists mean that a dog may be kept without issue in one federal state, while requiring a permit or being prohibited in another.

Related terms

• Dangerous dog
• Dog bite statistics
• Temperament test for dogs
• Dog bite incident
• Leash requirement for dogs

Sources & further reading

1. Svartberg, K., & Forkman, B. (2002). Personality traits in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 79(2), 133–155. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12076800/

2. Mehrkam, L. R., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2014). Behavioral differences among breeds of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): Current status of the science. Learning & Behavior, 42(4), 364–379. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24356938/

3. Klaassen, B., Buckley, J. R., & Esmail, A. (1996). Does the dangerous dogs act protect against animal attacks: a prospective study of mammalian bites in the accident and emergency department. Injury, 27(2), 89–91. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8997546/