List of Breeds Subject to Restrictions: Significance, Legal Framework, and Objective Classification

What does "rasseliste" mean in relation to dogs?

A "dangerous breed list" is an officially designated list of dog breeds that are classified as generally dangerous or potentially dangerous. Owners of these breeds are then subject to special requirements: mandatory muzzles and leashes in public spaces, temperament tests, proof of expertise, ownership permits, higher dog taxes, or ownership bans. Internationally, this concept is known as Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL).

In Germany, the list of restricted breeds is regulated at the federal level: each state maintains its own list, with significant differences in content. American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Bull Terriers appear on nearly every list. Other states add Rottweilers, Dogo Argentinos, Tosas, Fila Brasileiros, or crossbreeds. In 2003, Lower Saxony became the only state to abolish its list of banned breeds—and has not documented any increase in bite incidents since then.

Background and Academic Context

The scientific evidence regarding breed-specific regulations is clearly critical. In a large-scale British study, Casey et al. (2014) examined aggressive behavior in dogs across various contexts and found that breed accounts for only a very small proportion of behavioral variation—socialization, training methods, and owner factors were significantly stronger predictors. Cornelissen and Hopster (2010) analyzed bite statistics in the Netherlands before and after the local pit bull ban and found no decrease in incidents—the ban was lifted in 2008.

In a review article, Mehrkam and Wynne (2014) demonstrated that behavioral differences between breeds are real but significantly smaller than the variation within a breed. Petkova et al. (2024) examined public perceptions of so-called “dangerous breeds” and found that the stigmatization is not empirically supported by behavioral data. The American Veterinary Medical Association and the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology reject breed-specific legislation as ineffective.

Vitomalia-Position

At Vitomalia, we firmly oppose the breed list on animal welfare grounds. It suggests safety without actually providing it, discriminates against responsible owners and their dogs, and shifts the blame onto supposedly harmless breeds. A Goldendoodle can bite if poorly socialized, just as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can remain well-behaved with proper training. We advocate for behavior-based regulations—that is, measures that focus on the individual dog-owner team and behavior, not on phenotype.

We recommend that owners of dogs classified as dangerous breeds carefully comply with all legal requirements, obtain a certificate of competence, and use positive muzzle training —not out of resignation, but as a conscious effort to project a confident demeanor.

When does the race list become relevant?

The list of restricted breeds becomes relevant when buying a puppy, moving to another state, or staying abroad. Anyone who owns a listed dog must check the new state regulations before every move. The classification is also crucial when importing animals from abroad for animal welfare purposes—a dog that is unremarkable in its country of origin may be classified as a listed dog in Germany. Insurers often require a separate premium rate. Landlords in Germany may restrict the keeping of listed dogs, provided the clause is objectively justified.

Practical application

1. Check state laws: Read the current dog ordinance in your place of residence before getting a dog, and ideally those of neighboring states as well.
2. Preparing for the dog owner certification: Required in many states for owners of designated breeds. Theoretical and practical exams administered by a certified examiner.
3. Take the temperament test: If required by the state, the test must be administered by a certified veterinarian or expert.
4. Build a positive attitude toward the muzzle: over weeks, not hours—see muzzle training.
5. Purchase liability insurance: Special rate with adequate coverage, proof of compliance with requirements.
6. Confident demeanor: Clean leash manners, consistent maintenance of distance, no provocative situations.

Common Mistakes and Myths

• "Dogs on the list are genetically more aggressive." Petkova et al. (2024) and Mehrkam and Wynne (2014) show that behavioral variation within a breed far exceeds that between breeds. Genetic generalizations do not hold up.
• "Rattle collars reduce biting incidents." Cornelissen and Hopster (2010), as well as other studies from Spain and the United Kingdom, found no measurable effect on biting statistics.
• "If you own a dog on the list, you are to blame for any incidents." Responsibility lies with the dog-owner team and the overall situation—breed alone is not an indicator of behavioral risk.
• "Lower Saxony's decision not to enforce the law has led to more incidents." The official bite statistics since 2003 refute that. Lower Saxony is a key argument against the BSL.
• "Dogs on the list don't belong in families." This claim is not supported by evidence. Many families keep dogs on the list responsibly and without causing any trouble.

State of the art in 2026

The consensus among veterinary and behavioral biology professional associations is clear: breed-specific legislation is an ineffective tool for preventing incidents. More effective are evidence-based models, such as the dog owner’s license in certain German states or the Dutch model of individual risk assessment. Open questions concern the optimal design of mandatory training requirements, the role of early socialization, and the impact of owner education on long-term incident rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which dogs are on the list of restricted breeds?

This varies by state. Commonly listed breeds include: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. Check the regulations in your area before purchasing a dog.

Can I move with a dog on the banned list?

Yes, but the regulations vary by state. A dog that is allowed to run free in Lower Saxony may be required to wear a muzzle in Bavaria. It is mandatory to check in advance.

Does a temperament test help?

Passing a temperament test can reduce or waive certain requirements. However, it does not replace the general classification of the breed in many federal states.

Are dogs on the banned list more dangerous than other dogs?

No. Biting statistics and peer-reviewed studies show that socialization, owner training, and the quality of training have a significantly greater impact than breed.

Related terms

• Dangerous dog
• Breed stigma in dogs
• Muzzles for Dogs
• Aggression in Dogs
• Socialization
• Temperament Test
• Certificate of Competence

Sources and further reading

1. Petkova, T., et al. (2024). Public perception of breed-specific legislation and so-called dangerous dog breeds. Animals, 14(7), 1052.
2. Casey, R. A., Loftus, B., Bolster, C., Richards, G. J., & Blackwell, E. J. (2014). Human directed aggression in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris): Occurrence in different contexts and risk factors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 152, 52–63.
3. Cornelissen, J. M. R., & Hopster, H. (2010). Dog bites in The Netherlands: A study of victims, injuries, circumstances and aetiology. The Veterinary Journal, 186(3), 292–298.
4. Mehrkam, L. R., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2014). Behavioral differences among breeds of domestic dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 155, 12–27.
5. Bradshaw, J. W. S., Blackwell, E. J., & Casey, R. A. (2009). Dominance in domestic dogs – useful construct or bad habit? Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 4(3), 135–144.