Legal Basis
Dog Act for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (LHundG NRW). NRW is one of the most detailed Bundesländer and operates with three groups.
Three Groups of Dogs
Dangerous dogs (§ 3 LHundG NRW): American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier — plus crossbreeds.
Dogs of specific breeds (§ 10 LHundG NRW): Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Mastiff, Mastín Español, Mastino Napoletano, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu — plus crossbreeds.
Large dogs — the 20/40 rule (§ 11 LHundG NRW): Any dog from 40 cm shoulder height or from 20 kg weight (fully grown). This group is breed-independent.
What owners need
Dangerous dogs (§ 3):
- Haltungserlaubnis
- Sachkundenachweis from the Veterinary and Food Control Department
- Wesenstest
- Dog liability insurance
- Extended certificate of good conduct
- Microchip identification
- Muzzle and leash requirement
Dogs of specific breeds (§ 10):
- Sachkundenachweis from a resident veterinarian or recognised expert
- Dog liability insurance
- Muzzle and leash requirement
- Microchip identification
Large dogs / 20-40s (§ 11):
- Notification requirement
- Sachkundenachweis (multiple-choice test with a resident veterinarian) — online test possible
- Dog liability insurance
- Microchip identification
- Leash requirement in built-up areas
Insurance
Mandatory for dangerous dogs, dogs of specific breeds and large dogs (20/40). Minimum coverage €500,000 for personal injury / €250,000 for property damage.
Everyday rules
- General leash requirement in built-up areas
- Muzzle requirement for category 1 and category 2 dogs
- Criminal provision: up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine for inciting dogs against people
- Fine range for administrative offences: up to €100,000
Hundesteuer examples
| City | First dog | Dangerous dog |
|---|---|---|
| Düsseldorf | 96 € | 600 € |
| Cologne (since 2026) | 174 € | 174 € (no separate rate for listed dogs) |
| Essen | 156 € | 852 € |
| Dortmund | 156 € | 852 € |
| Bonn | 174 € | 696 € |
Fee table Düsseldorf (procedural costs for Haltungserlaubnis):
- Haltungserlaubnis: 100 €
- Sachkundenachweis (official veterinarian): 40 €
- Wesenstest (official veterinarian): 50 €
- Exemption from muzzle or leash requirement: 25 €
Contact
Public Order Office of the city/municipality · Veterinary Chamber of North Rhine