All federal states have enacted laws or regulations to ward off the dangers posed by dogs. Since security is the responsibility of the Länder, the regulations of the Länder are different.

In Hesse, all dogs must be kept and led in such a way that they do not pose a threat to public safety, i.e. to the life and health of humans or animals. Dogs must not be left unattended outside the owner's enclosed property.

A permit is required to keep a dangerous dog. Regardless of their breed, dogs that have increased aggressiveness or that have become conspicuous are considered dangerous. Furthermore, dogs of the following breeds are considered dangerous: pit bull terrier or American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier or Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, bull terrier, American bulldog, dogo argentino, kangal (karabash), Caucasian ovcharka and rottweiler. Crossbreeds with each other or with other dogs are also recorded.

As part of the approval procedure, the dog's ability to behave in a socially acceptable manner must be proven by means of a character test as well as the suitability and reliability of the owner.

The import or movement of dangerous dogs into the Federal territory is regulated by the Act to Combat the Introduction or Import of Dangerous Dogs into Germany.