All federal states have enacted laws or regulations to prevent dangers posed by dogs. Since the prevention of such dangers falls under the jurisdiction of the federal states, the regulations vary from state to state.

In Hesse, all dogs must be kept and handled in such a way that they pose no danger to public safety—that is, to the life and health of people or animals. Dogs may not be allowed to roam unsupervised outside the owner’s fenced-in property.

A permit is required to keep a dangerous dog. Regardless of breed, dogs that exhibit increased aggression or have attracted attention 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 Shepherd Dog, and Rottweiler. This also includes crossbreeds among these breeds or with other dogs.

As part of the licensing process, the dog’s ability to behave in a socially acceptable manner must be demonstrated through a temperament test, and the owner’s suitability and reliability must also be verified.

The import or transport of dangerous dogs into Germany is regulated by the Act on the Prevention of the Transport or Import of Dangerous Dogs into Germany.