There are many dog breeds that have a really bad reputation – namely as a fighting dog or list dog.
Why? Because these breeds are considered (potentially) dangerous and aggressive, so may the Rottweiler.
In the following guide, we therefore clarify the question of whether the Rottweiler a list dog and attack dog is.
Is the Rottweiler a List Dog or a Fighting Dog?
Yes, the Rottweiler is a list dog and is considered a so-called “fighting dog”as it is on the dangerous dog breed list in some states.
The breed list lists dog breeds that are either dangerous (that’s a fact) or can be dangerous.
It was introduced in 2001. This was primarily intended to prevent the import of alleged attack dogs to Germany.
The breed list is closely linked to breed-specific dog legislation.
Each federal state has its own breed list, which is also divided into 2 categories in many federal states.
Category 1 includes dog breeds that are considered to be clearly aggressive and dangerous.
Category 2 lists dog breeds in which the potential for danger can be refuted.
In the meantime, not every federal state has a breed list. It has already been overturned or abolished in Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia.
In the three federal states, dogs are no longer automatically classified as dangerous because of their breed, but because of their nature.
Already knew?
Attack dog and list dog or system dog are the same. Today, however, the colloquial term fighting dog has prevailed.
In which federal states is the Rottweiler considered a list dog or a fighting dog?
The Rottweiler is a listed dog and fighting dog in the federal states of Bavaria, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Bavaria: Category 2
- Brandenburg: Category 2
- Hamburg: Category 2
- Hesse: no categorization
- North Rhine-Westphalia: Category 2
Being in Category 2 means the Rottweiler is considered a potentially dangerous dog breed.
In contrast to category 1, which lists dogs that are considered dangerous, the possible dangerous characteristics of dogs in category 2 can be refuted.
For Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia, however, it can still apply that a Rottweiler must take a character test.
To be on the safe side, you should find out from the responsible municipality whether you have to submit expert opinions and if so, which ones.
How does being classified as a list dog or attack dog affect owning a Rottweiler?
The classification of the Rottweiler as a list dog and attack dog means for you as the owner that you have to be of legal age to keep it.
In addition, you must submit some documents or reports, including a police clearance certificate and a certificate of competence and a personality test.
We will now take a close look at what these requirements mean for you and your Rottweiler in detail.
legal age
Would you like to live with a list dog like the Rottweiler? Then you are only allowed to do this in the federal states mentioned when you are 18 years old.
Criminal record certificate
You must also be able to present a police clearance certificate. This proves that you have no criminal record. These would preclude a Rottweiler attitude.
You can apply for a police clearance certificate online at the Federal Office of Justice or at the municipality responsible for you.
certificate of competence
The certificate of competence is an exam that you as a dog owner have to take. In a theoretical and a practical part, you prove that you are capable of keeping a dog.
You can submit a certificate of competence either to your veterinarian or to a certified dog trainer.
character test
Not only you as a future Rottweiler roommate have to pass a test. Your Rottweiler will also be tested – through the character test.
The Rottweiler shows how he reacts to his environment, other dogs and people.
He also has to prove that he can follow the basic commands he has learned on demand.
Good to know
The character test can be taken at the veterinarian, at the veterinary office or at the responsible public order office.
If the Rottweiler passes his character test, then he is no longer a listed or fighting dog in the federal states mentioned.
For you, this means that there are no longer any specific requirements for keeping it.
If, on the other hand, he fails, then further restrictions and additional costs must be observed.
Dog tax & dog liability
While the dog tax is mandatory in every federal state, dog liability insurance only has to be taken out in the following federal states:
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- Lower Saxony
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Schleswig Holstein
- Thuringia
The Rottweiler is a list dog and fighting dog in Hamburg. It is therefore likely that both dog tax and dog liability will be assessed higher here.
muzzle obligation
Category 2 listed dogs must be muzzled when leaving their property. This applies accordingly to the Rottweiler if he has not passed the character test.
leash duty
The leash requirement is just as little mandatory in all federal states as dog liability insurance.
It still applies to list dogs in categories 1 and 2. Because a list dog as a (potentially) dangerous four-legged friend may not run around unsupervised.
Chip obligation
Listed dogs are also subject to the chip requirement. This means that the Rottweiler must be equipped with a microchip and registered in Bavaria, among other things.
Fenced property
If the Rottweiler is a list dog and a fighting dog, this also means that you have to fence off your property.
In this way you can and must ensure that your Rottweiler does not leave the property and become a suspected danger to those around him.
Is a Rottweiler your roommate and if so how do you live? We would be happy if you share your experiences and one or two tips with us in the comments.