The Doberman is one of the best-known German dog breeds. He is considered a peaceful and balanced dog.
Nevertheless, he has the reputation of being a list dog, i.e. a dog for whose keeping certain conditions apply.
But the Doberman is a list dog and fighting dog and if so, where does it count as such? The following guide answers these and other questions.
Is the Doberman a list dog or a fighting dog?
The Doberman is a list dog or so-called “fighting dog” – but currently only in the federal state of Brandenburg.
This means that the Doberman is not considered a potentially dangerous dog in large parts of Germany.
In 15 federal states, the answer to the question «Is the Dobermann a list dog and fighting dog?» so no».
By the way, fighting dog and list dog are the same. Attack dog is still the colloquial term when talking about dangerous dog breeds.
According to the breed list, which also exists in Austria and Switzerland, list dogs are in some cases divided into two categories:
- Category 1: aggressive/dangerous dog breeds
- Category 2: potentially dangerous dog breeds
If a dog falls into category 2, its dangerous nature can be refuted.
In which federal states is the Doberman classified as a list dog or a fighting dog?
The Doberman currently applies exclusively in the state of Brandenburg as a list dog and attack dog. Here he is listed in category 2 as a potentially dangerous dog.
All other 15 federal states do not see the Dobermann as a list or fighting dog. This means that there are no strict requirements that you as the owner have to observe.
How does being classified as a list dog or attack dog affect keeping a Doberman?
Anyone who keeps a list dog must be the owner meet certain requirements, like that Submission of a certificate of competence and a police clearance certificate.
If a dog falls into category 2 of the breed list – in Brandenburg the Dobermann – the dog must also be able to prove an expert opinion, the so-called character test.
Let’s take a look at what these documents and other regulations are all about.
certificate of competence
This is one practical and a theoretical test. You prove that you are able to raise and keep a dog in a species-appropriate manner.
Do you live in Brandenburg and want to keep a Doberman? Then you have to provide a certificate of competence.
Criminal record certificate
A police clearance certificate indicates Do you have a criminal record? or not.
For owners of a list dog, of course, this criminal record does not contain any criminal records.
You can apply for a police clearance certificate either at your responsible municipality or at the Federal Office of Justice – here also online.
character test
Not only do you have to pass some exams and submit official documents, your dog has to too.
For this he has to show in the character test that he following things without aggression and dangerousness masters:
- contact to people
- contact with his environment
- contact with other dogs
The personality test is usually carried out by the following three institutions/persons:
- regulatory office
- veterinary office
- vet
If your dog is considered potentially dangerous, the character test will ideally prove that it is not.
It is also crucial here that the dog is obedient, knows and masters the most important basic commands and follows them within seconds.
leash duty
Brandenburg is one of the federal states in which a year-round linen obligation applies, also for the Dobermann.
In the following federal states, a leash is compulsory for all furry friends:
Federal Stateleash dutyrequirementsBaden-Wuerttembergno-Bavariano-Berlinyesdowntown forestsBrandenburgyear-roundBremenyes15. March to July 15Hamburgall year round (partly dog ban)HesseYes, 1. March to June 30thMecklenburg-Western Pomeraniayear-roundLower SaxonyYes, 1. April to July 15North Rhine-Westphaliano-Rhineland-Palatinateregionally dependentSaarlandyesbreeding and setting timeSaxonyno-Saxony-AnhaltYes, 1. March to July 15Schleswig Holsteinhunting all year round in forestsBeach ban from April 1st to September 30thThuringiaall year round in forests
Our tip
Even if not all federal states provide for a leash obligation, However, to be on the safe side, check with your municipalityas it looks here with a Doberman.
muzzle
Wearing a muzzle is compulsory for list dogs and applies in Brandenburg so for a Doberman.
In federal states in which the Doberman is not listed as a dog, there is no muzzle requirement.
Dog Liability Insurance
Like keeping dogs on a leash, liability insurance for dogs is not mandatory in every federal state.
Brandenburg is one of the federal states in which dog owners do not have to take out insurance. The exception applies to the List dog like the Doberman.
Accordingly, you must take out dog liability insurance there for your Dobermann. It may be that the costs here are higher than with a non-listed dog.
Already knew?
There is one for list dogs of category 1 Sterilization and castration. Breeding with the list dog breeds or crossings are also prohibited.
Fenced garden
A fenced garden makes sense for many dog breeds and is even mandatory for a list dog.
This is to prevent the supposedly dangerous dog from making its own way into the neighborhood.
Where do you live with your Doberman? What experiences have you already had with the subject of list dogs? We would be happy if you share them with us in the comments.