How many dangerous dog breeds can I bring into Germany?

dangerous dog breeds may not be brought into Germany at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Do I have to declare dangerous dog breeds at Germany customs?

There is nothing to declare — dangerous dog breeds cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare dangerous dog breeds in Germany?

Under Abgabenordnung, § 372 Absatz 1, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Can I post or ship dangerous dog breeds to Germany instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.

Can I take dangerous dog breeds out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking dangerous dog breeds out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for dangerous dog breeds apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Gefährliche Hunde. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Nach diesem Gesetz dürfen bestimmte Hunderassen sowie deren Kreuzungen untereinander oder mit anderen Hunden nicht nach Deutschland eingeführt oder verbracht werden.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on dangerous dog breeds?

Of the 17 countries covered here, 9 prohibit dangerous dog breeds, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

How much Dangerous dog breeds can I bring into Germany?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Dangerous dog breeds into Germany.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Gefährliche Hunde Generalzolldirektion / German Customs Administration (zoll.de)

Questions about Dangerous dog breeds in Germany

How many dangerous dog breeds can I bring into Germany?: dangerous dog breeds may not be brought into Germany at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare dangerous dog breeds at Germany customs?: There is nothing to declare — dangerous dog breeds cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare dangerous dog breeds in Germany?: Under Abgabenordnung, § 372 Absatz 1, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship dangerous dog breeds to Germany instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.
Can I take dangerous dog breeds out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking dangerous dog breeds out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for dangerous dog breeds apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Gefährliche Hunde. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Nach diesem Gesetz dürfen bestimmte Hunderassen sowie deren Kreuzungen untereinander oder mit anderen Hunden nicht nach Deutschland eingeführt oder verbracht werden.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on dangerous dog breeds?: Of the 17 countries covered here, 9 prohibit dangerous dog breeds, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

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