An American Bulldog looks into the camera. This breed falls under category 2 of the Bavarian Fighting Dog Ordinance. © picture alliance / dpa | Robert Schlesinger
In Bavaria, the handling of so-called "list dogs" is heavily regulated. But the number of illegally kept dogs that are brought to Munich animal shelters is increasing. The Munich Animal Welfare Association warns.
Munich – When the topic of "list dogs" – colloquially also called "fighting dogs" – comes up, alarm bells ring for many. Not without reason: In the public debate, a picture of bloodthirsty, aggressive animals is emerging. Cases such as in Heidelberg, where a 16-year-old was seriously injured by two American Staffordshire Terriers, reinforce the picture. But how much truth is there in the image of fear? Are list dogs really that dangerous or are they better than their reputation? And what is the situation in Munich?
What is a "fighting dog"?
When colloquially referred to as "fighting dogs", this refers to the legal term list dog. The word refers to lists of certain breeds of dogs that are considered particularly aggressive. These include, for example, the American Staffordshire Terrier or the Bull Terrier. These lists are kept in most federal states.
When in 2000 two "fighting dogs" killed a six-year-old boy in a schoolyard in Hamburg, politicians decided on stricter rules for the animals. The regulations are relevant for dog owners as well as for people who are very afraid of dogs or their children. In Bavaria, listed dogs have been divided into two categories since 1992.
Category 1: Breeds that are irrefutably assumed to have characteristics such as aggressiveness and dangerousness.
These include the dog breeds Pit-Bull, Bandog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Tosa-Inu.
A holding permit is required for keeping. The following criteria must be met: The owner must be reliable (presentation of a certificate of good conduct). The dog must not pose "any danger to life, health, property or possessions" (passed character test). Proof of legitimate interest in keeping a fighting dog of the category must be provided.
The chances of obtaining a holding permit through a legitimate interest are almost eliminated. Above all, it fails to prove legitimate interest.
Category 2: Breeds to which these characteristics are rebuttably imputed.
These include the dog breeds Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Mastin Espanol, Mastino Napoletano, Perro de Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Mallorquin and Rottweiler.
The keeping of these breeds is usually possible without any problems after passing the character test and a negative certificate issued by the authority.
Sources: KampfhundeVO, Tierschutzverein München, muenchen.de
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The character test: Is the animal aggressive?
The so-called character test checks whether the "fighting dog" is highly aggressive and whether the dog listens to the owner. Depending on the region, the test is carried out by veterinarians, the public order office or the veterinary office.
This behavioral test is considered proof that the dog is not excessively dangerous. A character test can be ordered for listed dogs or mixed breeds. But also for dogs that have become conspicuous due to aggressive behavior.
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Science study: Family and fighting dogs – they don't exist
But can conclusions actually be drawn from the dog breed about the behavior of the animals? A research team dealt with this question in 2022. It surveyed almost 20,000 dog owners and analysed the genomes of 2000,<> dogs. The study was published in the journal Science. The team led by biologist and dog expert Elinor Karlsson from the University of Massachusetts came to the conclusion: "The breed says little about a dog's behavior."
The researchers also write: "Due to the breed, the behavior of a dog can hardly be predicted." Overall, the breed of a dog explains only about nine percent of the behavior, according to the study. The age and gender of a Doberman, for example, say much more in comparison. This does not mean that "fighting dogs" cannot be aggressive. However, the breed does not have as much influence on behavior as is often assumed. Rather, upbringing, attitude and environment played a greater role.
More and more illegal listed dogs come to Munich animal shelter
Claus Reichinger, deputy chairman of the Munich Animal Welfare Association, told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that more and more listed dogs are being kept illegally in Munich. The number of banned listed dogs, which finally end up in the shelter, has risen extremely in the greater Munich area, the SZ quotes Reichinger further.
Actually, the strict requirements were supposed to restrict the keeping of listed dogs in Bavaria. However, the opposite is the case, Reichinger told the SZ. He therefore calls for political solutions, such as "a controlled keeping permit under certain conditions, such as a passed character test and a dog license," the deputy chairman told the Süddeutsche Zeitung. "Fighting dogs are no more aggressive than other breeds," he also explained in an interview with the Münchner Merkur.
Sponsorship for listed dogs as support for animal shelters
Due to the legal situation, these dogs have to be placed in other federal states or in Austria at additional costs and high expenses. In Bavaria, dogs in this category are not allowed to be adopted. For the shelter, this means additional costs, for example for special care and special food. If you want, you can support the Munich animal shelter with a group animal sponsorship.
You can find even more up-to-date news from Munich and the region on tz.de/muenchen.
