PET42 guide
“Fighting dogs”, listed breeds and so-called dangerous dogs
German breed lists bring legal restrictions and strong opinions. Learn how breed labels, ownership, behaviour and individual needs interact.
Why these lists exist, which breeds are affected - and why husbandry, behaviour and feeding are more important than the name
Terms such as fighting dog, listed dog or dangerous dog breeds still trigger strong emotions today. While some people feel fear, owners of these dogs often experience prejudice, restrictions and legal hurdles. But what is really behind the fighting dog lists? Why do they exist, which breeds are affected – and what does science say about it?
Fighting dog, listed dog, dangerous dog - what's the difference?
First of all, it is important to understand: The term “fighting dog” is not a technical term, but a colloquial expression. Instead, the legislation speaks of listed dogs or dogs of certain breeds.
👉 Crucial: Not every fighting dog is dangerous - and not every dangerous dog is on a list.
- Fighting dog: colloquial, emotionally influenced
- Listed dog: legal term, defined differently depending on the federal state
- Dangerous dog: legally usually a dog that has already become conspicuous through its behaviour
Why were fighting dog and listed dog lists introduced?
The fighting dog lists were introduced in Germany primarily after serious biting incidents at the end of the 1990s. Politicians responded with blanket regulations to increase public safety.
Positive aspects of the lists
- increased attention to responsible dog ownership
- stricter requirements for owners
- Control of uncontrolled breeding
Critical aspects
- Blanket condemnation of entire breeds
- no individual assessment of the dog
- Studies show: Care, socialisation and environment are more important than breed
Typical fighting dog breeds & listed dogs (keywords)
The typical fighting dog breeds that are or have been on many lists include:
Depending on the federal state, mixed breeds of these dogs are also classified as listed dogs, often based solely on their external appearance.
These dogs are often searched for under terms such as “Listed Dog Breeds”, “Fighting Dog Breeds List”, “Dangerous Dog Breeds Germany” or “Category 1 and Category 2 Dogs”.
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire bull terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Pitbull (not an officially recognised breed name)
Are these breeds really more aggressive?
The clear answer: No – not across the board.
Scientific research shows:
- Aggression is not a unique breed-specific characteristic
- Biting incidents are strongly related to the owner’s approach, stress, pain, socialisation and experience
- Large or strong dogs are statistically more noticeable because damage is more visible
Many so-called fighting dogs are considered by experts to be:
- very people-oriented
- loyal and devoted
- steady-natured with good guidance
- sensitive to stress
Behaviour: What's really important with listed dogs
Many of these dogs have characteristics that require responsibility:
- high physical strength
- pronounced endurance
- strong attachment to their people
- often high frustration tolerance – if they are managed correctly
It becomes problematic when:
👉 Behaviour is not caused by breed alone, but by living conditions.
Feeding for fighting dogs and listed dogs – an often underestimated factor
One point that is almost never mentioned in public discussion is feeding. It influences:
Especially with powerful or sensitive dogs, feeding that is not optimally coordinated can lead to:
These can be signs of feeding that does not suit the dog.
- Socialisation is missing
- the dog is physically or mentally underchallenged
- Stress is permanently high
- There is pain or health problems
- Energy level
- Stress processing
- digestion
- general well-being
- Hyperexcitability
- nervousness
- restlessness
- digestive problems
What is important is:
Feeding does not replace training - but it can positively support behaviour or negatively reinforce it.
- an appropriate amount of food
- no oversupply of energy
- easily digestible ingredients
- stable digestion as a basis for balanced behaviour
Ownership & responsibility: The most important point of all
Regardless of whether a dog is on a list or not:
People are the decisive factor.
Particularly important for listed dogs:
Pain, stomach problems or chronic stress can change any behaviour – in any dog.
- clear, fair rules
- positive, non-violent training
- sufficient mental and physical exercise
- low-stress environment
- regular health checks
Fighting dogs & listed dogs: differences in the federal states
There is no uniform regulation in Germany. Examples:
These differences clearly show: 👉 Dangerousness is assessed politically, not uniformly scientifically.
- Bavaria: strict breed lists, temperament test possible
- North Rhine-Westphalia: Category 1 & 2, proof of expertise, ownership requirements
- Berlin: Breed list, exemption through a temperament test
- Lower Saxony: no breed list, focus on individual dogs
- Brandenburg: Individual case assessment instead of blanket classification
- Hamburg: Breed list with requirements
Criticism of fighting dog lists
More and more experts and organisations are criticising breed lists because:
- Mixed breeds can hardly be clearly classified
- external appearance is not a reliable factor
- Owner responsibility is not taken into account enough
Many countries are therefore increasingly relying on:
- Owner expertise
- Behavioural assessments
- individual risk assessment
Conclusion
Fighting dogs, listed dogs and so-called dangerous dog breeds are above all one thing: dogs. It is not the breed that determines danger, but rather:
Anyone who takes these factors into account significantly reduces risks – regardless of breed.
Find out which food and what amount of food really suits your dog
Especially with powerful, sensitive or stress-prone dogs, feeding that is not optimally coordinated can unnecessarily influence behaviour, energy levels and well-being.
- care and ownership
- Knowledge
- Environment
- Health
- feeding
- Responsibility
Advice tailored to your dog
Find the right food and portion size for your dog
Many unusual eating behaviours are not caused by a deficiency, but rather by food that is not optimally balanced.
PET42 creates an individual food recommendation, independent of manufacturers, based on your dog’s details, including the appropriate food quantity in grams.
Questionnaire, checkout and feeding advice are provided in German.
