Military personnel moving to Germany should weigh the requirements of the new German DDO and owner responsibilities for dogs that fit the criteria in paragraph 2 when making a decision to bring such dogs with them. The cities of Mannheim, Heidelberg and Stuttgart have stated their final position on implementation of the Baden-W rttemberg Dangerous Dog Ordinance. Heidelberg and Stuttgart are identical in applying the state-level ordinance while Mannheim has its own more stringent ordinance. All three cities require registration of the three prime breeds - American Staffordshire Terrier, Pitbull Terrier and Bullterrier. VTFs will deliver the U.S. registration forms to the proper German authorities, and a confirmation of registration will be forwarded to the dog owners.
Registration is free of charge.
A muzzle is required in public until the owner and dog pass the voluntary temperament test, which demonstrates that a dog is not dangerous. The Baden-W rttemberg ordinance stipulates a charge of DM 300, payable by the owner, for the temperament test. Persons who do not want to have their dogs tested may elect to keep the animal muzzled. When a test is successfully passed, it is valid in all parts of Baden-W rttemberg except in Mannheim, where the muzzle remains a permanent requirement. In the cities of Heidelberg and Stuttgart, when a dog has passed the temperament test, the muzzle may be removed.