March 26, 2026, 6:55 am | Read time: 4 minutes
If you’re out and about with your dog in North Rhine-Westphalia, you should be well-versed in the applicable leash laws—violations can result in fines of up to 100,000 euros! The rules are particularly strict in cities, forests, and for so-called list dogs. This overview shows what will apply in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2026.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, dog owners face potentially hefty penalties if they violate leash laws—in some cases, fines can reach up to 100,000 euros. But when exactly does the leash requirement apply? And what should owners pay special attention to when out with their four-legged friends—in the city, forest, or dog park? The rules are complex, and not everyone knows that the size, weight, and breed of the dog can also be factors.
Is There a General Leash Requirement in North Rhine-Westphalia?
The State Dog Act (LHundG NRW) Section 2 mandates a general leash requirement throughout the state. It also states that dogs must be kept, led, and supervised in such a way that they pose no danger to the life or health of people or animals.
Dogs must be led on a leash suitable for preventing danger
- in pedestrian zones, main shopping areas, and other inner-city areas, streets, and squares with comparable public traffic,
- in publicly accessible, fenced park, garden, and green areas, including playgrounds, except in specially designated dog run areas,
- at public gatherings, parades, fairs, and other events with crowds,
- in public buildings, schools, and kindergartens
Another regulation is found in Section 11. According to this, dogs with a shoulder height of 40 cm or a weight of 20 kg must always be leashed on public streets, paths, and squares within built-up areas.
The fines can indeed be described as “hefty”: Violations of the leash requirement (for all, dangerous, and large dogs) can result in fines of up to 100,000 euros (§20).
Are There Special Regulations for List Dogs?
The State Dog Act also provides information on dangerous dogs and listed dogs. Section 5 stipulates that dangerous dogs under the law are animals whose dangerousness is suspected or has been determined in individual cases. Certain breeds are also defined as dangerous in the law. This applies to:
- Pitbull terrier
- American Staffordshire terrier
- Staffordshire bull terrier
- bull terrier
- as well as their crossbreeds with each other and with other dogs
Crossbreeds are thus dogs where the phenotype of one of the mentioned breeds is clearly prominent. In cases of doubt, the owner must prove that a crossbreed is not present. Anyone who keeps or wants to keep a dangerous dog requires permission from the competent authority. Permission is only granted if the applicant
- is at least eighteen years old,
- possesses the necessary expertise and reliability,
- is able to safely hold and lead the dog on a leash.
Outside of one’s own fenced property, as well as in hallways, elevators, stairwells, and access paths of multi-family houses, dangerous dogs must be led on a leash suitable for preventing danger. This does not apply within specially designated dog run areas. Additionally, dangerous dogs must wear a muzzle. However, this does not apply to puppies and young dogs under six months.
Leash Requirement for Dogs in Bremen: Rules for 2026
Leash Requirement for Dogs in Berlin: Rules for 2026
Is There a Breeding and Setting Season in North Rhine-Westphalia?
In North Rhine-Westphalia, there is also a seasonal leash requirement from March 1 to July 31 according to the State Nature Conservation Act. This applies particularly in European bird protection areas (§ 52). Exceptions exist for hunting and rescue dogs.
Section 2 of the State Forestry Act (LFoG) also stipulates that dogs must be led on a leash in the forest outside of paths all year round, except for hunting dogs during hunting activities and police dogs.
Further Regulations on Leash Requirements in North Rhine-Westphalia 2026
Further regulations can be found in the State Hunting Act of North Rhine-Westphalia. This mandates a leash requirement in corresponding hunting areas. There, free-running dogs constitute an administrative offense according to §55, which can be fined up to 5,000 euros.
However, the consequences can be even more drastic, as persons authorized for hunting protection are permitted to shoot dogs outside the owner’s control if they kill, chase, bite, or tear wildlife (§25). This is considered a last resort—if no milder means can be applied. Exceptions also apply to service or assistance dogs that are clearly identifiable.
In the Eifel National Park, it is prohibited according to Section 14 of the Regulation on the Eifel National Park (NP-VO Eifel) to be out with dogs off-leash. There is currently no special regulation for African swine fever and a corresponding leash requirement in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2026, as informed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection of North Rhine-Westphalia on its overview page.
Do you live in North Rhine-Westphalia and/or miss a municipal or current regulation on leash requirements for 2026 in this article? Write to us at redaktion@petbook.de.