Who Needs a Competence Certificate (Sachkundenachweis) in NRW?

In North Rhine-Westphalia, owners of large dogs and dogs of certain breeds need a competence certificate — the Sachkundenachweis — usually before they can register the dog with the local authority. Check below in 30 seconds whether this applies to you.

Officially recognised

Recognised by LANUV
North Rhine-Westphalia

Valid for life

Take it once,
prove it forever

Valid across all of NRW

Accepted by any public order / veterinary office

Available online and in English

Take it conveniently
from home

Sorted in 30 seconds: do you need a certificate?

You need no certificate. You can register your dog directly.

You need a competence certificate — available from us, online and LANUV-recognised.

You need a competence certificate + temperament test — both available from DSKI.

The certificate and temperament test are taken at your district veterinary office. The exemption from the muzzle requirement up to 24 months of age is available from us.

The three cases at a glance

Large dogs (the 40/20 rule)

§ 11 LHundG NRW

A dog counts as „large“ if, when fully grown, it

exceeds 40 cm shoulder height, or
weighs more than 20 kg.

Required: a competence certificate. Take it with DSKI — online and officially recognised.

Dogs of certain breeds

§ 10 LHundG NRW

These include, among others: Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Mastiff, Mastín Español, Mastino Napoletano, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Old English Bulldog, Rottweiler and Tosa Inu — as well as cross-breeds among them and with other dogs.

Required: competence certificate + temperament test. Both available from DSKI.

Dangerous dogs

Classified by the authority

The competence certificate and temperament test are taken at your district veterinary office. From 7 months of age, muzzle and leash requirements apply.

At DSKI: exemption from the muzzle requirement up to 24 months of age.

Proof requirements at a glance

Type of dog	Required proof	Where?
Small dogs	No proof required	—
Large dogs (40/20)	Competence certificate	with DSKI
Dogs of certain breeds	Competence certificate + temperament test	with DSKI
Dangerous dogs	Certificate + temperament test; muzzle & leash from 7 months	District veterinary office (muzzle exemption up to 24 months with DSKI)

Legal basis: State Dog Act NRW (LHundG NRW), §§ 10 & 11. Information without guarantee — your competent local authority’s statement is decisive.

How to obtain your certificate

1 Prepare

Learn everything exam-relevant with our preparation package or the free practice test.

2 Book a date

Choose your preferred exam date online.

3 Take it online

Sit the exam conveniently online and receive your recognised certificate.

Ready to take your competence certificate?

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Who needs a Sachkundenachweis in NRW?

In NRW, owners of large dogs (over 40 cm shoulder height or over 20 kg when fully grown, § 11 LHundG NRW) and owners of dogs of certain breeds (§ 10 LHundG NRW) need a competence certificate. No proof is required for small dogs.

From what size or weight does my dog need a certificate?

As soon as your dog, when fully grown, exceeds 40 cm shoulder height or weighs more than 20 kg, it counts as a large dog in NRW and you need a competence certificate (the 40/20 rule, § 11 LHundG NRW).

Is the certificate valid across all of NRW, and for how long?

The certificate taken with DSKI is officially recognised by LANUV NRW, valid across all of North Rhine-Westphalia and valid for life. Other German states have their own rules.

Do I need the certificate before registering my dog with the authority?

Yes. Proof of competence must generally already be in place when you register the dog. We recommend taking the certificate before the dog moves in with you.

What is the difference between large dogs, certain breeds and dangerous dogs?

Large dogs (40/20) need only a competence certificate. Dogs of certain breeds additionally need a temperament test — both available from DSKI. Dogs classified as dangerous need the certificate and temperament test at the district veterinary office.

Can I take the certificate online and in English?

Yes. The theoretical competence exam for large dogs and dogs of certain breeds can be taken online with DSKI, with an English-language option. Book a date online, prepare, and sit the exam.

Helpful next steps

				
					**Layout:** 3–4 link cards (icon + title + one line + arrow):

- **The Sachkundenachweis explained** — Exam, recognition and booking → `/en/competence-certificate-nrw/`
- **Registering a dog in NRW** — Process, documents and deadlines → `/en/register-a-dog-nrw/`
- **Deutsche Version** — Wer benötigt einen Sachkundenachweis? → `/wer-benoetigt-einen-sachkundenachweis/`