| |
|
The presence of man's best friend can not be missed in Berlin. Germans have a fond attraction to and connection with their dogs.
Not only are dogs welcomed on the streets, they are also welcomed on all forms of public transportation, in all parks, in most stores and even in some restaurants.
The only unfriendly dog places are museums. Walking through the National Gallery, you will not run into Fido.
Numerous dog attacks have heightened the lack of acceptance of fighting breeds such as pit bulls and Staffordshire terriers. Regulation now requires any fighting breed to wear a muzzle at all times in public, although not all owners conform to this ruling.
According to German law, dogs are to remain on leash when in staircases, on public lanes, at public gatherings, at festivals, in parks and forests and in public means of transportation.
However, off-leash is also seen and never chastised by the public. Police can legally reprimand off-leash dogs and unmuzzled fighting dogs, but there is very little evidence of this in Berlin.
The people of Berlin are either dog lovers or haters. With the majority as dog owners and lovers, those that do not own a dog often retort when asked how they feel about dogs, "They are dirty."
Dealing with doggie waste is not one of Berlin's finer points. More often than not it is better to watch where your feet are stepping than to look straight ahead as you walk. Although receptacles for doggie waste are not invisible in Berlin, there are few and dog owners don't seem to believe in picking up after their dogs.
Although a visitor may seem overwhelmed by the number of dogs in Berlin, few realize that legally registering a dog is expensive for a Berliner. Registration is currently at 99 euros (about $125) per year according to expatica.com.
The temperament of most dogs in Berlin is very calm and unexcitable. Owners will tell their dogs to stay and wait for them outside a store door for a few minutes, and wait they will.
In English we say every dog has his day, but a dog has every day in the city of Berlin. |
|
|
|
