Is a Shiba Inu considered a restricted breed anywhere in Europe?

No. The Shiba Inu is not classified as a Listenhund or restricted breed in any European country, including Germany's federal states, the Netherlands, France, or Switzerland. Shibas are widely accepted by European landlords and housing associations.

Can a landlord charge extra rent or a special pet deposit for a Shiba in Europe?

It depends on the country. Germany and France prohibit pet rent entirely, while the Netherlands, UK, Spain, and Portugal commonly allow an additional refundable pet deposit of €250–€1,000. Pet insurance is often the preferred middle-ground solution.

Do I need a pet passport or EU health certificate to rent with a Shiba?

For renting within a single country, no pet passport is required. However, if you are relocating across EU borders, your Shiba needs a valid EU pet passport with current rabies vaccination and a microchip (ISO 11784/11785) before travel.

What should I do if my European landlord refuses pets?

In Germany, France, Italy, and Portugal you can challenge the refusal in court. In the UK and Netherlands, put your request in writing with a pet CV and offer a higher deposit or pet insurance. Always keep evidence of the request and the landlord's response.

Renting an Apartment in Europe with a Shiba Inu: Tenant Rights Guide

Yes, you can rent an apartment in Europe with a Shiba Inu in most countries, but rules vary by nation and landlord. Tenants are generally protected by anti-discrimination laws and 'right to keep pets' provisions in countries like Germany and France, while landlords in the UK and Netherlands can still set pet policies. Always request written permission, expect a pet deposit or rent surcharge in some markets, and know your country's specific tenant-pet protections before signing a lease.

Renting an apartment in Europe with a Shiba Inu is absolutely possible, and in several major countries the law is firmly on your side. Whether you are moving to Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, or Madrid, the key is understanding the difference between countries where pets are a default tenant right and countries where landlords can still restrict them. A Shiba Inu is a strong candidate for European rentals because it is medium-sized (~8–10 kg), clean, odour-light, and rarely noisy compared to larger working breeds, which most landlords and neighbours will appreciate once you communicate this.

Below is the country-by-country breakdown every Shiba owner should read before signing a lease.

Germany: The Most Pet-Friendly System

Germany is the gold standard. Under § 535 BGB and decades of Federal Court of Justice (BGH) case law, tenants have a default right to keep pets, including dogs, unless keeping the animal would cause concrete, documented harm to the building, other tenants, or the rental property.

No "general pet ban" clauses are legally enforceable
Breed-specific restrictions against Shibas are rare (they are not listed under any state Listenhund)
Landlords may refuse only with a specific, factual reason (severe allergy of a neighbour, unit too small for the dog, etc.)
Written consent in the lease is still strongly recommended

France: The 1970 Law on the Quiet Pet

France's Loi n° 70-598 (1970) is famous across Europe for a single sentence: tenants are free to keep any pet, provided it does not cause disturbance, damage, or nuisance. French courts have consistently ruled that a Shiba Inu meets the "quiet pet" standard.

No pet deposit is legal in France
No rent surcharge for pets
No size or breed restriction allowed against a Shiba
Landlord can only act if you violate hygiene, noise, or property rules

Netherlands: Reasonable Use, Paper Trail Needed

Dutch tenancy law (Article 7:215 BW) gives tenants the right to keep pets unless the lease explicitly prohibits it or the animal causes overlast. In practice:

A written pet clause is standard in newer contracts
Many landlords in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam actively welcome Shibas
A small pet deposit (often €250–€500) is common and legal
Two written warnings are typically required before any eviction proceeding

United Kingdom: Landlord Discretion Still Rules

England and Wales are the most restrictive parts of Western Europe. The Model Contract for Assured Shorthold Tenancies includes a default "no pets" clause, but since the 2021 Renters' Reform White Paper and the updated Model Contract, landlords are encouraged to consider pet requests reasonably. A Shiba's clean profile works in your favour.

Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a written pet request
You can negotiate pet insurance or a higher deposit under the Tenant Fees Act 2019
Scottish law (Housing Scotland Act 1988) is more tenant-friendly and rarely enforces no-pet clauses
Northern Ireland requires landlord consent but discrimination against assistance dogs is illegal

Spain, Italy, Portugal, Nordic Countries

Spain: Ley de Arrendamientos Urbanos does not give a default pet right, but pets are widely accepted; many landlords ask for a fianza adicional (additional deposit, usually one extra month)
Italy: Law 220/2012 confirms tenants' right to keep pets unless they cause damage or nuisance; no deposit allowed
Portugal: New 2024 housing law (Lei n.º 26/2024) limits pet refusals and prohibits pet rent
Sweden, Denmark, Norway: Tenants have strong default rights to keep pets; written consent recommended but rarely withheld for a well-behaved Shiba

Practical Checklist for Shiba Tenants in Europe

Translate your dog's vaccination record and EU pet passport (required for cross-border moves)
Prepare a one-page "Shiba Inu profile" — size, weight, low-bark tendency, clean habits, photos
Request written pet approval as a lease addendum, not just an email
Confirm liability insurance coverage for dog bites (required or recommended in DE, CH, AT, IT)
Budget for a refundable pet deposit (€250–€1,000) where legal
Photograph the apartment on move-in day to protect your deposit when you leave

Why a Shiba Is an Ideal European Apartment Dog

Shibas are among the most apartment-compatible medium breeds in the world: cat-like cleanliness, low odour, quiet voice (the famous "Shiba scream" only comes out at the vet or bath), and modest daily exercise needs (45–60 minutes). These traits should be highlighted to any hesitant landlord or neighbour association.

With the right paperwork, clear communication, and knowledge of your country's rules, renting an apartment in Europe with a Shiba Inu is straightforward — and in many countries, it is your legal right.