The Lex Baiuvariorum (or Bavarian Law) is generally dated by modern historical consensus to the mid-8th century, specifically between 743 and 749 AD.
Title XX (titled De canibus et eorum conpositione — "Concerning dogs and their compensation") is entirely dedicated to canine law. Because early Germanic society operated on a wergild (restitution/fine) system, if you killed or injured someone’s dog, you didn't go to jail; instead, you had to pay a strict fine (composition) to the owner based on the dog's specific job and training.
Functional Classifications of Dogs
The Bear-Dog (Bärenbeißer)
These were powerful dogs used to chase and hold bears, wild boars, and bison (referred to in the text as suarzwild or large wild animals). If you killed a Bärenbeißer, the fine was 6 shillings (solidis), and you had to provide the owner with an equally well-trained replacement dog.
The Scent Hound (Leithund)
The "lead dog" used to track game. A highly trained scent hound was so valuable to a noble's estate that its legal value was equivalent to that of a horse!
The Wolf-Biter (Schäferhund)
This was a shepherd's dog specifically trained to defend the flock and fight off wolves. Because of its vital role in protecting livestock, killing one carried a fine of 3 shillings.
The Yard Guard (Hofwart)
This is the direct linguistic ancestor of the modern German breed, the Hovawart. The law specifically protected the dog that "guards the estate of his master". If someone killed a Hofwart, particularly at night after sunset, the fines were severe because they had stripped a family of their primary security system.
The Drover Dog (Triphund)
Dogs used to drive cattle and other livestock to pasture.
The Hawk-Dog (Hapuhhunt)
These were dogs specifically trained to work alongside falconers. Their job was to flush out waterfowl or small game so the master's hunting hawks (acceptores) could strike them.
The "Equal Replacement" Rule
What makes the Lex Baiuvariorum fascinating is its focus on restoring the victim to exactly where they were before the crime. Almost every dog law in Title XX states that paying the silver coin fine was not enough. The perpetrator was legally obligated to find, train, and deliver a similar dog of equal capability (similem reddere) to the victim.