In this paper different design approaches for connections loaded perpendicular to the grain are evaluated with regard to their reliability. The structural behaviour of connections loaded perpendicular to the grain is described based on existing experimental and theoretical studies. The detailed failure behaviour of dowel connections loaded perpendicular to grain with slotted in steel plates is analysed in a recent test series. Based on these observations and on a large number of test results from literature different design approaches are benchmarked. The design and characteristic values of the relevant material parameters and the partial safety factors for the design of connections loaded perpendicular to grain are determined in a reliability analysis. As a result a much lower design value of the material parameter used in the EC5 design equation for connections loaded perpendicular to grain is proposed.