Since the start of the year, Rottweilers have been prohibited in Zurich, after two attacks on children. And dogs of this breed already present on cantonal territory must pass a character test.
Obey the orders, walking calmly on a leash, not showing the fangs in the presence of a jogger: the rottweilers being on the Zurich territory must pass practical behavior exercises, a one hour test developed by the cantonal veterinary office following the canton’s decision to ban these breeds of dogs.
Questioned Monday in the morning Myriam Zehnder, the independent canine educator who oversees these practical exercises, believes that it is “important to see how the owner is on a leash the dog. It is the most important aspect, because this is how most people move with their dog. Then, it is also a question of knowing whether the dog is neutral or not, if it is super fearful or, on the contrary, it is proactive And maybe even biting. “
Of the more than 300 Zurich Rottweilers, 24 have already passed this test and only one failed due to aggressive behavior. With the consequence of the obligation to take courses, but also to wear a muzzle and to be held on a leash. Euthanasia is only considered in the last resort.
A disputed ban
Since the entry into force of the ban on acquiring rottweilers in the canton of Zurich last January, the number of dogs in this breed has decreased by 15%. They were still 348 last year, 42 more than in 2025.
This prohibition of rottweilers is however disputed. The Swiss Rottweilers Friends Club seized the Federal Court. Its president Walter Horn says he is “clearly opposed” to the ban measure, because “it does not work”. And to add: “There must be other measures, it is scientifically proven.”
Walter Horn, however, specifies having “no problem with the fact that some dog owners must pass a character test to their dogs” and says “support the Council of State in its desire to reduce the risk of dog bites”.
Due to the ban on acquiring Rottweilers in Zurich lands, the disappearance of this breed in the canton is scheduled. The same goes for combat dogs on the list of races prohibited since 2010, including pit bulls and burrows. Dogs from these breeds acquired in the canton before 2010 are all dead.
Various practices in the French -speaking cantons
The cantons of Geneva and Valais have also prohibited the Rottweilers, while Vaud and Friborg require authorization. Neuchâtel and the Jura have no general ban.
Statistics show that dogs most often involved in bites of bites are German shepherds, Bernese bouviers or labradors.
>> Review the interview in the forum of the canine educator Michèle-Ouarda Dardouri on the ban on rottweilers in Zurich:
>> Read also: Is the ban on certain dog breeds, such as Rottweilers, really lowering the number of accidents?
Radio subject. Valentin Jordil
Web text: Boi with ATS