Switzerland: the number of dogs is exploding, so are the worries

From simple fright to severe aggression: dog bites have been on the rise in Switzerland for several years. Latest example: the attack on two children by a rottweiler in Zurich.

This trend can be explained: since the coronavirus pandemic, the dog population has exploded in certain regions. In the canton of Zurich, it has even doubled: from around 40,500 animals in 2019, it rose to 79,332 in 2023. The Swiss, isolated by teleworking, sought the company of dogs, but many animals acquired impulsively today lack socialization and education, believe several experts.

“At the same time, the resident population has also increased,” explains the Zurich veterinary service to our colleagues from the “Tages-Anzeiger”. This means that public space becomes narrower and the potential for conflict increases.” Additionally, according to dog trainer Jasmine Hügi, the popularity of large, powerful breeds – which are more complex to master – has also increased.

Faced with these growing incidents, cantons like Zurich have reintroduced compulsory courses for new owners. In the canton of Vaud, these concern owners of Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff) and American Pit Bull Terrier. In other cantons, breeds are simply not permitted. Please note that there are currently no national regulations.