Dog Ownership Guide
Graubünden
Training Required
The canton of Graubünden has no independent cantonal dog law. The federal animal protection legislation applies (TSchV, SR 455.1). The Office for Food Safety and Animal Health of Graubünden (ALT GR) is responsible for enforcement — and simultaneously serves the canton of Glarus, which has had a permit requirement for list dogs since 2014. In Graubünden itself there is neither a breed ban list nor a general course obligation. The Cynological Training Course (KAL) is used as an officially ordered measure.
TSchV (Federal) · SR 455.1 · Enforcement by ALT GR / No cantonal breed list
No list dog law, no general obligation — federal rules and official KAL
Graubünden has no cantonal dog law with specific breed regulations. The keeping of all dogs is governed by federal law (TSchG/TSchV) and general police law. ALT GR enforces animal protection and dog matters both for Graubünden and for Glarus. In Graubünden, the Cynological Training Course (KAL) is used as an instrument in officially ordered animal protection measures pursuant to Art. 191 TSchV — after incidents with dogs, bite attacks or for behaviourally problematic dogs. KAL courses are offered by ALT-certified trainers and can also be attended voluntarily.
ℹ️ KAL in GR: official measure, not a general obligation
In the canton of Graubünden, no one is required to take the KAL unless ALT GR orders it after an incident or animal welfare problems (Art. 191 TSchV). However, the KAL can be attended voluntarily by any dog owner. ALT-certified trainers also offer it outside the official context (KAL explanation, ALT GR, 2021).
Ownership & legal obligations
What every dog owner in the canton of Graubünden needs to know
As Graubünden has no independent dog law, the federal obligations from TSchG and TSchV as well as general police regulations apply. Municipalities may issue additional local regulations.
| Obligation | Deadline / Details |
|---|---|
| Microchip + AMICUS registration | Puppies before transfer, at latest 3 months after birth; via vet and municipality (TSV Art. 17) |
| Liability insurance | Recommended by federal law; municipalities can require proof; required for list dog permit in GL/other cantons (Art. 23 VetV GL) |
| Supervision and control | Dogs must be under effective control at all times; dogs must not endanger or disturb anyone (Art. 5 TSchG; Art. 71 TSchV) |
| Daily outdoor exercise | Dogs must be taken outdoors daily; ideally also off-leash; for kennel-kept dogs: outdoor enclosure min. 30 m² (<20 kg) (Art. 71 TSchV; BLV technical info kennels May 2016) |
| Reporting obligation for incidents | Veterinarians, doctors, shelter managers, dog trainers, police and customs must report incidents (injuries, behavioural problems) to ALT GR; online report form at alt.gr.ch |
| Notification of cropped dogs | Owners of dogs with cropped ears or docked tails must notify ALT GR (form at alt.gr.ch); ALT records the characteristic in AMICUS |
⚠️ Moving from Glarus or other cantons with a list dog
Anyone moving from the canton of Glarus to Graubünden with a list dog leaves the scope of Glarus list dog law. In Graubünden there is no list dog obligation. However, the existing Glarus permit does not automatically remain valid, and ALT GR recommends making contact if in doubt: info@alt.gr.ch, Tel. +41 81 257 24 15.
FAQ
Does the canton of Graubünden have a cantonal dog law?+
No. Graubünden has no independent cantonal dog law with breed bans, course obligations or permit requirements for specific breeds. Federal law (TSchG, TSchV) and general police regulations apply. ALT GR in Chur is responsible for enforcement.
What is the KAL and when is it used in the canton of Graubünden?+
The Cynological Training Course (KAL) is a 6- or 12-hour course (theory + practice) developed by ALT GR with selected, certified trainers. In Graubünden, the KAL is used as an officially ordered measure in animal welfare cases, after biting incidents or with behaviourally problematic dogs (Art. 191 TSchV). However, it can also be attended voluntarily (KAL explanation, ALT GR, 2021).
Are there prohibited dog breeds in the canton of Graubünden?+
No. Graubünden has no breed bans and no cantonal list dog regulation. Measures against individual dogs are based exclusively on the individual behaviour of the dog (Art. 191 TSchV) — not on breed. This distinguishes GR from cantons such as Glarus, Schaffhausen or Zurich.
Where do I report an incident with a dog in the canton of Graubünden?+
Incidents with dogs or behavioural problems can be reported to ALT GR by post or email via the official report form at alt.gr.ch. For urgent or serious incidents, contact the Graubünden Cantonal Police directly: Tel. +41 81 256 56 57.
I keep my dog in a kennel — what do I need to observe?+
The minimum requirements for kennel and box keeping are governed by Art. 72 TSchV and BLV technical information (May 2016): minimum area per dog: 6 m² (<20 kg), 8 m² (20–45 kg), 10 m² (>45 kg). Daily outdoor exercise (min. 30 m²) is mandatory — time in the kennel does not count as exercise (Art. 71 TSchV). Social contact (at least sight/hearing/smell with another dog) required for keeping >3 months.
Do I have to keep my dog on a leash in the forest?+
There is no cantonal forest leash obligation in Graubünden as in Glarus. However, a local leash obligation may apply in certain municipalities or protected areas. Near wildlife, nesting sites and protected areas, consideration and any applicable local leash obligations are required. Any restrictions are regulated independently by municipalities.