Listed dogs in Canton of Basel-Stadt

Breed list in Canton of Basel-Stadt

Special rules apply to these breeds in Canton of Basel-Stadt. That says something about the breed, not about your dog.

What applies in Canton of Basel-Stadt

Law

Gesetz betreffend das Halten von Hunden (Hundegesetz, SG 365.100) und Hundeverordnung (SG 365.110) ↗

Crossbreeds and mixed breeds

Crossbreeds and dogs with a corresponding appearance require a permit. American Bulldog and Cane Corso without FCI papers: assessment by the Veterinäramt (cantonal veterinary office).

Temperament test

Young dogs and adult dogs are assessed with a behaviour test.

Permit

Permit before acquiring the dog; from age 18, not a first dog, proof of origin, no other dog in the household. Without a permit, immediate confiscation.

Proof of competence

Cynological expertise; training courses or puppy play sessions as a requirement for the permit.

For all dog owners

Since 1.4.2025 for first-time dog keepers: basic course Mensch & Hund (Human & Dog) with 8 practical lessons, without a test, within 12 months of taking over the dog. Anyone who has kept dogs before is exempt.

Reliability and age

Clean reputation, proven by an extract from the criminal record.

Liability insurance

Mandatory for all dogs. Dogs requiring a permit: at least CHF 3 million, with special risks explicitly covered.

Lead

No general lead requirement. Short lead from 22:00 to 6:00 and on public transport, in restaurants, on busy streets and at markets, among others; 1 April to 31 July in and near forests.

Muzzle

No general muzzle requirement; a muzzle can be ordered as a measure for dogs with behavioural problems.

Out and about, banned places

Dogs requiring a permit: no second dog alongside when walking. All dogs: short lead on public transport, in restaurants, on busy streets, squares and markets, and from 22:00 to 6:00; prohibited on children's playgrounds, in cemeteries, swimming pools and food shops. Separate muzzle requirement: unknown, no information found online.

Who may walk the dog

Only persons who meet the permit requirements may walk the dog, i.e. among other things aged 18 or over, with expertise and a clean reputation. Alcohol limit: unknown, no information found online. Requirement to carry the permit: unknown, no information found online.

Reporting duties

Registration with the Veterinäramt (cantonal veterinary office) at the latest at 3 months of age or within 10 days of acquisition or moving there. Deregister sale, moving away and death within 10 days; report change of keeper and address to AMICUS within 10 days. Biting incidents are reported by doctors, vets, police and dog trainers, among others.

Moving, holidays and visits

When moving there with a dog requiring a permit, apply for a keeping permit within 10 days; a permit from the canton of origin can be taken into account. Identified dogs present for a short time are tax-free for up to 6 weeks per year. Rules for holidays or visits with such a dog: unknown, no information found online.

Marking on the dog

The mandatory registration tag was abolished on 1.4.2025; voluntary dog tags are available from the Hundekontrolle (dog control office). A microchip is mandatory.

Microchip and register

Microchip with registration in AMICUS (Swiss dog database) for every dog; a requirement for the permit.

Bans

No breed bans known; the Regierungsrat (cantonal government) can ban breeds (§ 14). No second dog in the household; do not walk together with another dog. Report puppies within 10 days.

Tax

Dog tax per year: City of Basel CHF 160, Riehen CHF 150, Bettingen CHF 120; each additional dog in the household double.

Notes

Moving there: apply for a permit within 10 days. Processing usually takes 3 to 4 weeks. Penalties under the Übertretungsstrafgesetz (minor offences act), amount: unknown, no information found online.

Dog tax in Canton of Basel-Stadt

• Basellisted dog: unknown

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