Switzerland is one of the most tolerant countries towards dogs that I've ever seen. In fact, when I first got here, I was so impressed by how open the Swiss are towards dogs, and have implemented good laws for dog ownership that I wrote a contributory article to a newspaper back home. That got the attention of the local RSPCA who wrote to me for more information on how to work with the BVET for more information on possibly passing similar laws back home.
But melloncollie, you are absolutely spot on again with regards to the size of the dog. People tend to be more tolerant towards the smaller / cuter looking ones. I helped my elderly neighbour take her daughter's doberman/greyhound mix, Chloe out for walks (her daughter was on holiday and I offered to help dog sit) - the reactions I got whilst walking Chloe and my Oskar were completely different, despite how well behaved Chloe is. I remember someone pulling their child out of the way when she saw me walking towards them - all this time, Chloe was doing nothing but walking beside me.
Besides how ferocious certain breeds look to some, I also put it down to some irresponsible owners who dont realise the FULL consequences that comes with the breed's characteristics and requirements before owning them. Its sad that the dogs have to suffer the consequences.
The dog must be able to obey the commands "sit", "lay down", and "Stay".
You must demonstrate the dogs willingness to walk next to you while on a leash by walking through a course of orange highway cones.
You must demonstrate the dogs willingness to at least stay near you and come to your side if called while off the leash.
Your dog's reaction to other dogs is tested by having him walk along a fence with another dog on the other side.
There was also a test where a man wearing a bright red coat waving his arms approaches you and your dog and the dogs reaction is noted.
They want you to demonstrate that you can take a toy away from your dog without difficulty.
Finally, you must show that your dog will comfortably wear a muzzle.
So it is pretty basic. As far as the dogs reaction to other dogs and the strange man go, they are not expecting your dog to be a complete angel. They are just looking to see if the dog becomes uncontrollable. I did this test with a female bull mastiff I have owned for 5 years. I had never bothered to train her to sit, lay down, or stay as those things never seem to come up in our life, but after just a couple weeks of practice, she passed the test with flying colors. She ignored the dogs she was confronted with in the test, but growled at the strange man. The evaluator thought that her growling was perfectly acceptable because she did not lunge at the man.
Here in Geneva there are roughly a dozen different dog training schools that are authorized to give the test. I adopted a large male Bull Mastiff a few weeks ago from the local animal shelter and I am being required by the cantonal veterinarian to be tested by their official evaluation office within 3 months because this dog was not legally brought into the canton by his previous owner, and because the law here states that a person can only own one dog if it is on the banned breed list. They are making an exception for me because I came to Geneva with 2 Bull Mastiffs, but one passed away a year ago due to complications from Cushings disease. I had some Swiss friends speak on my behalf, and with a good record of responsible dog ownership, they are allowing me to adopt him, although this will severely damage the reputation of all Swiss authorities as being stodgy heartless bureaucrats who follow laws blindly.
The Geneva test doesn't sound too onerous; I was fearing a Niedersachsen-like test. (The 2 hour test with the simulated attack, burning lighter, etc. This Wesenstest places more weight judging the dog, rather than the dog/owner as a pair. It's a horrid test, but one that is often held up as the standard. ) ) Sounds like the Geneva is indeed as much a test of the owner as of the dog - as it should be.
Glad to hear that the Geneva authorities seem to approach the whole issue with common sense - something quite lacking in other cantons.
Congratulations on adopting your new addition!
Since the introduction of BSL, too many listed breeds have ended up in shelters, perfectly nice dogs who have little chance of adoption because few people are willing or able to jump through the hoops required. Good on ya for going to bat for him with the powers-that-be!
Wishing you and your new guy all the best in the upcoming test, and a very happy life together.
I just looked up the Niedersachsen test. I would not allow my dogs to be subjected to that kind of trauma, and if pushed I would leave the country. It looks like more of an experiment of just how far you can frighten an animal before it snaps, than an evaluation of a suitable healthy pet.