Guard dogs and suckler cow herds

In Val Müstair, guard dogs watch over flocks of sheep and mother cows graze with their calves. So that you know where you might encounter mother cows or guard dogs and how you should behave, we have put together the following information for you:
Herding dogs.
Correct behaviour
Guard dogs guard flocks of sheep. If you encounter a flock with a guard dog, please behave as follows:
- Keep calm, keep a wide berth around the herd.
- Do not approach and pet the dogs.
- Keep your own dogs on a leash.
- Bikers and joggers: Stop and walk slowly past the herd.
Aktuelle Situation ab Mai 2025
Der Wolf ist zur Zeit stärker präsent, was das Verhalten der Herdenschutzhunde beeinflusst. Aus diesem Grund wurde ein Mountainbike-Verbot für die aktuelle Herdenschutzzone «Munt Masaun» / «Sach» erlassen (Umleitung via Pütschai). Wandernde, die sich bezüglich Herdenschutzhunden unsicher fühlen wird empfohlen, ebenfalls die Umleitung zu nehmen. Wandernde mit Hund nutzen die Umleitung.


Locations of guard dogs and suckler cow herds
- Location guard dogs
- Locations of suckler cows (there are currently no suckler cows on the Alps)
Mother cows.
Correct behaviour
Mother cows protect their calves - please behave as follows:
- Keep your distance from cattle and remain calm.
- Do not touch calves under any circumstances.
- Keep dogs on a leash and let them go in an emergency.
- Bikers and joggers: Stop and walk slowly past the herd.
Further information
Large carnivores
In addition to suckler cow herds, sheep herds and guard dogs, bears and wolves also currently live in Val Müstair.