Lesson 3 - Police Canines

Canine Breeds Used for Police Service

Canine Breeds Used for Police Service

Sergeant Colin Quast of the Edmonton Police Service with two police service dogs: left, Xena, a Belgian Malinois; right, Henry, a Labrador Retriever.

- Image Source: Edmonton Police Service

Because dogs are various shapes and sizes, not every dog breed is suited for police work. The specific breed used by police departments depends on the specific tasks for which the dogs will be needed. Most police departments use dogs that have been bred and raised specifically for police work. Three popular breeds used for various types of police work are the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois, and the Labrador Retriever.

A German Shepherd

- Image Source: Courtesy Wikipedia.org

Most dogs working in law enforcement are German Shepherds, which have a long history of use by police and the military. They are suited for police work because they are highly intelligent, agile, and extremely loyal to their handlers. Shepherds have powerful jaws and strong teeth and can be trained to attack and release on command. German Shepherds bred specifically as police service dogs have very high energy and a natural drive for protecting, tracking, and obeying. They are bred primarily for consistent temperament, working drive, and intelligence. When German Shepherds are used as pets, they will often be unhappy and destructive if not exercised frequently or trained to do some job.

A Belgian Malinois

- Image Source: Wikipedia.org

The Belgian Malinois is another popular breed of dog used for police work. Its looks like a German Shepherd, but it is smaller and has a narrower head and body. Originally, Belgian Malinois were bred as herding dogs. Therefore, they tend to be very loyal to and protective of their handlers. The Malinois is agile and quick, making sharp turns as most herding dogs can. A trained Belgian Malinois is well suited for police work because it is always very alert, watchful, and obedient, attacking only upon command. Belgian Malinois dogs have steady temperament and strong play drive, meaning they will perform or work for several hours for a chance to play with their favourite toys.

A Black Labrador Retriever

- Image Source: Wikipedia.org

The Labrador Retriever is used commonly by police for detecting concealed illegal drugs or explosives. Because they are very friendly and good-natured, they are unsuitable as attack dogs. However, they can be easily trained for drug detection or explosives detection because they are energetic and respond well to praise and positive attention.

A black Labrador Retriever named Sadie was awarded the Dickin Medal (the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross) in 2007. Sadie is an explosives-detection dog working for the British Army. In Kabul, Afghanistan, in 2005, Sadie saved many lives by detecting a powerful bomb hidden under a pile of sandbags outside the United Nations headquarters.

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