When we talk about police dog breeds, the German Shepherd breed almost always comes to mind, but the truth is that there are many other breeds trained for this important work for society. Let’s see which are the best breeds of the police dog.
Police Dogs Are Allies of Society
Besides being the most faithful friends for people, dogs have many admirable talents, their ability to become assistance dogs for people with disabilities or therapy, herding dogs, detection diseases, etc.
In this article, we will focus on understanding the role that a dog plays in helping maintain order and standards in places like airports and cities.
This work requires long periods of dedication and training.
Also, depending on the work area that the dog will fulfill in the future, and although the branches vary within the fields of public safety, citizen protection, and police investigation, the subdivisions of tasks are very extensive.
Characteristics of a Good Police Dog Breed
In addition to training, these dogs must have their own characteristics that enable them to achieve police objectives, such as a strong character and a great motivation for the game. This must be basic for any police dog.
The taste for the game will be linked to his hunting instinct, very important in these cases since they will often need to be tracked, chased, and attacked. Also, physically, these dogs must be strong and very active.
However, if there is something that the human being cannot compete with, it is against the traits par excellence of dogs, smell, and instinct.
Therefore, dogs have become an important, irreplaceable ally in this sector.
There is a specific classification to organize the different breeds of police dogs according to their work within the police force. There are three main sectors of police dogs:
- Intervention: dogs in this category focus on citizen protection, the search for criminals and explosives, hostage rescue, riots, etc.
- Rescue: very useful in situations such as natural disasters, building collapses, avalanches, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc.
- Detectors: thanks to their smell, these dogs are specialists in detecting explosives, chemical or narcotic substances, mines, controlling customs, etc.
18 Kinds of Police Dog Breeds
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a clear example that immediately comes to mind when we think of police dogs.
And, both his intelligence and excellent learning ability, as well as his courage, make him one of the most worthy animals in police work as a rescue.
In addition to these aspects, German shepherds are persistent with their tasks, so they do not cease until they fulfill their orders.
They are also versatile dogs capable of learning any job, although they are usually intended for search and rescue purposes.
Rottweiler
Another type of dog that can fulfill the fundamental characteristics of police work is the Rottweiler.
In addition to being loyal, alert, obedient, and loving, these dogs are recognized as one of the most fierce and aggressive.
These dogs with robust bodies and powerful bites can become fearsome beasts for those who corrupt the law. They often do investigative work, such as helping to solve crimes.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has a highly developed sense of smell, making him the perfect candidate to become a detector dog, where olfactory ability is athletic.
Also, they are very intelligent, balanced dogs and lovers of cooperative work, very useful in tasks such as the detection of explosives and drugs in airports and vehicles.
Bloodhound
The Hound, Bloodhound, or St. Hubert’s dog also stands out, among many other characteristics, for its high olfactory capacity.
In fact, thanks to this ability, this breed is categorized as the tracker par excellence.
Its tracking capacity is so effective that it can perceive traces up to two weeks old. Thus, this dog has become an excellent ally for the police.
Belgian Shepherd
One of the best dogs today to practice the rescue and intervention police work is the Belgian Shepherd.
This dog stands out both for his mental capacity, given his high intelligence, and for his physical form, compelling, imposing, and athletic.
Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is added to this list as it is very common to see this breed in police units in a wide variety of departments. It stands out for its dynamism, musculature, flexibility, and imposing bite.
Beagle
The Beagle is an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion with a great sense of smell and superior tracking instincts.
Beagles are a great police dog breed, primarily used as detection dogs for prohibited agricultural imports and foodstuffs in quarantine worldwide.
Beagles were bred to hunt in packs, enjoy company, and are generally easygoing. Beagles are intelligent, clever, good-tempered energetic hounds, and popular due to their size.
Boxer
Boxer dogs are bright, alert, loyal, affectionate, and intelligent dogs with great work ethics. They are strong, active dogs used in police K9 units.
Their patience, courage, and protective nature make them great police watchdogs and family guardians who will meet threats fearlessly.
German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunting breed and active dog breed who is an all-purpose gun dog suitable for land and water find and chase rescues. They make a great police dog breed.
German Shorthaired Pointers are streamlined yet powerful with strong legs and are best known for their power, speed, agility, and endurance.
Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is an exuberant Scottish gundog hunter of great beauty. They are serious hunting and fieldwork dogs and are used as disability guide dogs for the blind.
This police dog breed is used in search-and-rescue and is eager and willing to learn. Golden Retrievers have an instinctive love for the water, enjoy obedience, agility, competitive events, and have an endearing love for life.
Other Police Dog Breeds
- Bullmastiff
- Cocker spaniel
- Doberman Pinscher
- Foxhound
- Golden retriever
- Spanish water dog
- Schnauzer
- English Springer Spaniel
- Weimaraner