Exploring the Different Types of Police Dogs and Their Functions
Some of the hardest-working members of the police force are police dogs. They are trained to serve and protect their communities, just like their fellow officers. They are called K-9 officers, as “K-9” is a homophone for “canine.” A K-9 unit is a specialized group of law enforcement officers who train and work with their canine partners to enforce the law, apprehend criminals, stop crime, and much more. We are familiar with the German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois as common K-9 breeds. However, did you know there are different types of police dogs? K-9 officers can be trained for specific purposes. Continue reading to discover the various types of police dogs and their respective roles.
Police Dog Classifications
Two of the most common types of police dog classifications are patrol and detection . Patrol dogs accompany their law enforcement handlers as they go on routine patrol. These dogs may apprehend suspects, assist SWAT units, protect their human partners, conduct area searches, help clear buildings or streets during emergencies, and provide security.
Detection dogs are trained to detect either explosives or narcotics, but not both. This is because the training for detecting these substances and alerting their human officers to threats is very different. Dogs are trained to specialize in one area to prioritize accuracy and safety.
Single vs. Dual Purpose Dogs
K-9s can also be classified as single-purpose or dual-purpose dogs. As mentioned above, a single-purpose dog is mainly used for either patrol or detection. However, some police departments also have single-purpose dogs that are trained in tracking, locating missing persons, arson detection, and cadaver detection.
Dual-purpose dogs are trained in both patrol duties and specialized duties. For example, dual-purpose dogs may assist with routine police stops, but they have also been trained to conduct narcotics searches if the officer believes a suspect may be hiding drugs.
Common Police Dog Breeds
Certain dog breeds are commonly favored in K-9 work, such as German Shepherds , Belgian Malinois , Dutch Shepherds, Bloodhounds, and Labrador Retrievers. However, a dual-purpose police K-9 may be a cross of several breeds, with each bloodline contributing specific abilities. Here are some of the most popular breeds for police work, divided by group.
Sporting Dogs
Sporting dogs were originally developed to assist hunters in finding and retrieving game birds. Breeds such as the Labrador Retriever , German Shorthaired Pointer, Springer Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel are some of the most common in K-9 work. They tend to be intelligent and trainable, with a strong work ethic. Sporting dogs are often suited for tracking and detection work, as well as public-facing jobs, due to their calmer temperaments.
Hounds
Like sporting dogs, hounds are hunting dogs, except they pursue warm-blooded game using sight and scent. Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds , and Beagles are popular for various types of police work. They are known for their acute sense of smell, superior tracking abilities, and stamina. Hounds are often used for tracking missing persons and cadavers, search-and-rescue missions, and detection.
Working Dogs
Although all K-9s are considered working dogs, the working dog group specifically includes breeds developed for protection and physical work. Working dogs are strong, alert, and protective. Breeds like Boxers, Rottweilers , Doberman Pinschers, Siberian Huskies, and Alaskan Malamutes may be used for officer protection, suspect apprehension, and security. Rottweilers are less commonly used for apprehension due to their strength and powerful bite force. However, they may sometimes still be used for security and detection, as shown above.
Terriers
Terriers were developed to pursue underground vermin and to protect their families. These dogs are known to be energetic, confident, alert, and tenacious. Airedale Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers , and Black Russian Terriers are some of the most common terriers used in police work. They are generally used in narcotics and explosive detection, as well as arson and missing persons detection. Despite the stigma surrounding the breed, over the past decade, American Pit Bull Terriers have been trained as detection dogs in law enforcement. Adopting these dogs from shelters saves both dogs’ lives and police departments money.
Herding Dogs
Herding dogs are the most common type of dog used in police work. They were originally developed to herd and protect livestock. These breeds are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and protective instincts. Australian Shepherds , Border Collies, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Giant Schnauzers, and Bouvier des Flandres are some popular herding breeds that are used in police work. These dogs are used in both patrol and detection work, including officer protection, suspect apprehension, tracking, and detecting narcotics and explosives.
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