If we are leading a safe, secured, and peaceful life within the country, it’s because of the chivalrous soldiers guarding us relentlessly at the borders. Irrespective of what we say or how much thanksgiving we can offer, their gallantry and bravery remains unmatched. The brave soldiers stand tall at the borders just to safeguard the nation and its dwellers. That’s not all; they are the ones to come forward and secure the nation’s integrity during wars and other emergencies.
These soldiers find the best support in the K9 Army, where the canine partners emerge as a great support-system for these courageous men and women.
The 16 Military Dog Breeds
Originally developed by a German army officer specifically for use as a military working dog, it’s no surprise that German Shepherds remain one of the most popular military breeds. The German army began utilizing trained German Shepherds as sentries, messengers, and ammo carriers in World War I. By World War II, other countries including the U.S. had recruited their own German Shepherds and the breed has served armed forces worldwide ever since. German Shepherds excel as military dogs because of their intelligence, loyalty, athleticism, and protective nature.
This high intensity breed first answered the call to duty in World War I, where they served as messengers and helped find wounded soldiers left on the battlefield. Today, Belgian Malinois are widely utilized by the military as all-around working dogs. Like German Shepherds, the Belgian Malinois is intelligent and athletic with an intense, aggressive demeanor well-suited to military usage. Belgian Malinois are the preferred military working dog to deploy with elite units like Navy SEALS because they are lighter than German Shepherds and able to parachute more easily. A Belgian Malinois named Cairo was part of the SEAL team that finally tracked down Osama Bin Laden in 2011.
Much like their German and Belgian counterparts, Dutch Shepherds are popular military working dogs. Originally bred as sheepherders in the Netherlands, Dutch Shepherds were drafted into the German army during World War II because of their strong working qualities. Today, Dutch Shepherds join the two previously described breeds to make up the majority of working dogs in the U.S. military. Dutch Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs, making them a good choice for military service.
Bred to use their noses as hunters, Labrador Retrievers also utilize their peerless sense of smell as military working dogs. Labradors are heavily relied on by the modern military as specialized search dogs, sniffing out explosives alongside their human handlers. Amiable, smart, and highly trainable, Labradors are also used as combat stress control dogs. Their happy tails and friendly faces can be a welcome relief for soldiers during long, intense deployments.
The “king of terriers”, Airedale Terriers were one of the first breeds who served bravely in the British Army during World War I. Smart and determined, Airedales stood guard as sentry dogs and were trained to carry messages across the battlefield. Airedale Terriers also assisted the Red Cross by sniffing out wounded soldiers and carrying medical supplies. Less utilized by today’s military, the heroism of Airedale Terriers in World War I was widely recognized by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
Siberian Huskies were bred to pull sleds and that’s exactly how they were utilized by the U.S. military during World War II. When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941, Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes were the only two breeds active in the military dog program. Siberian Huskies served as Arctic search and rescue dogs, able to provide transportation in the harshest weather when motorized vehicles were useless. While no longer used by the U.S. military, Huskies recently were called back into service by the Russian army, training to provide transport in regions where weather and terrain make vehicles unreliable.
Like the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamutes were used as sled dogs by the U.S. military during World War II. Alaskan Malamutes were also among the first military dogs trained to parachute. In their search and rescue capacity, Malamutes jumped into harsh terrain and transported rescue teams in search of downed aircraft and their crews.
Originally bred as cattle driving dogs, Giant Schnauzers were used as sentry and tracking dogs by the German army in both World Wars. In America, Giant Schnauzers were used by the Air Force during World War II and again in the 1980ʻs but were found not as temperamentally suited to military work as other breeds. However, the Department of Defense recently gave the breed one more shot, selecting a Giant Schnauzer named Brock to train for odor detection and patrol. Doing his breed proud, a fully-trained Brock served on a presidential detection detail in Germany in 2017.
The German military used Boxers extensively during both World Wars. Sturdy Boxers served their home country loyally as pack and messenger dogs. While some Boxers are still utilized as army working dogs, they are much more popular as companion dogs worldwide. In fact, their military service led to their global popularity, as many soldiers returning home from World War II brought Boxers back with them.
Protective and intelligent, Doberman Pinschers were widely utilized military working dogs during both World Wars. They served as sentries, messengers, and detection dogs. Dobermans also helped find and rescue wounded soldiers. The U.S. Marines had their own corps of Dobermans, nicknamed “Devil Dogs”, who served bravely during World War II. The first war dog memorial is on the island of Guam, where 25 of the Devil Dog Dobermans lost their lives and were buried. Dobermans are less commonly used in the U.S. military today but still serve in other countries, such as India.
A large and intimidating-looking breed, Rottweilers were first used as army dogs during World War I. These smart and loyal dogs served as guards, alerting the troops to enemy movements. Rottweilers are less utilized as military working dogs in the present day.
1 Bouvier Des Flanders
Bouvier des Flanders were developed in Belgium as all-around working farm dogs, herding cattle and pulling carts. When World War I turned their home country into a war zone, Bouviers were drafted into the military. The hard-working breed was used to deliver messages and pull litters carrying wounded soldiers. Bouviers also played similar roles during World War II.
During World War I, plucky Irish Terriers could be found serving in the trenches with the British Army. These small, red terriers were trained as messengers. Originally bred to hunt rodents, they fulfilled that purpose in wartime as well, hunting down the vermin infesting the trenches.
If there is such a thing as the original military dog, Mastiffs can likely lay claim to that title. This breed dates back to at least 2,500 years ago. Many ancient civilizations, such as the Persians, Greeks, and Romans, took their giant guard dogs to war with them. These dogs were used not only to guard but to attack the enemy. Modern-day descendants of those early mastiffs had much of the war dog mentality bred out of them and are more likely to be found drooling in living rooms than patrolling as military working dogs.
Considered the most intelligent of dogs, Border Collies were one of several breeds recruited by the British Army during World War I. Like many of the breeds already discussed, Border Collies served as messengers, sentries and helped locate wounded soldiers. While their intelligence and speed are unquestioned, Border Collies are no longer used as military dogs.
Video: Pandikona
Pariah Dogs are free-roaming dogs in India. They are considered semi-wild dogs and are very healthy and sturdy dogs. The Pariah Dog is also known as InDog, Desi Kutta, and PiDog.
Some people think all roaming dogs are Pariah, which is not correct. Nowadays, most of the free-roaming dogs in urban areas are mixed with many breeds and are not pure Pariah dogs. In Indian villages, most of the roaming dogs are Pariah dogs.
Pariah dogs are best suited for extreme Indian climates. They are naturally healthy, moderate eaters and self-caring dogs that need little grooming and vet care.
| Pariah Dog | |
|---|---|
|
Breed Category |
Working, Companion Dog |
|
Origin |
India |
|
Availability |
India (Everywhere) |
|
Height |
20 to 24 Inches |
|
Weight |
18 – 30 kgs |
|
Life Span |
11 – 15 years |
|
Price in India |
Free of cost |
FAQ
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