The 12 Best Police Dog Breeds
The German Shepherd is a herding breed created by Von Stephanitz in the 19th century. They became the 60th breed added to the AKC in 1908. Since their modest beginning, they have become one of the most popular dogs to exist.
| History in the Police Force | The German Shepherd is one of the most valuable police force and military breeds the world over. They have only grown in the field, being arguably the most prevalent police dog today. |
| Necessary Characteristics | German Shepherds have optimal intelligence, terrific stamina, and willingness to work. They performed tasks as working dogs for so long that it is deeply embedded in their DNA to have a job to do. This task mentality serves officers very well in terms of canine training. Police dogs need to be able to snap to the command every time without failure. Because of this incredible intellect and physical capability, these dogs are absolutely up to the challenge. |
| Areas of Expertise | German Shepherds are fantastic in a variety of different fields. Many task forces use these dogs to sniff out drugs, chase criminals, and even aid in search and rescue missions. |
The physically striking Malinois was bred for work, work, work. They look very much like their German Shepherd cousins but are lighter and faster on their feet. They were originally herding dogs but have broadened their roles in therapy, service, shows, and special forces work.
| History in the Police Force | Because of the extraordinary abilities of the Malinois, they are versatile enough to work in the military, police force, and other special operations. They are increasing in numbers for K9 units, nearly surpassing the once-favored German Shepherd. |
| Necessary Characteristics | The impressive Malinois is an energetically capable, extremely high-energy dog that needs training to the utmost degree. They soak all of the knowledge and training up like a sponge, making them ideal for any police for military work. They are agile, loyal, and highly obedient with trainers. |
| Areas of Expertise | The Malinois can be used in virtually any arena. But they typically have the very extreme duty of sniffing out explosives, finding contraband and other paraphernalia, and even locating accelerants. |
Bloodhounds are masters in their field. They have the best noses in the canine world. This breed is the ultimate tracking dog, using its keen sense of smell to find anything you direct them to.
| History in the Police Force | These professional trackers have quite a rich history of helping hunters and officers alike. Many old prisons would use Bloodhounds to track escaped prisoners. |
| Necessary Characteristics | Bloodhounds are experts with scent tracking—a skill that is unmatched. Their laidback nature makes them easy to work with, showing great focus and determination. These dogs are relaxed and calculated, making them receptive to specific task training. |
| Areas of Expertise | Because of their unrivaled sense of smell, Bloodhounds help officers track missing people or criminals. |
The Belgian Shepherd greatly resembles their cousins, the German Shepherd. However, these dogs sport a longer coat that hangs heavily around the neck and underbelly. They were initially given herding jobs, shaping the needed work ethic for a wider range of duties.
| History in the Police Force | Belgian Shepherds have been used in the military, including both World Wars. They are also ideal candidates for police work in many forms. They are still used in forces all over today. |
| Necessary Characteristics | Belgian Shepherds are obedient, agile, and responsive. Their thick coats also make them perfect for work in colder climates. Because of their intelligence and hardiness, they are prime candidates for officers. |
| Areas of Expertise | Generally, Belgian Shepherds are used as search and rescue dogs as well as for crowd control purposes. |
Doberman Pinscher is a large, physically impressive dog with an incredible knack for learning. This German breed carries traits that make them ideal for guarding and protecting.
| History in the Police Force | Because of their incredible mental ability and physically intimidating looks, they were elected to control or attack rioters in the 1960s. Dobermans have been a smart choice for K9 forces in the United States as well as other countries. |
| Necessary Characteristics | Dobermans are fantastic protectors, and they respond to commands on the snap of a finger. They do not hesitate once they’re given a command. If you provide them with direction, you can bet they’re going to fulfill their duty. They have a very threatening look with erect ears and muscular bodies. |
| Areas of Expertise | Doberman Pinschers have all of the characteristics needed to be a police dog. However, they are less desirable because they lack a solid undercoat. In certain weather conditions, that means they can get very cold quickly and might not perform as well as other canines. |
The Labrador Retriever is a real fan-favorite, topping lists of dog charts worldwide. Originally a hunting dog, this breed has found its way into service roles, police work, and companionship with owners.
| History in the Police Force | Labradors are typically non-aggressive and people-oriented, which helps officers who need a friendly but focused partner. Labs have had an increasing variety of police jobs in the United States. |
| Necessary Characteristics | Labs have a deep desire to learn new information. They have an eagerness to please, making them highly trainable and efficient. The overall willpower and desire to please create a perfect temperament for special training. |
| Areas of Expertise | Labs make excellent detection dogs since they have such a willingness to act and take direction. |
As the smaller cousin to the German shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is another perfectly made dog to be on the front lines of duty. This breed is known to be great in the military and in any facet of police life as well as even support therapy dogs from time to time. Just like the German shepherd they were originally headers so they have the same traits that make them good protectors. This breeds claim to fame is that this breed has accompanied seal team six on some big-time missions. For more information about Belgian Malinois, check out our Belgian Malinois Breed Guide.
The American Labrador retriever is known by everyone as a sweetie, though they can be a great police dog breed. The lab has long been a hunting partner and this has made them good at sniffing out what they need to find. If trained properly the Labrador retriever can be a top-notch narcotics detection dog. Along with this, they can be loyal and protective when needed while on the front lines making them great dogs to have on the force. Check out our ownership tips at our article Labrador Retriever: What Owners Need to Know!
No surprise here, the German Shepherd is a breed known to be associated with being on the line of duty. This breed is made to heard and find of any unwelcome predators making them perfect for your every day K9 dog unit. This is also an incredibly loyal and easily trained breed which means they will work well with their partner/ pet parent. Its hard to beat the versatility this dog has and this is exactly why it is first on our list of best police dog breeds. There are multiple types of German Shepherds, and you can find more details at our Differences Between German Shepherds article.
On the other side of the spectrum, we have a breed that you might not expect as a great police dog but the beagle has one of the best noses in the business. The beagle is a smaller breed that has a huge personality, this makes them great pets and equally great police dog partners. Known as a narcotics-sniffing dog these dogs can be found in airports, border zones, and as narcotic finding patrol dogs.
Working dogs come in many shapes and sizes, along with this there is a multitude of jobs out there for dogs to do. One of these is to be a police dog as part of a K-9 unit doing things like search and rescue, protection, and drug sniffing. This is not a job for just any dog and this is why we are making our list of the 6 best police dog breeds out there right now.
The 13 Best Police Dog Breeds
Here are some of the best breeds suited for police station and offsite work. Note that every dog is different and should be evaluated on an individual basis for police work potential, but many of these breeds often make a great choice for police work. While sourcing a breed that’s historically been used for police work may help, a lot of the skill of police dogs can be directly traced to the quality of their training programs. This means that a dog’s breed is only part of the equation. Below, we’ll share some of the most common breeds for law enforcement work, but you might see surprising active service dogs in breeds like the English springer or English cocker spaniel, for instance.
The Belgian Malinois is a confident, hardworking dog with a strong, muscular build. These world-class working dogs help humans with a variety of tasks ranging from herding livestock to performing as excellent guard dogs to working alongside police.
Malinois are commonly compared to German shepherds. But while there are clearly similarities between the two, Malinois are usually a bit smaller than their German counterparts. Belgian Malinois are also a bit more intense and absolutely require a “job” to remain happy — a fact which can make them a poor choice for a family pet.
This breed of police dog has an incredibly strong work ethic and develops a close, loyal bond with his handler. They are also quick learners, who are eager to please their handlers and accomplish the tasks in from of them.
The sharp Belgian Malinois makes an excellent candidate for police work and has become one of the most common breeds used in these roles — both in the U.S. and around the world.
German shepherds and German shepherd mixes are some of the most popular dogs for pet owners and police departments alike due to their loyal and loving nature, as well as their hardworking attitude. These dogs are also highly trainable making them well suited for a variety of police force tasks and specialties.
German shepherd dogs or GSDs are active pups, who love to stay busy and be on their feet (er, paws) throughout the day. These canine cuties usually live anywhere from 10 to 14 years and weigh about 70 to 100 pounds.
This versatile breed can be found in the military, police, at the farm, or even on the big screen. There’s no denying that these highly-trainable canines are great for just about any job you put in front of them for law enforcement purposes. As a common police dog or loyal canine companion, GSDs have heart unlike any other breed.
The Doberman pinscher, affectionately known as the “Dobie,” is a striking, dignified dog that seems like a perfect match for police work based on his proud and intimidating looks alone.
These dogs are also quite loyal, extremely intelligent, and have and eager-to-please demeanor. Dobies are loving and loyal dogs, who are willing to dive into harm’s way if it means protecting those they love or accomplishing their job as a police dog.
As a highly active member of the working group, these dogs need plenty of mental and physical exercise throughout the day. Therefore, work with a police team can be a great fit for these dogs provided they receive adequate training.
The ever-popular Labrador retriever might not be the first dog that comes to mind when you consider breeds well-suited for the police task force, but his loyal, smart, and trainable nature makes him a surprisingly great pick.
Labrador retrievers are muscular, athletic, and full of energy, allowing them to put in a full day’s work without issue. These dogs also bond closely with their handlers and are eager to please, even when faced with a high-pressure situation.
Additionally, this popular breed has a friendly nature that makes him perfect for working in close quarters with the general public.
Labs usually live 10 to 12 years and will make excellent family companions once retired from their task force duties. These versatile and intelligent dogs are well-suited for a wide swath of law enforcement duties. But they are usually used in scent-detection or search-and-rescue roles rather than patrol work, like some of the other breeds discussed here.
Beagles are one of the many popular dog breeds that also serve as top-notch police pups. A beagle might not be able to take down a fleeing suspect, but these compact canines can still serve as excellent police dogs. In particular, beagles are a breed with a keen sense of smell making them perfect for scent tracking and detection-based nosework activities.
Their small to medium stature also makes them suited for specialized tasks that would be inappropriate or impossible for larger doggos. These dogs love to keep busy and will enjoy having a daily set of tasks to focus on and stay engaged.
Beagles can occasionally have a stubborn steak or be somewhat of a challenge to train. Therefore, any beagle slated for police work should be evaluated carefully for responsiveness and obedience.
Bloodhounds are one of the first dogs for police work due to their impressive sense of smell. They usually live anywhere from 12 to 15 years and need lots of additional training early on to ensure that they follow their noses when instructed to do so.
These hounds are far from a lazy dog breed and enjoy having a job, making them well suited for roles in K-9 units.
It’s worth noting that these dogs are known for being a challenge to train due to being easily distracted by enticing scents. However, with consistent obedience training, these docile dogs make great detection or search members of law enforcement task forces.
Bloodhounds are large dogs weighing anywhere from 80 to 110 pounds.
Rottweilers, affectionately referred to as “Rotties,” have a strong, muscular build paired with a courageous, loving heart. These active dogs love to stay busy making police work a potentially great fit for the pups.
These devoted dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please though they do best with consistent training sessions to stay sharp. Rottweilers and Rottweiler mixes have a calm confidence that makes them well suited for executing their duties throughout high-pressure situations.
Rottweilers are super loyal to their handlers or owners, and police officers can count on their Rottweilers to keep them safe while going about their daily duties.
Boxers have a long history as guard dogs, making them well suited for police work. These intelligent dogs forge strong bonds, and they are also fiercely loyal to their handlers. This also means that boxers require lots of daily mental and physical stimulation, and they love having a set of regular duties.
It’s worth noting that these cute canines have a childlike spirit (and they’re also wonderful with children), which will require consistent, regular training sessions in order to keep their skill set sharp. With an eagerness to please and loyal hearts, these dogs can serve as amazing members of the police force.
These spunky and athletic dogs usually reach ages of 10 to 12 years.
These distinguished working dogs have rugged builds and huge personalities.
A well-trained giant schnauzer finds himself with a wide range of potential jobs from cattle herding to serving as an astute guard dog. This insatiable work drive also makes giant schnauzers unexpected heroes of K-9 units.
Work drive aside, this breed is also known for his intelligence and powerful stature. If you have a giant schnauzer, you know how important it is to keep these big beauties mentally and physically stimulated throughout the day.
These dogs usually live about 10 to 12 years.
These loyal, loving dogs get a bad rap as being dangerous, but nothing could be further from the truth. These dogs are loving, caring creatures who are eager to please their owners or handlers. With an alert, protective awareness, these loyal pups make great police pals.
The American pit bull terrier is well suited for a variety of police tasks and is highly intelligent. He loves training sessions and will enjoy the mental and physical stimulation that comes from being on the job throughout the day.
These dogs typically live for 12 to 16 years.
The briard has a long-standing history of being a reliable guard dog, making the breed well-suited for police work. These loyal dogs are highly intelligent making them fairly trainable.
That being said, these dogs can be independent or stubborn to a fault, so it’s imperative that briards are given plenty of time to bond and train with their handlers.
These loving dogs certainly know how to take charge making them great candidates for everyday work. The briard will love assisting you on your everyday activities, as he’s always up for a challenge.
These dogs usually live somewhere between 10 and 12 years.
This Italian member of the working dog breed group loves keeping busy, making him a great candidate for regular work at the police department. These large dogs may have a somewhat intimidating appearance, but they’re extremely loving and loyal towards their handlers or family members.
The cane corso is highly intelligent so he has the capacity to pick up new skills quickly. That being said, these dogs can be somewhat stubborn so they’ll need consistent, focused training to thrive.
These dogs love to stay busy and will love putting in long hours.
The Dutch shepherd breed is highly trainable making these dogs well suited for work ranging from herding to patrolling the premises. These dogs are known for their excellent watchdog abilities, and they are highly trainable pups.
Dutch shepherds are super active and will enjoy all the mental and physical stimulation that comes with being a part of a K-9 unit. These flexible, healthy canine companions are sure to be valued members of any police department.
Dutch shepherd dogs are closely related to German shepherd dogs and usually live about 12 to 15 years.
In order to become police dogs, prospective canine candidates must first develop a firm understanding of basic obedience training. This training is usually completed with the help of the dog’s potential handler, to start creating the partnership bond that is crucial to the handler and K-9 unit relationship.
Basic obedience training consists of common commands like sit, stay, come when called, and so on. A prospective police pooch should be able to follow his handler’s commands without hesitation in a variety of conditions and environments.
If the K-9 in training excels, he then begins specialized training based on his future job. When it comes to training, police departments have historically subscribed to either the alpha/dominance theory or an R+/positive reinforcement training philosophy.
However, many departments have begun shifting away from the alpha/dominance theory in favor of the R+ or positive reinforcement training method.
Once on the job, police dogs stay with their handlers, even in off-hours to promote a strong bond. Police dogs typically work for anywhere from 7 to 11 years before retiring.
Are you still hungry for more police pup info? Here are a couple of commonly asked questions and answers surrounding police dog breeds to help!