Police dogs are a crucial part of law enforcement in many districts and precincts across the nation. These highly capable dogs are trained with handlers to develop the skills needed to assist in law enforcement. While some might jump to the conclusion that police hounds are vicious attack dogs, this is not the case. Police dogs include rescue animals that sniff out survivors at disaster sites, zero in on contraband like illegal firearms, or warn their human partners that danger is near. Our list of the top seven best police dogs examines some of the most popular breeds in law enforcement.
How is it that police dogs are able to learn the skills needed to support cops? Do dogs see the world in the same way as humans? For some, the answer is yes! A new study reveals that “smarter” canines, like the ones on our list, process information similarly to people. We’ve combed through 10 trusted sources to discover the best police dog breeds that were mentioned most. These brave dogs work full-time to serve and protect. After retirement, police dogs can also make great pets in their senior years. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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The List: The Best Police Dogs in the Business
1. German Shepherd
The faithful German Shepherd is perhaps the most iconic police dog. This role has been cemented by numerous appearances in film and television including the lovable Chase from the hit cartoon series “Paw Patrol.” German Shepherds are like royalty when it comes to police work. Nylabone praises their “poised disposition, high trainability, and exceptional dog intelligence—the perfect recipe for a variety of police roles.”
German Shepherds are a popular choice for police work because they are intelligent, strong, and loyal, Delmarva K9 raves. These dogs are known for forming close bonds with their handlers and are fiercely protective of them. These traits make them valuable assets for law enforcement.
These dogs are natural-born protectors, bred for herding and guarding against threats, Sit Stay exclaims. They are also easily trained which means they work well with their partner or even a pet parent.
2. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois are second only to German Shepherds in terms of law enforcement popularity. These dogs are strong, smart, and able to follow commands in high-stress scenarios. Packed with energy and eager to please, these dogs excel in police work, HK9 says. Their trainability allows them to master a wide range of tasks, from detecting explosives and drugs to tracking down suspects.
Similar in looks and temperament to German Shepherds, the Belgian Malinois is gaining traction in military applications, Wag! writes. Their smaller size allows them to navigate tighter spaces better than German Shepherds. These versatile dogs can be trained for various roles, including carrying messages, search-and-rescue missions, and joining K-9 units.
Their muscular build also makes them ideal for various tasks. These superstar working dogs can herd livestock and act as guard dogs, too (K9 of Mine).
3. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are perhaps the most iconic search dog in the police force. Whether for rescue or tracking, these dogs are known for finding their quarry. Bloodhounds are in a league of their own when it comes to scent work, Pet Keen comments. These dogs boast the most powerful noses in the entire canine world.
With over 100 million scent receptors compared to a measly six million in humans, their sense of smell blows ours away, adds Hepper Blog. This incredible ability makes them invaluable partners for law enforcement, helping detect explosives and narcotics.
The Bloodhound consistently ranks highly among the most popular police dogs. Voted as a top 10 K-9 officer by law enforcement professionals themselves, the Bloodhound has a long and successful history as a top-notch tracker, Top Dog Tips adds.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are good at just about everything. With the right training and handler, Labradors can use their talents to aid officers. Don’t be fooled by their friendly faces! Labrador Retrievers are more than just cuddly companions. These energetic, intelligent dogs are also surprisingly well-suited for police work, WAF explains. Their speed, strength, and trainability make them effective in tasks like detecting explosives. Labrador Retrievers can even be lifesavers, helping find victims after natural disasters. Their eagerness to please and sharp minds make them valuable assets for any police team.
Labrador Retrievers are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly nature. Their popularity isn’t just recent either, Delmarva K9 adds. They have been serving in these capacities since the late 1800s, making them a well-established breed in the working dog world.
Despite being America’s favorite pet, their trainability and keen sense of smell make them ideal for patrolling crowded areas, where they can sniff out drugs and other contraband, Nylabone states. So next time you see a Lab with a police officer, don’t be surprised – they might be on an important mission!
5. Beagle
The Beagle is intelligent and can be trained to remarkable levels of obedience. When working on a case, they are known for their exceptional sense of smell, Sit Stay claims. These surprisingly small dogs, known for their big personalities, make fantastic partners for police officers. Beagles excel at sniffing out narcotics, making them a valuable asset in airports, border zones, and on regular drug patrols.
Despite their small size, are perfect for police work in public areas, HK9 explains. Their adorable appearance and manageable stature make them non-threatening to the public, allowing them to work undercover.
6. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a fierce-looking dog that often has a powerful and intimidating bark. As with other dogs on this list, it is their intellect that makes them an excellent choice for K-9 officer training. These large, athletic animals are known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn. These qualities, combined with their natural protectiveness, make them a top choice for guard dogs and protectors, according to Pet Keen.
Doberman Pinschers’ natural protectiveness as a quality that makes them excellent patrol dogs, The Hepper Blog adds. Their trainability, hard work ethic, and energetic nature all contribute to their success in this role. These traits haven’t gone unnoticed, and Doberman Pinschers have a long and respected history of serving in both military and police work.
Their athletic builds, combining lean muscle and impressive speed, make them perfectly suited for chasing down suspects, Top Dog Tips says. In fact, their agility is unmatched by most other K-9 breeds, making them a force to be reckoned with when a criminal tries to flee.
7. Boxer
As a former war dog, Boxers are no strangers to high-stress situations. They are prized for their protective nature. These intelligent and playful pups are brimming with energy and enjoy staying active, WAF says. While loyal and protective around their families, they’re not yappy – they only bark when something warrants it. Their love for companionship and exercise makes them great family dogs, but these same traits could also translate well to a working life.
Originally chosen in Germany as the first dog breed for police training, Boxers are more commonly seen in European police forces than in America, says HK9. Their fearless nature and eagerness to please their handlers make them adaptable to various police tasks. However, their true calling lies in protecting officers out on the job.
These dogs proved their worth during World Wars I and II, guarding important areas and even helping with communication, Wag! explains. Today, their dependable temperament, strong builds, and loyalty make them valuable partners for police forces.
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