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We see them in the action packed movies, detective and cop-thrilling television dramas, guarding their companion, and sniffing out buildings for substances. Police dogs are everywhere, whether we see them or not. Also referred to as K-9 dogs, police dogs help police officers and law enforcement, specializing in sniffing out drugs or bombs, leading officers to missing people, and simply guarding their masters. While any dog could be trained to be a police service dog, there are common breeds that are more popular. These breeds have special character traits that qualify them for specific police work, each breed being different and having unique abilities. Below are the Top 10 Best Police Dog Breeds, listed in no specific order.
1. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular police dogs. They are widely used because they can serve as a substance detection dog, a tracking dog, and as a cadaver tracking dog. While some may give the German Shepherd a bully reputation, they are quite the opposite. They are incredibly territorial, very curious (which is an excellent trait for a police dog), and intelligent. While they are very strong and forceful, unless antagonized or prompted by a stranger, they are loyal and obedient. The German Shepherd is an excellent choice for an all-around police dog.
2. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is one of the top dogs when it comes to substance detection, specializing in narcotics. While very protective, the Belgian Malinois is very well trained and friendly. They are a medium build and are highly energetic, sometimes never getting out of the puppy phase. Because of their energy, they are constantly wanting to learn new things and be trained in different areas. If rewarded correctly, the Belgian Malinois can be trained easily. Not only are they kind, but they are a hard working breed with a strong nose for detection.
3. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is good for one thing and one thing only: guarding. This breed is highly defensive, athletic, alert, and has a strong bite. While their personalities do range and some are more aggressive than others, if trained correctly, they can become excellent guard dogs that are loyal to their owner. They will follow commands as given and will follow out with whatever trained to do. If you are running away from a Doberman Pinscher, you better hope you have some fast legs.
4. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a common police dog breed used for tracking people or missing things, as well as corpses a human remains. They are known for their strong desire to relentlessly search for their mission, never giving up. Although very friendly and calm, they are strong built dogs and will not stop until they find what they are searching for. Although not big and agressive, the Bloodhound’s nose is what makes them essential in Police Force.
5. Golden Retriever
While the Golden Retriever is a common house dog and pet, they are also used in law enforcement. They work with detecting substances, tracking down missing people, or searching for cadavers. While they are not strong guard dogs, the Golden Retriever has many positive characteristics. They are friendly with everyone, not just their owner. They are very intelligent, hard working, and compatible with most other dog breeds. The Golden Retriever is not only a wonderful companion, but a hard worker that will not disappoint.
6. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is another common household pet. They are an all-around police dog, working with substance detection and tracking. They have a strong sense and and a strong intuition, tolerable temper and a good work ethic. They love having things in their mouth, so raising a good lab requires a lot of fetch! Always loyal, a Labrador Retriever is a great dog to have, whether in the law force or at home.
7. Coonhound
The Coonhound is classified as a scent hound and is a popular tracking dog, not only in police work, but also in hunting as well. They are trained to sniff out specific animals or scents by their owners, making them great when searching for missing people. Most coonhounds are very mellow, having a chill personality with their owners and a shy personality with guests. This breed is great when working with a scent that needs to be found.
8. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer specializes in sniffing out cadavers and human decomposition. They are popularly characterized for their cooperative nature, along with willingness to be trained and their need for interaction with humans. Very affectionate and friendly, this breed is fun to play with and a great type of dog when it comes to finding scents.
9. Bullmastiff
Although the Bullmastiff may have an intimidating appearance and a ferocious build, their personality is quite the opposite. They are very quiet and it is rare that they bark. They are very obedient to their master and are excellent trackers, being very useful in the police force. The Bullmastiff is also useful for guarding, needing no training. Their instinct for danger is very evident, providing their owners with ultimate protection. If you are need of a good and loyal guard dog, the Bullmastif is a wise choice.
10. Dutch Shepherd
The Dutch Shepherd is an active searching and tracking dog used by many in the law enforcement. They are very intelligent and have a watchful eye, not missing anything when searching for their target. Although today they are mainly used as either a house dog or in the police work force, they can still be used effectively for herding and patrolling sheep. The Dutch Shepherd is a wonderful, calm dog, with an excellent sense of smell and direction.
