Military working dogs, also known as MWDs or K-9s, are dogs trained to assist military and law enforcement personnel. They have been used by militaries around the world for over a century to support troops in a variety of ways.
History of Military Dogs
The use of canines in warfare dates back thousands of years, but their roles became more specialized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During World War I, dogs were used as messengers, scouts, sentries, and to carry medical supplies. The first organized war dog training programs were established during World War II.
The United States military began training dogs for wartime roles in 1942 at the War Dog Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia. By 1945, over 10,000 dogs were enlisted. The Soviet Union had over 60,000 military dogs during World War II.
Other major participants in World War II, including Great Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Australia, and Japan, also had military dog programs. Dogs performed a variety of tasks, including laying telegraph wires, finding injured soldiers, guarding prisoners, and carrying messages.
Today, dogs continue to assist military and law enforcement around the world. Their duties have expanded to include drug and bomb detection.
Breeds Used as Military Dogs
Certain dog breeds are well-suited to military tasks based on their intelligence, aggressiveness, sense of smell, and physical abilities. The most commonly used breeds include:
- German Shepherd – Intelligent, strong, and able to handle demanding tasks. Often used as scout, patrol, and search dogs.
- Labrador Retriever – Skillful retrievers with a keen sense of smell, often tasked with detecting explosives.
- Belgian Malinois – Agile and hardworking herding dogs who excel at detection and security.
- Dutch Shepherd – Energetic and athletic, able to work independently and cope with environmental stresses.
- Boxer – Loyal and protective, usually employed in security roles.
Other breeds like Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, Great Danes, and Akitas have also been historically used as military dogs.
Training Military Dogs
Training a military dog requires months of intensive and specialized work. Training usually begins when a dog is 1-2 years old. The first phase focuses on obedience – the dogs are taught basic commands and how to ignore distractions.
Once a strong foundation in obedience is established, they move on to more specialized skills. Based on their temperament and abilities, dogs will be trained in tracking, patrolling, detection, or specialized mission functions.
Common training methods include positive reinforcement, agility drills, and simulated searches. Military dogs must be able to work independently from their handlers in chaotic environments.
In the United States, the 341st Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base oversees training programs for dogs entering military service. Handlers are also trained at Lackland to learn how to communicate with and care for their canine partners.
Roles and Duties
Today’s military dogs are used for a wide variety of missions:
- Detection – Using their powerful sense of smell, dogs can sniff out explosives, drugs, chemical weapons, and hidden enemies. They are a vital asset for search operations.
- Patrol – Military dogs walk perimeter fences, patrol bases, and support troops on missions, helping to detect threats and intruders.
- Scout – Dogs can quietly move ahead of troops and alert handlers to danger. Their speed and endurance make them well-suited to covering terrain quickly.
- Search and rescue – Dogs use tracking skills to locate missing persons, whether lost hikers or injured soldiers on the battlefield.
- Messenger – Dogs can carry messages and small items securely between locations or to troops in the field.
In addition to these roles, military dogs are valued for their ability to boost morale and reduce stress among deployed troops. Handlers often form very close bonds with their dogs.
Unique Identifiers
All U.S. military working dogs are assigned a service number and are ranked one rank higher than their handler. This rank structure recognizes the vital role dogs play in completing missions.
MWDs are also identified by a tattoo on their ear – a series of letters and numbers used to identify the individual dog and its training.
When on a mission, military dogs wear specialized harnesses, vests, or packs to carry equipment and hold identification. Vests and packs often have handles for their handler to grab them quickly and molle webbing to attach gear.
Retirement
Military working dogs are usually retired at age 8-10 due to slowing reflexes and senses. Adoption programs allow handlers and other qualified persons to adopt retired dogs. After years of dedicated service, retirement provides dogs a chance to live out their lives as beloved pets.
Some key facts about military working dog adoptions:
- Dogs are examined medically and behaviorally before adoption.
- Adopters are screened, including home visits, to ensure dogs are going to good homes.
- There is no adoption fee, but adopters do pay for transportation costs.
- Dogs are usually adopted by former handlers, law enforcement, or veteran families.
Adoption gives these heroic dogs the thanks they deserve after their military service.
Conclusion
For over a century, dogs have served crucial roles in military and law enforcement scenarios. Their intelligence, loyalty, and exceptional capabilities make them uniquely qualified for tasks like detection, patrol, and search and rescue. Today, military working dogs continue to save lives and support troops on a daily basis around the world. Their service deserves recognition and respect.