What Kind of Dog Is a Police Dog?

Dogs serve a wide variety of purposes for police forces including narcotics, bob and arson detection, tracking, patrol or other special services according to the United States Police Canine Association. Police departments utilize different breeds of dogs to accomplish different goals. Dogs breeds used by police departments are known to be highly intelligent and hard working dogs.

  1. German Shepherds

    • According to the Summerville Police department, German Shepherds are the most used police dogs because of their size, keen intelligence and work ethic. German Shepherds' service to the United States goes back as far as World War I and up through the Vietnam War. In the 1950s the breed was used for crowd control and became known as an aggressive dog. Police departments have developed training programs for both the handler and dog to help lessen these stereotypes.

    Belgian Malinois

    • The Belgian Malinois (pronounced "mal-in-wha") is smaller, more streamlined version of a German Shepherd. This type of Belgian Shepherd dog includes the Groenendael, Laekenois and Tervueren breeds. These dogs, originally bred as sheep herders in Holland, are known for their agility and endurance. Malinois are also recognized for their hard-working traits and speed. The Malinois is an everyday police dog and used in similar circumstances as German Shepherds.

    Labrador Retriever

    • The Labrador Retriever is not only a popular domestic pet but is also a breed utilized by police departments. Labs are known for their intelligence, loyalty and obedience. Labs are used in service as non-aggressive or passive purposes such as bomb detection. The dogs stiff out explosives, or another specified target, and will sit down once the scent is detected.

    Bloodhounds

    • The loveable bloodhound is used by police departments for tracking suspects or for detection of narcotics and bombs. Bloodhounds are used in water tracking activities and also are known for cadaver searches. The bloodhound is single minded when on the trail of a scent. The bloodhound are typically not used to track dangerous felons because bloodhounds are not aggressive according to Lee Lofland, a former police officer and author.