Types of Search & Rescue Dogs

Search and rescue dogs are used throughout the world at natural disaster sites, missing people searches, and they often help in law enforcement investigations. These dogs are commonly among the first responders that show up at a scene. Search and rescue dogs work in rural and urban settings and have been trained to find people below snow and ice. A well-trained search and rescue dog can quickly do the work of many searchers on foot.

  1. History

    • Saint Bernards are recognized as the first search and rescue dogs, tracing their start to finding wayward travelers near a Monastery in the year 980. During World War I and World War II, dogs were used to find injured people in buildings and in the field. Search dogs gained great respect searching for avalanche victims and victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Today, many clubs and organizations exist to train and practice search and rescue techniques.

    Breeds

    • Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and German shepherds are common breeds used for search and rescue. These breeds readily work with their trainers and have a strong desire to play games and follow instruction. Dogs selection is also based on their individual affinity for search and rescue work. Dogs need to have a strong work ethic, possess superior scent tracing ability and must be easily trained to excel in this field. Other breeds include Belgian malinois and the border collie.

    Trailing Dogs

    • Search and rescue dogs that have been trained to follow a person's scent are known as trailing dogs. These dogs are brought to where the person was last seen and given an article of clothing the person has recently worn. The dogs follow the trail left by person traveling through the area. Trailing dogs don't necessarily follow the person's direct path. Wind may have moved the scent downwind of the actual path. These scent trails can be followed up to several days after the person has passed through.

    Tracking Dogs

    • Following the actual trail laid down by a person is given to the dogs trained for tracking. These dogs are experts at determining an individual scent among the many others as well as scents of crushed vegetation a person has stepped on. Tracking dogs work ahead of their trainers attached to a leash.

    Air Scenting Dogs

    • When evidence doesn't exist of specific starting points or there's no sample of the missing person's scent, air scenting dogs are used. These dogs will work an area back and forth testing the air for scents. When a person is found, the dog will bark or return to the handler to indicate his location.