As someone who has worked closely with German Shepherds (GSDs), I can say their intelligent nature and high-drive make them perfect for the job Like Police Dogs. These herding breed dogs, known for their versatility, are commonly used in police and military teams around the globe. Thanks to their origins, breed traits, and unwavering dedication, GSDs excel in situations requiring sharp instincts. Their abilities in patrol duties and narcotics detection make German Shepherds ideal candidates for police and military K9s.
The history of the German Shepherd
The history of the German Shepherd traces back to the late 1800s in Germany, where they were initially bred to herd sheep. By the early 1900s, a German Shepherd breeder, Max von Stephanitz, began to selectively breed these dogs to enhance their working traits. By 1910, they were tested in various working environments, proving their efficacy for police and military roles. The 1920s saw the breed explode in popularity across Europe due to their intelligence, loyalty, and aptitude to work.
The first German Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. However, during World War I, there was a drop in popularity in the United States and United Kingdom due to its association with German heritage. Despite this, the GSD maintained its status among the most popular dog breeds in the world. German Shepherds are widely used by military and police teams and were quickly established as preferred breeds by the mid-twentieth century.
Why Are German Shepherds Police Dogs? (Paws of Justice)
German Shepherds are among the most popular dog breeds used as police dogs because of their sharp instincts and loyal nature. These dogs work closely with police officers to discover hidden dangers and assist in various operations. Let’s travel back in time to understand how their role has evolved in law enforcement.
How did German Shepherds become police dogs?
Max Emil Friedrich initially developed this unique dog breed in the late 1800s. Originally aimed at developing dogs adept at herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators to keep the property and farm safe, German Shepherds soon proved to be one of the greatest dogs. Their owners noticed how dedicated and effective they were in their work, thanks to their high energy level and suitable body structure which allowed them to perform the job all day, run faster than any other dog, and their high intelligence helped them make the right decisions and effectively communicate.
When the German army started using these dogs during World War I, their intelligence and ability to protect and cure wounded soldiers not only surprised everyone but also demonstrated their innate ability to protect humans. Post-war, as they became popular around the world as one of the greatest dog breeds, their roles expanded beyond the military. After the wars ended, their incredible ability to track and apprehend criminals made them ideal police dogs.
Reasons why the German Shepherd is an ideal police dog.
Intelligence
German Shepherds are among the smartest dog breeds, renowned for their intelligence and trainability. This makes them perfect for roles where they need to think before they act, such as apprehending suspects or detecting illegal substances. Their need for regular physical exercise and mental stimulation prevents destructive behavior, which is crucial for effective police and military K9s.
The training methods used on these dogs accelerate the learning process, allowing them to perform their job even under the guidance of inexperienced handlers. These dogs have been selectively bred to enhance these traits, making them indispensable in law enforcement.
Athleticism
The athleticism of German Shepherds is essential for their roles in police and military work. These dogs are powerfully built with a body shape suited for physically demanding tasks. Known for their speed and stamina, they excel in apprehending suspects and patrolling environments where access to hard-to-reach places is crucial. Their strong bite force of 238 PSI and powerful grip make them formidable in detection situations and capable of handling a variety of jobs.
Temperament
German Shepherds are renowned for their perfect temperament for police and military work. These dogs are incredibly active, thriving in roles that demand both physical activity and mental activity. Known for their ability to think and act decisively, they are a top choice for K9 units. Their natural tendency to stay engaged is ideal for police work, even for a first-time K9 handler. Despite their intense focus, they have an off-switch, allowing them to relax after a long day of tasks, embodying the necessary traits for the job.
Loyal dogs
German Shepherds are renowned for their loyalty, often considered the slogan of this dog breed. Known to protect their handlers and partners, whether in police or military roles, they earn the loyalty of those they serve. Their capability to adapt to dangerous jobs while still playing a vital role in protecting families makes them invaluable. As a loyal friend to police officers, they are more than just canine units; they are cherished partners.
He can work for hours without getting tired.
The German Shepherd is a dog breed well-suited to the demands of the K-9 unit, capable of working tirelessly. Born with high-energy, these dogs enjoy their roles, finding satisfaction in the routine of spending the whole day on duty. It might sound weird, but they truly love their job. From spending their whole shift patrolling the neighborhood to keep it calm, to training that helps teach people about safety, every aspect of their work is vital. They’re an integral part of the K-9 unit, and despite the risk they protect with unwavering dedication—an easy job it is not, but their commitment commands respect.
Easy to teach new commands
German Shepherds are known for their smart nature and intelligence, which makes them excellent partners for police handlers. These canine officers can understand a new command within just 5 repetitions, showcasing their capacity to learn quickly and achieve amazing results. Their handlers often find that with consistent practice, a K-9 dog is always ready to teach and absorb new commands.
Even those initially worried about the work involved appreciate how these dogs never stop striving for excellence due to their high energy level. The training sessions keep both the German Shepherd and their handlers on their toes, reinforcing commands each day to ensure both are always ready for action.
How much does a police German Shepherd dog cost?
The cost of a police German Shepherd dog can vary significantly based on their training and pedigree. Typically, a fully trained protection dog used in police work ranges from $30,000-$80,000, with an average sale price of around $50,000. For top-tier providers like Harrison K-9s, which specializes in highly trained security working dogs, prices can escalate to six figures, making them some of the most expensive dogs on the market. In fact, the record for the most expensive dog ever sold was held by a German Shepherd named Julia, fetching a staggering $230,000.
What Are the Roles of a Police Dog?
German Shepherds are the perfect dogs for the job of police dogs due to their distinctive traits. These roles are essential and needed in law enforcement, which is a field that is constantly growing and evolving. One reason they excel is their adaptability and keen instincts, making them unmatched in various policing tasks.
Search and rescue: In search and rescue situations, police dogs are invaluable. Their amazing sense of smell is crucial for finding lost or missing persons. They excel at discovering victims of fallen buildings and earthquakes, helping locate those trapped beneath debris. The ability of these dogs to track criminal suspects further showcases their versatility and importance in emergency responses.
Detection dogs: German Shepherds are highly valued as detection dogs due to their powerful olfactory abilities. They can sniff out a variety of items such as drugs, firearms, and explosives with precision. Additionally, these skilled canines assist in locating suspects, uncovering illegal objects, and even detecting exotic animals or accelerants used in arson cases. Their ability to discern distinct scents makes them indispensable in police work.
Cadaver dogs: Police dogs, especially GSDs, are extensively trained not only for general protection but also to locate and apprehend crime suspects. With their powerful sense of smell, these dogs can detect the faintest odor of dead bodies whether they are hidden in piles of rubble or submerged underwater. They are crucial in efforts to rescue hostages and track down and hold suspects until officers can arrest them. The ability of German Shepherds to sniff out and bite down on bodies provides invaluable support in police operations.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are among the most widely used and incredibly adaptable breeds for police work due to their exceptional intelligence, loyalty, and adaptability. Around the world, these dogs have assisted police forces in apprehending criminals, detecting explosives, and helping to recover missing persons. Their ability to perform a wide variety of jobs makes them more versatile than other breeds, cementing their reputation as great police dogs for specific jobs. From personal experience, their presence has always kept the area safe.
FAQs
Why are German Shepherds used as military dogs?
German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are the most common breeds of dogs used by military operators due to their best overall combination of keen sense of smell, endurance, speed, strength, courage, intelligence, and adaptability. These breeds excel in various climatic conditions, making them indispensable in complex military operations. Their unparalleled loyalty and ability to learn quickly make them the top choice for defense duties.
Why is a German Shepherd a police dog?
German Shepherds are a popular breed for police canines around the world due to their size, keen intelligence, and strong work ethic. My years of service have shown me firsthand how these traits make them exceptional partners in law enforcement.
Do German Shepherds naturally protect their owners?
German Shepherds are naturally protective and possess a keen watchful eye over their home and family. These powerful dogs excel in harnessing their guard dog capabilities through training. When taught commands early on, they can discern when to stand down around visitors, ensuring safety without undue aggression.
Can you trust German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are highly loyal, smart, and protective, qualities that make them excellent for roles as police, guard, and military working dogs. Originated in Germany in the late 1800s as herding dogs, they have since been bred to be devoted and courageous partners. Their ability to serve both in active duty and as great companion dogs is a testament to their versatility and trustworthiness.