Why are German Shepherds Used as Police Dogs

The heroic hounds have been commonly associated with the police, making millions ponder the question “Why are German shepherds used as police dogs”.

Why are other dog breeds, such as Pit bulls, Danes, Tibetan mastiffs, and other strong dog breeds not as popular as German shepherds as police dogs?

No nation on earth exists where they don’t work with one security outfit or the other, usually the police, customs, military, para-military, etc.

They have been called several names, including K9 dogs, police dogs, law dogs, cop dogs, guardian dogs, SWAT dogs, patrol dogs, narc dogs, justice dogs, etc.

These names and others are a result of their lifetime partnership with the police and their commitment to defending the human race.

Why German Shepherds are Used as Police Dogs:

German shepherds are among the top 10 strongest dog breeds in the world.

They are arguably one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world.

They have exceptional abilities that have enabled them to excel in a variety of roles, including being ideal as police dogs.

The reasons why they are ideal and used as police dogs are:

1. Intelligence:

According to Stalen Coren, a renowned Canadian psychologist, professor, and author, the German shepherd is the third most intelligent dog breed in his book, “The Intelligence of Dogs.”.

Their instinctive, adaptive, and work intelligence are some of the best in the canine world.

They are trainable and can easily learn complex commands, which are crucial in policing.

German shepherds are also quick learners, demonstrating exceptional learning abilities even in difficult situations.

2. Strength and Agility:

German shepherds are renowned for their muscular build, strength, and agility.

They are capable of hauling heavy loads over long distances, which is one of the reasons they were developed in Germany.

They can run up to 30 miles per hour and jump as high as 4-6 feet vertically, making them the perfect breed for search and rescue missions with the police.

German shepherds have a bite force of 238–328 PSI, more than the American Pit Bull.

Their bite force contributes to their great strength, especially in a one-on-one battle.

3. Protective Nature:

 

German shepherds are always eager to please and protect their loved ones and owners.

This attribute has made them ideal as a formidable partner with police officers.

They are capable of forming strong bonds with their K9 handlers, showcasing how loyal they can be.

Their protective nature is exemplified in their guarding, warning, defending, and attacking instincts and prowess.

4. Endurance and stamina:

Policing for humans and dogs requires long and, most times, tough physical activities.

These activities require physical strength, endurance, stamina, and high recovery rates.

These attributes can be found in all German shepherds, most especially the adults.

They are capable of sustaining long periods of physical activity, and they can competently recover on time.

5. Highly developed senses:

German shepherds have an excellent sense of hearing and smell more than humans.

Their olfactory ability is estimated to be between 10,000 and 100,000 times more sensitive than humans.

While their sense of hearing is four times more sensitive than humans.

These developed senses make them ideal and excellent in the detection of narcotics, search and rescue, and other policing duties.

6. Versatility:

Policing roles involve different duties, such as search and rescue, patrol, tracking of suspects and criminals, crowd control, detection of narcotics, etc.

German shepherds are efficient when properly trained in all the roles stated.

Their versatility makes them the best breed for a police dog.

7. Temperament:

Generally, German shepherds have a balanced temperament.

They can be assertive and calm when necessary.

These attributes make them focused when carrying out their duty and also suitable when exposed to unfamiliar faces (the public).

Can I Train My German Shepherd to Be a Police Dog?

Yes, German shepherds can be trained, especially from a young age, to become police dogs.

They are intelligent and trainable and have all the characteristics needed for a police dog.

To know how best to train a German shepherd to become a K9 officer either in narcotics detection, patrol, search and rescue, etc.

Read here on how best to train a German shepherd as a police dog.

Breeds of Police Dogs:

While German shepherds might excel as police dogs, they are not the only breeds that are used as police dogs.

Other breeds that possess the characteristics of police dogs, such as intelligence, loyalty, courage, trainability, adaptability, and developed senses, are also used as police dogs.

These breeds of dogs are:

1. Belgian Malinois
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Dutch Shepherd
4. Bloodhound
5. Australian Shepherd
6. Czech Shepherd
7. Rottweiler
8. Doberman Pinscher
9. Australian Cattle dog
10. Broder Collie
11. Beagle