“Never, with dogs on guard, need you fear for your stalls a midnight thief...” Throughout history the overall perception of dogs has not changed. They have remained a friend and protector. It is through this history in which the working breeds have developed. The most common breed used in Police Task Forces is the German Shephard. However, the military has started using what is called a Belgian Malinois. By looking at the history of domestication of dogs, German Shepherd history and breed information, as well as the Belgian Malinois history and breed information, one will discover that a Belgian Malinois can be the better breed when it comes to training, health concerns, and capabilities. First, one should look at the beginning of humans’ …show more content…
German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds, Rottweilers, and even Labradors are some of the most common breeds found working for a justice department (“Frequently Asked Questions”). These dogs must go through extensive training when they are between 12-15 months old (“Frequently Asked Questions”). This training is actually pretty expensive, it can be anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000 to fully train a dog in Patrol Work, Detection, Narcotics and Explosives, and Hard Surface Tracking. A police department relies heavily on donations from the public. These costs are ongoing, although a dog may only serve about 10 years. However, police dogs are a huge asset, and therefore the expenses are …show more content…
This is an accurate picture because the German Shepherd, is in fact, the most popular breed used in todays’ task forces. This is because of their strength, intelligence, and obedience. However, it is important to consider some of the breed information. The breed is originally from Germany (“Police Canines in History”). They require intensive training and an experienced handler. German Shepherds can show signs of aggression or behave in an aggressive manner. It is important to keep a routine as well as a calm temperament when working with them. The GSD also requires regular grooming. This is because they possess a double coat and shed often. Since this is a naturally hard working breed, a dog may need extensive exercise, sometimes more than two hours a day (“German Shepherd