DogExpress
Whenever you think of a Police dog whose breed pop in your head – German Shepherd. Did you know that German Shepherds (GS) are the third smartest dog breeds in the world? Surprisingly, they are not just intelligent but easy to train and domesticate.
No wonder they are holding some of the most responsible positions in human life – working in police forces, security guards, and in national defense services.
Sneak into the past – know more about German shepherds
The name itself speaks a lot about the origin of this special breed of canines. The name arises from the European origin of dogs, and the domestication of these breeds was to herd livestock and for security purposes. However, soon these breeds found special designation in world war I, where they served the German military.
The German Shepherds were no ordinary dogs. They served the defense team as scouts, messenger, personal guards, and rescuers. Some of the canines have found their names in serving in World War I and II, and German Shepherds are top in it. These large canines have a link with America as well.
The foremost breeds of German Shepherds gained popularity in 1899 for police work in the USA. In 1910, Max von Stephanitz (founder of the breed) exhibited qualities of the dog to the defense team what wonders a German Shepard can do.
After several trials in the task force, the breed secured its space in the military and other police units. In 1920, a dedicated training school started in Germany for police dogs.
German Shepherds are Dogs beyond friends and guards
Dogs are undeniably one of the oldest and most loyal animal friends of human beings. These four-legged animals are loving, caring, courageous, and intelligent to tame. Amongst all the other breeds of dogs, the German Shepherds hold a special place due to their immense courage, obedience, and strength.
But why are German Shepherds used as police dogs?
Common qualities of GS dogs
- Excellent ability to learn and grasp
- Great temperament and zero impulsiveness
- Unconditional love and loyalty
- Strength and endurance are second nature
- Diligence and commitment
- Athletic and active
However, these are generic qualities of any GS breed. But an amalgamation of all these features adds to thorough training for special task forces that make them into Police dogs. The average height and weight of fully-grown GS are much lighter than many other breeds who possess similar qualities but do not fit the role of Police dog due to their vital status.
They have a double-layer coat that makes them look large. However, they are lightweight and hence brisk.
German Shepherd Vs. other breeds
A comparison between GS to Pitbull and Rottweilers will provide a deeper understanding that justifies the reason. Pitbull breeds are over-friendly with strangers. They have a strong prey drive which makes them distracted during tasks. Similarly, Rottweilers are bulky, and it becomes difficult for the police to carry them and maneuver them in case of field tasks.
GS is great in companionship, active sports, search and rescue, therapies. These are the perfect fit in airlines’ security to detect narcotics, explosives, and missing persons. A German Shepard pup with training grows athletic, thin, and straight-back topline in appearance.
German Shepherds are ideal for observing and then reacting to suspect apprehension. Many tasks call for wait-watch-react mode, and these canines are perfect or such work.
Another guard dog is the Doberman. The police force does prefer Doberman for many intelligent works but, German Shepherd is always the first choice. Dobermans have a single coat, unlike German Shepherd with a furry double-layer coat keeping them warm in extreme weather conditions.
German Shepherds are excellent police dogs
This dog breed has all the qualities of a versatile breed that ticks the list of requirements for the police task force. Scent detection, suspect apprehension, and search-rescue roles are the top ones worth mentioning.
Suspect apprehension:
Almost all the dogs have this quality in them – but GS and Belgian Malinois have more capabilities. A well-trained German Shepherd is efficient in bite forces that exceed 238 psi resulting in moderate to severe damage. The quality is ideal over traits of strength and stamina.
When the owner/trainer of the dog orders to stop, the dogs respond immediately, which proves the level of obedience.
Scent detection:
All dogs have fine sniffing quality, but a properly trained GS utilizes this quality as police and guards. They have a keen sense of smell that is unaffected by any distractions. With specialized training, these dogs can effectively help our defense forces in many ways. They help to trace narcotics, explosives, cadavers, and accelerant mines.
Search and Rescue (SAR):
The police force requires the help of dogs in SAR operations where German Shepherd breeds are the top priority. They are efficient at detecting human scent, and therefore they fit into this requirement. This quality they have is staying calm towards other dogs and humans.
Conclusion
Most German shepherd police dogs are males in the USA and Canada. The reason is that a male dog is more aggressive than a female who shows passive qualities. The female dog behaves differently during heat, and the cost of treating while in heat is more.
Hence, female German Shepherds are at the back for front-line police tasks and support other programs. But with the latest training methods, even the female GS are finding a place in the Police force and other security works.
in Chandigarh, India. 
