Military dogs are specially trained dogs that serve alongside military personnel in various branches of the armed forces. They provide early warning of intruders on military bases or during combat operations. They can also sniff out explosives and IEDs (improvised explosive devices).
Their keen sense of smell makes them invaluable in identifying hidden threats, which is vital for the safety of troops and civilians. They also offer companionship and emotional support to soldiers, particularly in high-stress combat environments.
Here we have discussed the 10 best military dogs with naturally higher protective instinct, muscular strength, and agility.
1. Belgian Malinois
Height: 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 40 to 80 pounds (18 to 36 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Belgian Malinois are highly sought-after military and police dogs. Their natural protective instincts, high energy levels, and quick learning abilities make them well-suited for tasks such as explosive detection, search and rescue, tracking, and apprehension work.
They are known for their courage, endurance, and unwavering loyalty to their handlers. During World War I, the Belgian Malinois gained recognition for its exceptional abilities as a messenger, search and rescue, and watchdogs. The breed's popularity continued to grow, and during World War II, they were widely used by both the Allied and Axis forces.
2. German Shepherd
Height: 22 to 26 inches (56 to 66 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 50 to 90 pounds (23 to 41 kg)
Life Expectancy: 9 to 13 years
German Shepherd was developed by a German cavalry officer named Captain Max von Stephanitz. They were initially used for herding and guarding sheep, but their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability soon caught the attention of the German military.
During World War I, they served as messenger dogs, carrying messages between trenches and helping to lay telephone lines. They were also used for tracking, scouting, and locating wounded soldiers. They are still widely used in the military for bomb detection, drug sniffing, and search and rescue.
3. Boxer
Height: 21.5 to 25 inches (55 to 63.5 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Boxer dogs were originally developed in Germany during the 19th century. The name "Boxer" is believed to have originated from the breed's tendency to stand on their hind legs playfully and "box" with their front paws during play.
Their strong protective instincts, combined with their loyalty and courage, made them valuable assets for guarding military installations and detecting intruders. During WWI, they were trained to carry messages between soldiers on the front lines and their commanders via dangerous terrain.
4. Doberman Pinscher
Height: 24 to 28 inches (61 to 71 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds (27 to 45 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Doberman Pinschers have a long history of serving in the military. They were first used by the German military in the late 19th century and also during both World Wars.
They were initially bred by a German tax collector named Louis Dobermann, who wanted a loyal and protective dog to accompany him on his rounds. Dobermans are known for their loyalty and fearlessness, which are essential traits in a military dog. They are willing to put themselves in harm's way to protect their handlers and complete their missions.
5. Dutch Shepherd
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches (55 to 62 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 50 to 75 pounds (23 to 34 kg)
Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years
The Dutch Shepherd is a versatile and intelligent breed that has a rich history as a military dog. The breed originated in the Netherlands in the late 19th century. It was primarily bred for herding and guarding livestock.
During World War I and World War II, Dutch Shepherds were used by the Dutch army for various military tasks. The breed's exceptional scent detection abilities make them valuable as detection dogs. They are often trained to detect explosives, drugs, and other contraband materials.
6. Rottweiler
Height: 22 to 27 inches (56 to 69 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 80 to 135 pounds (36 to 61 kg)
Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years
The Rottweiler's origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where they were used as herding dogs. They accompanied Roman armies during conquests, guarding and herding livestock, as well as providing security to the soldiers' camps.
They were used as a messenger and guard dog in WWI and WWII. Additionally, their guarding instincts were utilized to protect military installations and camps. Their reputation as a reliable working dog led to its adoption by police and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
7. Alaskan Malamute
Height: 23 to 25 inches (58 to 64 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 75 to 100+ pounds (34 to 45+ kg)
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Known for endurance in harsh weather, the Alaskan Malamute is historically associated with military use. The U.S. Army's Arctic Search and Rescue Unit employed the dog breed in WWI.
They were used in various Arctic exploration missions, including the famous Byrd Antarctic Expedition in 1928-1930. They were relied upon for transportation and hauling supplies in the challenging polar environment.
While the Alaskan Malamute is no longer extensively used as a military dog, its working and sled dog heritage is still celebrated.
8. Giant Schnauzer
Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches (60 to 70 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 70 to 95 pounds (32 to 43 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
The Giant Schnauzer's origins can be traced back to Germany, where it was bred in the late 19th century. It was primarily developed as a working dog, specifically for herding and guarding livestock.
They were used in World wars because of their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. It was employed as a messenger dog, guard dog, and even as a Red Cross dog to locate wounded soldiers on the battlefield. The Giant Schnauzer is still utilized in various military roles around the world.
9. Labrador Retriever
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches (55 to 62 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds (25 to 36 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
The Labrador Retriever has a rich history and significant role as a military dog. The breed was developed by fisherman in Newfoundland, Canada, in the 18th century.
During World War I, Labradors were used by the British military as messenger dogs, search and rescue dogs, and as medical aid carriers. Later, they were also used by the United States military as part of the "K-9 Corps."
Labradors are renowned for their exceptional olfactory senses, and they have been extensively trained as bomb detection dogs.
10. Springer Spaniel
Height: 19 to 20 inches (48 to 51 cm) at the shoulder
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg)
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
The Springer Spaniel breed originated in England and was primarily used for hunting and retrieving game birds. Their excellent sense of smell and ability to flush out game made them ideal for hunting purposes.
Their versatility and trainability made them valuable assets in both world wars as search, messenger, and mine detector dogs. They still serve as search and detection dogs, specifically for sniffing explosives and narcotics. Their keen sense of smell and ability to quickly locate hidden substances make them highly effective in these tasks.
Petjurni Team
