10 Police Dogs Who Put Their Paws to Work to Keep Us Safe

You think dogs have already reached the level of perfection — and then you meet police dogs. There’s nothing cuter than a pup who wants to take care of you. Being a police dog is perhaps one of the best-known careers for them, where they engage in security, investigation, and protection. It’s surprising how much they can do once they master the necessary techniques, like tracking explosives and uncovering people who are lost. Their talents seem to be infinite.

Bright Side would like to celebrate working dogs and their extraordinary commitment. That’s why we wanted to introduce you to some doggies who’ve cared for their citizens in their own countries. And if you feel the urge to clap after meeting them, it’s normal — we sure did.

1. Mike, Chile

This adorable labrador retriever began his training at the Carabineros Canine Training School when he was 8 months old (the perfect age to bond with his handler). There, he put his playful and friendly side to the test, as well as his olfactory abilities until he became one more member of the police force.

While working to preserve security and order, Mike learned to detect different substances — together with his human partner, he caught half a ton of them in his career. After 10 years of working, he received a tribute and was awarded a medal. Then his days of service became days of resting. He retired in 2018.

2. Thomas, Colombia

Thomas was adopted by one of the patrollers of the Immediate Action Command of the Colombian National Police. He was one of the 5 puppies that were born to a dog, also rescued by the unit, and the only one who became part of the surveillance team.

Thomas began to train when he was just a puppy: he would get excited every time he heard a motorcycle and identified the sounds of the patrol cars’ sirens. His human companion saw how easily he became familiar with the environment, so he included him in the rounds. Today, the duo continues to protect the community while promoting responsible animal adoption.

3. Chola, Spain

She’s still in active service working at the National Police Corps of Spain where she helps detect narcotics and banknotes. These are her main responsibilities, however, sometimes the cocker spaniel also provides therapy and she’s highly solicited.

Chola is currently 7 years old and will soon be leaving the canine unit. But since she lives and works with her handler, after her retirement, she’ll stay with her and the other 6 dogs her owner adopted. Her days off have no shortage of fun and love.

4. Frida, Mexico

She became the consolation for Mexicans on September 19, 2017, after an earthquake shook the country. This labrador retriever helped rescue efforts but, above all, elevated people’s spirits with her reassuring appearance framed by a unique visor and boots that protected her eyes and paws.

Throughout her 9-year career, Frida saved 12 lives and joined up to 53 rescue operations in Mexico, Haiti, Guatemala, and Ecuador. She retired in 2019 but is still supporting the Secretary of the Navy. She’s helping train a new generation of search and rescue dogs.

5. Chato, Perú

He used to be a stray dog. Luckily, a police officer adopted and trained him, so he became his partner as a special operations agent for Peru’s National Police. He’s a senior officer and belongs to the search and rescue team. Chato follows his partner everywhere, even on motorcycle trips.

The pup is one of the most beloved characters and is easily recognized by the glasses, vest, and beret he wears as his uniform.

6. Kiah, USA

This adorable dog was rescued from a shelter where she arrived after someone found her injured in a supermarket parking lot. She’s now the first pitbull officer for the Poughkeepsie City Police Department in the state of New York. Kiah works detecting different substances and following the trail of missing people.

But that’s not all. Along with her guide, she challenges the stigmatization that her breed has suffered from thanks to physical features and behavioral patterns. They want to make clear that breeds don’t matter, it’s the dog’s character that does.

7. Ryzhiy, Russia

On July 1, 2020, the only corgi police dog in Russia retired. Ryzhiy worked at the Nizhny Novgorod police agency for 7 and a half years, using his powerful sniffing capacity. His job was to detect dangerous goods and contraband at bus and train stations.

So now what does he do, you ask? Little Ryzhiy will not sit idly as he continues training for the next dog agility contest.

8. Jaks, Canada

After an 8-year career, this Belgian Malinois said goodbye to the Canadian Ministry of the Environment. There, he helped officials in hundreds of investigations and activities, monitoring the responsible use of natural resources. As part of the program, the doggy attended community events and visited parks and schools.

Although Jaks retired, he’s still eager to help his community. He lives today with one of the ministry officials who adopted him.

9. Dottie, England

She is the springer spaniel who joined the British Transport Police in 2019. The pup helps keep the railways safe by fighting crime and looking for harmful objects, like explosives. Dottie works and lives with her trainer, like the rest of the dogs in her unit. And when she’s off duty, the little girl likes to get hugs and meet new people.

10. Huesos, Argentina

Huesos, which means “bones” in English, was rescued by a member of the Cordoba Dog Police Division, and in the blink of an eye, he went from being a stray pup to a service dog.

Over the course of 9 years, he traveled throughout the Argentinian province as part of the exhibition squad. His job was to perform in shows, ceremonies, academic events, and anniversaries. After making everyone smile with his tricks, this mixed-breed dog retired in 2018.

Do you think other animals could do well in the police force? Has your pet ever protected you from harm? Tell us in the comment section!