Dogs are nature’s gift to humanity with their reliable nature and protective instincts. “Man’s best friend” has proven itself to be a powerful ally to humans in many ways. Their talent for tracking, ability to guard, and spectacular scent work make them irreplaceable assets for police forces and the military.
Dogs are not just affectionate companions that make your life brighter and more enjoyable; their many talents have earned them a place in more than just our homes and hearts. In border patrol, different breeds leave their mark with their varying abilities.
Some breeds are more agile and fast and make great chasers; others have impeccable noses that help detect drugs. With proper training, certain breeds become formidable partners for police officials in border patrol. Here are 7 intelligent and brave dog breeds that do amazingly well in border patrol.
Dog Breeds Ideal For Border Patrol
1. Dutch Shepherd
Dutch Shepherds were originally bred as herding dogs, which explains their intelligence, strength, and alertness. They’re joyful but active dogs with high energy, since their job used to be herding sheep and guiding them to a safer spot. This versatile breed is one of the most sought-after police dogs.
With an alert personality and muscular stature, Dutch Shepherds make loyal guard dogs and are great at protection work. What makes them such popular service dogs is their high trainability and razor-sharp instincts.
As family pets, they love to form a deeper connection with the family members, including children and adults. Despite their loyal nature, proper training is important to keep them from staying rough around the edges.
The American Kennel Club suggests daily and short training sessions to keep them on track. Mental stimulation exercises also turn them into the excellent patrol dogs they have the potential to become.
2. Bloodhound
What’s a hound without a fantastic nose? Bloodhounds don’t disappoint when it comes to delivering seamless scent work. While their droopy ears and sad expressions make us want to cuddle them, their ability to track can give the cleverest criminals a run for their money.
A little stubborn and independent in nature, Bloodhounds are affectionate as family dogs and quite friendly with strangers if socialized early. As patrol dogs, they have no match when it comes to their sense of smell.
Whether it’s about tracking for narcotics or a search for a missing person, you can rely on a Bloodhound’s super-nose. They can even smell through water (which makes them good water rescue dogs). Paired with skilled handlers, Bloodhounds are the superheroes of the dog world.
3. Labrador Retriever
Labs are loving family pets, watchful guard dogs, amazing herd dogs, sweet therapy dogs, and efficient patrol dogs. Honestly, is there anything Labrador Retrievers are not good at? No wonder they’re one of the world’s most popular breeds; get in line for the autograph!
With a gentle nature and heart-warming smile, they enchant the children and adults in the house alike. Even your neighbors won’t be able to complain as one look at their adorable faces can melt hearts. All this doesn’t stop them from being formidable in their rescue or police dog careers, though.
Whether it’s sniffing out drugs in cars or explosives at airports, labs can get nosy anywhere. If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve probably seen a Lab or two tagging along with airport security guys, maybe even sniffing bags.
Their sense of smell and guard dog instincts help them fight crime and catch baddies. Labs are highly energetic and strong dogs known for their strength; add their tendency to protect in the mix, and you get the power pack they are.
4. Doberman Pinscher
These muscular dogs were originally bred in Germany and belong to the working dog family. There’s something about their stature that shouts “police dog,” so undercover work might be a little tricky for them.
Even their temperament makes them stand out from “civilian” dogs, though they get along just as well with the other animals in their household.
Doberman Pinschers are quiet and calm, but can surprise you with their sensitive nature and expressiveness. They are fond of their owners and live to serve; they will stay watchful of any potential threat to their homes.
As patrol dogs, they bond amazingly with their handlers, which makes them perfect on-duty partners. They make versatile dogs of many talents with their tracking, message delivery, and scouting abilities. They’re a popular choice as service dogs at customs and airports.
Britannica mentions that these dogs love to jump; having a fenced yard will make them feel thankful. Their jumping talent also comes in handy when they have to chase a criminal.
5. Boxer
With a sleek tail, short muzzle, and pointed ears, the Boxer is a medium-sized dog breed with a square build. Their name isn’t random; they have a tendency to raise and use their two front paws to fight, as if they’re boxing.
They might have a gangster name, but Boxers are fun-loving and gentle dogs and enjoy the company of both kids and adults. They have a droopy face and dark, sparkly eyes that make them look wise and serious. As border patrol dogs, they shine due to their muscular but alert look and sharp instincts.
Boxers are very active and strong, even when they’re puppies. Training them early is important for both family dogs and service canines. They have a tendency to leap, so if trained well, they can channel this trait to chase and track. Their sharp guard dog instincts make them spectacular at finding evidence.
6. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are elite in terms of looks due to their wolf-like face, lush coat, and pointed ears. While dog parents love to have these gorgeous pups by their side, they’re also popular service dogs widely used in border patrol.
Bred in the 1900s specifically as working dogs, German Shepherds were introduced into military life pretty early in their history. A breeder called Max von Stephaniz (an army veteran) selectively bred these dogs, developing their traits of being intelligent, loyal, and strong.
Their loyalty and bonding with their handlers make them follow their cues in tough situations. This tendency and mutual chemistry are quite valuable in this line of work.
7. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are very high-energy and high-prey drive canines that aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Suitable companions for experienced owners and dream partners at border patrols, Mals make one of the best police dogs.
These athletic and strong-willed canines are quite smart and trainable, but need positive reinforcement and dedicated trainers or owners. Mals do so well as law enforcement and military dogs due to their herding instincts. They have been widely used for drug detection, rescue, and tracking dogs.
Mals have a fondness for digging, which is an itch they get to scratch as search dogs. While being a bit handful due to their big energies and personalities, they can adjust well to families with active lifestyles.
Conclusion
Whether they’re family pets, therapy dogs, or border patrol companions, dogs never fail to fascinate us. All dogs are priceless, no matter what role they’re playing in our lives and societies. It’s a privilege that we’re able to benefit from their companionship and useful traits.
