Dogs are a great asset to the police department. They help accomplish tasks that are impossible for humans. From detecting narcotics to tracking missing people and tracing suspects, a police dog can perform various tasks.
Police and law enforcement departments prefer some dog breeds due to their physical attributes and ability to learn new skills efficiently. For instance, they are highly trainable, intelligent, and have a keen sense of smell.
Additionally, most police dogs are capable of working in extremely cold temperatures. The dense coat of these K9 officers provides enough insulation against harsh weather conditions. Some dogs may also require a cozy sweater underneath their bullet-resistant vests to stay warm.
Here are the top police dog breeds that can work in cold weather.
Cold Climate Police Dog Breeds
1. German Shepherd
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 50 to 90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
The gold standard German Shepherd tops our list of cold-weather police dog breeds. It is one of the smartest dog breeds, known for high trainability and eagerness to learn. A properly trained German Shepherd gives its best at police work, search and rescue operations, and drug detection.
Most of us recognize them as police dogs because of many TV shows that popularized this breed. According to PetMD, GSDs are agile, loyal, and muscular dogs. Their thick coat makes them well-suited for performing complex tasks in harsh winter weather.
German Shepherds can tolerate extremely cold weather, especially if grown in a colder region. These strong, fast, and versatile dogs require regular exercise regardless of weather conditions.
They also need more calories to maintain energy levels and body heat. Providing a high-quality, protein-rich diet can help your dog cope with the cold weather.
2. Belgian Malinois
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 40 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Closely related to German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois have been extensively used for police work. They are also confused with GSDs quite often. Police forces opt for Belgian Malinois due to their fast reaction time and keen noses.
Belgian Malinois help at the airports in detecting narcotics and other illegal substances. Their strong protective instincts and loyal personalities make them excellent K9 officers. At the same time, Mals have a very thick coat, which makes them cold-weather tolerant.
It allows them to conduct search and rescue operations in extreme temperatures. However, according to Britannica, their coat may overheat in summer. Their territorial nature, high intelligence, and strong prey drive also make them excellent guard dogs.
3. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly and sociable personalities. It is a popular police dog breed in the U.S., having keen intelligence and eagerness to please. Being one of the easiest breeds to train, Labs make excellent police and military dogs.
This playful and obedient dog helps police in drug detection, bomb sniffing, and picking up sensory messages that humans are unable to detect using their senses. Their thick water-resistant double coat and love for water make them well-suited for search operations in water as well.
Labradors are great companions for hunting, hiking, and camping trips. Labradors are sensitive to human emotions, which makes them service dogs that excel at therapy work. Labs like jumping and playing in the snow for a short time. However, do not leave your dog out for too long in colder temperatures.
4. Airedale Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 23 inches
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 14 years
Airedale Terriers are ferocious dogs that make exceptional K9 officers and excellent guard dogs due to their acute senses. The alert and robust nature of these muscular dogs allows them to excel at police work. These versatile dogs serve as hunters, athletes, and companions.
They can tolerate cold and wet climates without catching colds. So they can live in the yard if they have an equipped enclosure and a warm booth. Airedale Terriers also do well on a sunny day and are happy to spend time outdoors.
Airedale Terriers are active and mobile dogs well suited for active pet parents who can take out enough time for long walks. A well-exercised Airedale Terrier does not exhibit destructive behaviors and is happier at home.
5. Bouvier des Flandres
Breed Profile
Height: 23.5 to 27.5 inches
Weight: 70 to 110 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Bouvier des Flandres are the big, fluffy dogs with a shaggy coat. These dogs are recognized by shaggy eyebrows, a mustache, and a characteristic bear. Their protective instincts and guttural howl make them well-suited for police work.
They assist police and law enforcement departments in riot control and competing against formidable opponents. The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes them as strong-willed, courageous, and strong fellows. They are fairly comfortable working outdoors in cold climates but get uncomfortable in hot and humid weather.
Despite their huge size, Bouvier des Flandres are calm and docile dogs having a pleasant nature. They are very easy to train and require several hours of activity every day for adequate physical and mental stimulation. Exercise can include long walks and boisterous play sessions.
6. Giant Schnauzer
Breed Profile
Height: 23.5 to 28.5 inches
Weight: Around 84 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Giant Schnauzer is a large dog breed with an equally large personality. They are suspicious of strangers and have been serving the police department as K9 officers for many years. However, they are not frequently seen as police dogs because they entered the profession much later than other dogs.
These are quiet dogs, but they are the most alert when it comes to stressful situations. Schnauzer handlers need to channel their aggression into something productive. Another bearded dog breed, the Giant Schnauzers, have a double coat that comprises a soft undercoat and a wiry outer coat.
The coat provides excellent insulation against cold weather, allowing them to perform tasks like search and rescue, drug detection, and protection work. Still, they are vulnerable to hypothermia and frostbite if they stay out in the cold for prolonged periods.
7. Belgian Tervuren
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 45 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Although not as common as other breeds, Belgian Tervuren also make excellent police dogs. Originally bred to protect livestock, they are known for their intelligence, versatility, and loyalty. They are suitable for working as messengers and in search and rescue operations.
Belgian Tervuren does fairly well in colder temperatures due to their very thick double coats. The coat acts as an insulator against chilly weather. You just need to protect their paws. However, Tervs are susceptible to overheating in summer.
Belgian Tervurens are high-energy dogs who need minimum one hour of exercise every day. Exercise includes daily walks, vigorous running, and play sessions. In the absence of adequate physical and mental stimulation, they might become destructive.
Conclusion
Police dogs are known for their obedience, agility, intelligence, and high trainability. Most of them are well-suited for working in cold and harsh climate conditions.
If you are planning to adopt a protective dog breed that thrives in cold weather, one of the breeds mentioned in this article might be the right choice for you. But remember: never leave your dog outside at night or for prolonged periods in chilly weather!
