Some heroes come on four legs, wagging tails, and their noses never rest. These search and rescue dogs assist in locating the lost and saving the lives of trapped and injured people. These super dogs interact with the law enforcement forces, firefighters, and rescue teams; they are also very helpful in the event of a disaster such as an earthquake, flood, or avalanche.
These dog breeds are bold, brave, and courageous. They are packed with intelligence and are not simply obedient; they have the power to track the smells that are long gone, to track the missing people, and are even helpful in finding the escaped prisoner.
In this article, we will explore the top seven dog breeds that are most suitable for search and rescue missions. Some of them are incredible nose workers, and the others are known for their swift and high-impulse movements.
So why are these amazing breeds so good at their work ethic? Let us find out.
Dog Breeds Trained for Search and Rescue
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds might appear to be a short and tired dog breed that might spend their time resting. But do not get fooled by their looks; these dogs possess one of the best noses in the dog world. Their saggy faces and long ears help them capture the scent so that they can chase it for miles.
The Basset Hounds are actually descended from the hunters of small animals such as rabbits. Though they possess a strong sense of smell that is a lot more useful in tracking individuals who are lost or escaped.
They have a low walking or running speed as compared to the other dog breeds in the list, but this may be helpful in tracking or rescue operations that require a slow and diligent search. Basset Hounds are social and enjoy sniffing everything.
2. Beagle
Beagles are small dogs with large noses. They have deep, dark eyes and droopy ears that help them with search and rescue work. As the long ears help to track the smell over long distances
PetMD states that Beagles are loving companions that have floppy ears and an adorable appearance. They are famous for sniffing; that is why Beagles are more often seen in airports and customs, yet they can be trained for search and rescue operations.
Their small sizes help them to penetrate tight holes or areas that are tough for the larger dogs, as they can never reach places such as under the rubble or a narrow trail.
3. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are protective dogs that are alert and energetic. They are friendly dogs, and they actually enjoy being productive. They are the best dogs that are employed by the military and law enforcement forces all over the world.
These dogs are energetic, fast to reach the target, and intelligent enough to act quickly. They are workaholics and will go the extra mile even through difficult scenarios.
Belgian Malinois are known for their prime focus, which distinguishes them from other dogs. They can cover huge grounds in short intervals, which is significant in the missions that require less time.
Belgian Malinois happen to be very adherent and attached to their handlers. These dogs are fearless and the best at life-saving.
4. Bloodhound
Bloodhound is beyond compare when it comes to following scents. They are the dogs with the most powerful noses in the world. They are also able to trace a scent trail over a distance of more than 100 miles and up to several days.
They have long ears that are below the chin, and the folds of the skin also aid in sweeping the scents towards the nose, and they are even more effective at their work.
Bloodhounds have a decent look; they appear to be the wisest dogs that are also easygoing. Sometimes they are persistent and stubborn, but when they are modified by training.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) states that Bloodhounds are renowned for their wrinkles and long stature that stands up to 27 inches tall.
5. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds, and not without reason. They are intelligent, sociable, and always ready to learn. All of these are perfect qualities that make them excellent at a lot of jobs, including search and rescue.
The labs commonly get trained to operate in a disaster zone, avalanches, and wilderness hunts. They are also effective swimmers, as they are the water dogs and used to retrieve the hunt.
Labrador Retrievers are also used to rescue people in water, which makes them distinct among other dog breeds. Labrador Retrievers have webbed feet that are very helpful in swimming.
Labs are good at identifying the smell but not as good as the bloodhound, although they can compensate for it with their obedience and the ability to learn fast.
6. Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards are versatile dogs that belong to the working class. They are bred as protectors, and their giant sizes aid them in performing their jobs. They have a thick coat that makes them ideal for guarding in the snowy mountain areas, which is a relatively tough job for the other dogs on the list.
Saint Bernards have worked in snowy regions such as the Alps, which is a legendary achievement for them.
They are large and muscular dogs that are used by the monks to locate and rescue the travelers who are trapped under the snow or forget their way to come back. These dogs are the loyal companions that stay calm in the snowstorm.
7. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers not only have a striking golden coat, but they are also gentle dogs with hearts of gold. They are happy dogs that have friendly faces and an affectionate nature. Golden Retrievers are also very bold and intelligent; that is why they are selected for the search and rescue purpose.
They are the energetic dog breeds that are also great family pets; they have a calm nature that makes them ideal pets, states PDSA. They are smart and trainable, and very easy for the dog handlers to train.
They have a dense coat that works under most weather conditions, and their robust bodies enable them to work long distances without getting tired easily.
Conclusion
Whether it is an urban search and rescue, a disaster area, or wilderness tracking, all of these seven dogs have the exceptional qualities that make them the superheroes who risk their own lives to save the existence of the person. These dogs are not only loyal; they are also very responsible in performing their tasks accordingly.
All of these dogs are not only trained pets; they also have hearts that are bigger than their instincts to feel the emotions and distress of the people. They are all different types and courageous, and faithful to offer something special for the mission.
