16 Military Dog Breeds

German Shepherd - Originally developed by a German army officer specifically for use as a military working dog, it’s no surprise that German Shepherds remain one of the most popular military breeds. The German army began utilizing trained German Shepherds as sentries, messengers, and ammo carriers in World War I.

Belgian Malinois - This high-intensity breed first answered the call to duty in World War I, where they served as messengers and helped find wounded soldiers left on the battlefield. Today, Belgian Malinois are widely utilized by the military as all-around working dogs

Dutch Shepherd - Much like their German and Belgian counterparts, Dutch Shepherds are popular military working dogs. Originally bred as sheepherders in the Netherlands, Dutch Shepherds were drafted into the German army during World War II because of their strong working qualities.

Labrador Retriever - Bred to use their noses as hunters, Labrador Retrievers also utilize their peerless sense of smell as military working dogs. Labradors are heavily relied on by the modern military as specialized search dogs, sniffing out explosives alongside their human handlers.

Airedale Terrier - The “king of terriers”, Airedale Terriers were one of the first breeds who served bravely in the British Army during World War I. Smart and determined, Airedales stood guard as sentry dogs and were trained to carry messages across the battlefield.

Siberian Husky - Siberian Huskies were bred to pull sleds and that’s exactly how they were utilized by the U.S. military during World War II. When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941, Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes were the only two breeds active in the military dog program.

Alaskan Malamute - Like the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamutes were used as sled dogs by the U.S. military during World War II. Alaskan Malamutes were also among the first military dogs trained to parachute

Giant Schnauzer - Originally bred as cattle driving dogs, Giant Schnauzers were used as sentry and tracking dogs by the German army in both World Wars. In America, Giant Schnauzers were used by the Air Force during World War II and again in the 1980s but were found to be not as temperamentally suited to military work as other breeds

Boxer - The German military used Boxers extensively during both World Wars. Sturdy Boxers served their home country loyally as pack and messenger dogs. While some Boxers are still utilized as army working dogs, they are much more popular as companion dogs worldwide.

Doberman Pinscher - Protective and intelligent, Doberman Pinschers were widely utilized military working dogs during both World Wars. They served as sentries, messengers, and detection dogs. Dobermans also helped find and rescue wounded soldiers.

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