Have you ever met a German Shepherd lover who wasn’t also in awe of how capable these dogs are as police dogs? No, me neither. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that every German Shepherd lovers are in awe of the breed’s ability to serve and protect.
And why wouldn’t they be? German Shepherds are, after all, incredibly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and endlessly trainable. Not to mention that they’re absolutely fearless when it comes to facing danger.
So it’s really no wonder that so many German Shepherd lovers are also awestruck by how these dogs perform as police dogs. After all, they really are the ideal canine partners for law enforcement officers.
But despite all of their many admirable qualities, there is one question that German Shepherd lovers often find themselves wondering about these dogs and their role in law enforcement: do police use male or female German Shepherds?
It’s a valid question, to be sure. After all, each gender of the dog brings its own unique set of qualities to the table. So which one is better suited for police work?
Let’s take a closer look at both male and female German Shepherds to see if we can find an answer to this question.
Do Police Use Male or Female German Shepherds?
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably wondered at some point whether police officers use male or female German Shepherds. The answer, it turns out, is a little bit of both.
Male German Shepherds tend to be larger and stronger than their female counterparts, making them better suited for tasks such as apprehending suspects and searching buildings.
Female German Shepherds, on the other hand, are often more agile and trainable, making them ideal for roles such as detection and search and rescue.
However, in general, male German shepherds are more likely to be used as police dogs than females. This doesn’t mean that female shepherds are less capable. Both genders are equally capable of performing the tasks required of them.
Do You Neuter and/or Spay Police Dogs?
There is some debate over whether or not police dogs should be neutered or spayed, but the general consensus is that it is best to do so.
For female dogs, this is usually done to prevent heat cycles and for medical benefits. For males, neutering may be done for medical or behavioral reasons.
Neutering can help to reduce aggression and roaming behaviors, making male dogs easier to handle and train.
In addition, it can help to improve the health of both male and female dogs by reducing their risk of certain cancers and other diseases.
At What Age Do German Shepherds Begin Working As Police Dogs, and at What Age Do They Retire?
While German Shepherds can begin working as police dogs as early as 12 months old, most will not be fully mature until they are 15 months old.
During this time, German Shepherds undergo intensive training to learn how to perform various tasks, including tracking and apprehending suspects.
They also learn how to work alongside their human partners, forming a close bond that is essential for effective police work.
However, like all dogs, German Shepherds eventually reach the end of their working life, and most will retire from police work by the time they are 10 years of age.
While some German Shepherds may be able to continue working for a few more years, most will have slowed down enough by this point that they are no longer as effective at performing their duties.
Why Are German Shepherds So Good As Police Dogs?
There are many reasons why German Shepherds make such good police dogs. They are intelligent, strong, loyal, and quick. But one of the most important reasons is that they have a natural instinct to protect.
As herding dogs, German Shepherds are bred to protect their flock. This instinct carries over into their police work, where they are tasked with protecting the community. German Shepherds will go above and beyond to keep the peace and apprehend criminals.
German Shepherds also have an exceptional sense of smell. This allows them to be trained to sniff out drugs, explosives, and other contraband. They are often used in airport security to prevent dangerous items from being brought onto airplanes.
All in all, the Alsatian dogs are one of the most popular breeds of police dogs because they are so versatile. They can be trained to do a variety of tasks, and they excel at all of them.
What Other Breeds Are Used As Police Dogs?
German Shepherds are the most popular breed of police dogs, but they are not the only ones. Other popular breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Dutch Shepherds.
Labrador Retrievers are often used as detection dogs because of their keen sense of smell. They are also loyal and obedient, making them easy to train.
Golden Retrievers are another popular choice for detection dogs. They are also known for being gentle and good with children, which makes them ideal for community policing roles.
Dutch Shepherds are sometimes used as police dogs because of their intelligence and trainability. They are also known for being loyal and protective, making them good candidates for roles such as search and rescue.
Here’re some of the most popular breeds of dogs used by the police:
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Dutch Shepherd
- Belgian Malinois
- Boxer
- Doberman Pinscher
- Cane Corso
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
What Are Some of the Most Common Tasks That Police Departments Use for German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are often used for a variety of tasks by police departments. These tasks can include:
Tracking and apprehending suspects
German Shepherds will often work alongside their human partners to track down suspects. Once they have located the suspect, they will apprehend them and hold them.
Searching for illegal drugs and contraband
German Shepherds have an exceptional sense of smell, which makes them ideal for searching for illegal drugs and other contraband. They are often used in airport security or at border crossings to prevent dangerous items from being brought into the country.
Search and Rescue
German Shepherds are often used in search and rescue operations. Their keen sense of smell allows them to locate people who are lost or trapped. They are also strong and agile, which makes them good at climbing and jumping.
Detecting explosives
German Shepherds can be trained to detect explosives. This makes them essential for security operations at airports and other public places.
Patrolling high-crime areas
German Shepherds are often used to patrol high-crime areas. Their presence deters crime and makes the community feel safer.
Protecting officers and civilians
German Shepherds are natural protectors, which makes them ideal for protecting officers and civilians. They will often work alongside their human partners to provide security at public events or in high-risk situations.
Conclusion
Both male and female German Shepherds are good candidates for police work. However, males are often picked more often than females.
This has nothing to do with the capabilities of each gender but is simply due to the fact that popular opinion favors males for this type of job.
FAQ
1. What do police dogs eat?
Unlike the average house pet, police dogs have a very specific diet. This diet is designed to give them the energy and nutrients they need to perform their duties.
2. How much do police dogs cost?
The cost of a police dog depends on a number of factors, including breed, training, and age. However, they can typically cost anywhere from $8,000 upwards.
3. Where do police dogs live after retirement?
Many police dogs retire to live with their handlers. However, there are also several shelters and organizations that take in retired police dogs.
