Dogs are great companions and hard workers, and they’ve long been thought of as man’s best friend.

Australian Shepherds, detecting explosives, tracking fleeing criminals, and locating those trapped in snow or debris are all tasks that may be taught to these animals. Because of inherent differences in temperament and physical ability, certain dog breeds are better suited to specific tasks than others. One problem, however, affects all of them.

Dog enthusiast, K9 specialist, and Director Fast K9 Security Jami said, “Dogs have just one huge mistake: they die too young.” Jami also offered his thoughts on the qualities that constitute a good working dog.

While smaller than other shepherd breeds, Australian shepherds make up for it in intelligence, trainability, and the requirement for physical activity to keep them active and mentally engaged. Thanks to their small stature and excellent sense of smell, these dogs are perfect for herding and avalanche rescue missions.

Belgian Malinois may be easily identified from German shepherds when seen from the side, thanks to their square bodies and triangular ears. Because of their strong hunting drives and great intelligence, these dogs need early socialization, obedience training, constant companionship, and plenty of exercise. The Belgian Malinois is a common canine in law enforcement, the military, and the security industry.

The use of K-9 units may be warranted when a wanted individual is evading capture. A bloodhound is often the best choice for investigating teams. Dogs with this extraordinary scent-following abilities have been selectively developed for centuries to help locate the missing, the dead, or those trying to evade capture. Why do they take offense at it? Tracking evidence derived from bloodhounds is often admitted in court since this breed has more smell receptors than any other (300 million).

The Dutch shepherd, whose look is reminiscent of a wolf, was bred to protect sheep herds. The speed, obedience, and tracking abilities of these dogs are highly sought after, and they are particularly useful for herding and guarding sheep in expansive fields. Their popularity as working canines for police divisions and protection duties is a direct result of these characteristics.

The German shorthaired pointer (GSP) is an excellent choice for security tasks because of its high level of activity and the close relationships it forms with its colleagues. German Shorthairs (GSPs) were initially developed for their hunting abilities and their friendly personalities. Not only are they very agile, but they also have a strong need to hunt. As one of the TSA’s favored breeds, GSPs are now common sights at airports across the United States, where they assist with detecting duties.

Labrador retrievers, the popular black, brown, and yellow Labs, are just as versatile as golden retrievers when it comes to working with people and tasks. This is because they are very energetic, friendly, intelligent, and easy to teach. Drug and explosives detection, accelerant detection, service and support, and other security-related tasks are common uses for Labradors.