National Dog Day: Military Working Dogs

With National Dog Day taking place on 26 August, check out our Q&A on Military Working Dogs and how the work of these remarkable animals, and their handlers, is so vital to keeping us safe.

When was Military Working Dogs established in the RAF?
The RAF Military Working Dog units were initially formed in 1942 and now have about 180 dogs and 135 handlers. The RAF’s dog teams have evolved over time to protect high-value military locations, assets, and personnel.

What types of Military Working Dogs are there?
Military Working Dogs can be categorised into two types – detection and protection. Not only are military dogs trained in detecting explosives, arms, vehicles and drugs, but also for providing protection and assistance to their handlers. In addition, dogs are also trained to locate missing people, and alert and deter any intruders.

Sniffer dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to around six million in humans, so they excel at sniffing out explosive devices, weapons and drugs.

What are the most common Military Working Dog breeds?
For detection purposes, gundogs like Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Labradors and German Short-Haired Pointers are typically employed. The RAF acquires dogs from across the country, as well as from the Netherlands, primarily utilising shepherd breeds such as German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Belgian Shepherds and Malinois for tracking, pursuing, and protecting.

How long does the career of a Military Working Dog last?
According to the Police and Security Flight team from RAF Coningsby, the career of a Military Working Dog varies between 6-8 years depending on health and performance ability. Once they retire, they are adopted by a handler or other RAF personnel. There is a strong bond between the handler and dog which is strengthened over years of training and care. The dogs are not only a form of protection for the handlers, but also a companion.

What is the training process for an RAF Dog Handler?
Personnel must apply for a role in the RAF Police in the first instance and, once training is complete, they can be streamed into different areas such as Military Working Dogs.

The Ministry of Defence conducts phase one training at the Defence Animal Training Centre, which delivers animal handling training for more than 400 personnel and role-specific training for hundreds of Military Working Animals per year, including dogs and horses. This is followed by specialised training lasting between 12 weeks to six months. The handlers also undergo intensive training to ensure they work effectively with the dogs. Regular testing and participation in regular Military Working Dog trials maintain the teams’ high standards.

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides regular sponsorship to RAF Police and Military Working Dogs, enabling them to continue their essential work.