10 Smartest Police Dog Breeds

Who doesn’t like an angry young dog who is all in to save you from any threats?

These fearless babies are not only protecting their owners but are out there to sniff and find criminals. With their exceptional sniffing skills, they are often used for locating explosives. 

These four-legged officers come from different breeds with different characteristics. Some are built for speed, others are popular for their strength, while some are using their strong noses to find a stash of illegal stuff.

Here is our list of the 10 smartest police dog breeds; we hope you have the red carpet rolled!

1. German Shepherd

German Shepherd
Credit: ava.adventure.gsd

This is the most popular dog to be employed by police agencies. They are the perfect police helpers if you think of it; from sniffing out drugs and hidden objects to giving suspects a good chase, German Shepherds are very proficient at law enforcement duties. Easily a very smart police dog breed. 

2. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
Credit: ehoward77

This is the next most popular entry on the list. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, so it is no surprise that they help the police sniff out the most well-hidden of all suspicious objects.

They are very intelligent and great at digging and swimming. One of the best police dog breeds. Also, one of the most intelligent police dog breeds.

3. Boxer

Credit: iamgilda.boxer

These dogs have a long history of having served alongside U.S. troops in the First and Second World Wars. 

They are very intelligent, intuitive, and friendly dogs that respond very well to training. In many European countries, this breed is exclusively used for assisting in police work. 

4. Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois
Credit: parudees_a

This is a type of Belgian Shepherd that looks very similar to the German Shepherd, although slightly smaller in size. 

They are known for their incredible reaction time, loyalty, strong protective instincts, and intelligence. Another very smart police dog breed. 

5. Bloodhound

Bloodhound
Credit: djayboogie

They were one of the first breeds to be trained specifically for police work. They are big and powerful dogs with excellent tracking abilities. 

True to its name, it can pick up the faintest of scents, even days after the object was taken from an area. They are easily one of the most popular and commonly employed police dogs. 

6. Beagle

Credit: danny_the_beagle

The beagle has no match when it comes to sniffing out the tiniest traces of explosives, narcotics, or other contraband. They are always sniffing, and their small size helps to fit them in narrow areas, that may be used for hiding stuff. A top police dog breed, indeed. 

7. American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier
Credit: sevenwaykennels

Over the past few years, many in the police department have been using this breed as detector dogs. This is because pit bull terriers are very efficient and also much cheaper than German Shepherds. 

8. Dutch Shepherd

Dutch Shepherd
Credit: _mountainmutts_

This breed is found more in Europe than in the United States. Known for its protective yet non-aggressive nature, the Dutch Shepherd is an excellent companion when it comes to detecting and patrolling.

They are fast learners, very intelligent, and much easier to handle than the Belgian Malinois or the German Shepherd.

9. German Short-Haired Pointer

German Short-Haired Pointer
Credit: loki_doberman_charlie_gsp

Just like the Bloodhound, the Thai breed is used by police agencies as a cadaver dog or to sniff out missing persons. Like the beagle, they have a great sense of smell, which makes them very useful to the police force. 

10. Rottweiler

Rottweiler
Credit: nelson_and_hazel

The Rottweilers are known for their strong build and confident personality. They are one of those breeds who are famous for their intelligence, loyalty, and ability to adapt to any situation. Owing to their size, they are very strong. 

They are well-suited for work that is physically demanding. 

Rottweilers are also highly trainable dogs since they are very obedient and disciplined. 

They have been helping the police force tackle criminals for decades, making them highly rated police dogs. Indeed, a natural guard dog.

Brittany Marie

Brittany has a deep love for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Over the years, she’s learned everything there is to know about different breeds, their personalities, care needs, and quirks. At PawsMint, she shares that knowledge to help pet parents find the right breed and understand what makes each one special.

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