War Dogs Save the Lives of Soldiers

It is well known that dog is man's best friend but how deep can that connection go and to what purpose? Besides loyalty, dogs are also known for their sense of smell. Once loyalty and sense of smell are combined, a dog is ready to be a dog of war. During war times, soldiers use dogs to detect bombs and other explosive devices. They are used for detecting arsenal and for aiding the soldiers in war.

Dogs have been used for this purpose since ancient times. They were used in World War 1, World War 2, the Vietnam War, and even in war times today. The job of a dog in war varies. Some dogs are trained for their sense of smell, whereas others are able to bring down infantry and horses by biting into the hamstrings of their intended victim. War dogs go as far back as during the times of the Babylonian empire when King Hammurabi would never allow his troops to fight without being equipped with a huge canine.

Different breeds are more adapt at a specific task. The tasks are broken down into broad groups which consist of sentry dogs, scout dogs, mine dogs, messenger dogs, anti-tank dogs, attack dogs, and pulling dogs.


Contrary to common belief, large dogs such as German Shepherds are not the only breed used in combat. Small breeds are also used. In the last couple of years there has actually been a shift from large breeds to small breeds because research is finding that smaller dogs have a keener sense more appropriate for detection work.

The dogs used in war must be trained rigorously. The dogs are trained to tolerate the crack of gunfire and sputter of helicopters. At this training camp, the dogs are also trained to sniff for explosives on command. If detected, they will freeze and stare at a suspicious object.

Soldiers become very attached to their dog of war, and it is sometimes difficult for these men and women to look at the dog as military equipment. Dogs do get hurt in the line of battle. Their paws are often scrapped and battered from the ground which they stand on. They are bitten by bugs and spiders. Their eyes get irritated from the blowing sand. Other times, they are shot and seriously wounded. A law has recently passed that allows families to adopt the wounded dogs of war.

Dogs will always be man’s best friend. They have aided us in times of need. They will continue to aid us during the war times. Their loyalty never wavers and they truly help during the War.

Posted by: Scotty Fay (6)