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History Of War Dogs
Robinson Dog Training
History Of War Dogs
A War Dog is a dog trained for war. The history of war dogs is long and detailed, stretching from ancient times to conflicts ongoing today. Their jobs have varied over the years, from being trained to track with their acute sense of Smell , to bringing down infantry or even horses by biting into the hamstrings of their targets.
War dogs were used by the Egyptians, Greeks, Britons and the Romans. The Molossian Canis dog of Epirus was the strongest known to the Romans, and was specifically trained for battle. However, when fought against the broad-mouthed, powerful mastiff of Britannia, they were outmatched. The Romans exported many of this breed of mastiff to Rome and then disseminated them over the known world. Often war dogs would be sent into battle with large protective spiked metal collars with spikes and wearing coats of chain mail . The Romans had attack formations made entirely of dogs. Native Americans also used dogs, though not on this scale.
During the Middle Ages used giant Molosser dogs in his campaigns. Gifts of war dog breeding stock between European royalty were seen as suitable tokens for exchange throughout the Middle Ages. Other civilizations used armored dogs to defend caravans or attack enemies. The Spanish conquistadors used dogs when they invaded the land controlled by South American natives. The British used dogs when they attacked the Irish.
Later on, Frederick the Great used dogs as messengers during the Seven Years War in Russia. Napoleon would also use dogs during his campaigns. Dogs were used up until 1770 to guard naval installations in France.
War dogs were used by the Egyptians, Greeks, Britons and the Romans. The Molossian Canis dog of Epirus was the strongest known to the Romans, and was specifically trained for battle. However, when fought against the broad-mouthed, powerful mastiff of Britannia, they were outmatched. The Romans exported many of this breed of mastiff to Rome and then disseminated them over the known world. Often war dogs would be sent into battle with large protective spiked metal collars with spikes and wearing coats of chain mail . The Romans had attack formations made entirely of dogs. Native Americans also used dogs, though not on this scale.
During the Middle Ages used giant Molosser dogs in his campaigns. Gifts of war dog breeding stock between European royalty were seen as suitable tokens for exchange throughout the Middle Ages. Other civilizations used armored dogs to defend caravans or attack enemies. The Spanish conquistadors used dogs when they invaded the land controlled by South American natives. The British used dogs when they attacked the Irish.
Later on, Frederick the Great used dogs as messengers during the Seven Years War in Russia. Napoleon would also use dogs during his campaigns. Dogs were used up until 1770 to guard naval installations in France.
Detection dog
Both MWDs and their civilian counterparts provide an invaluable service in the war on drugs, sniffing out a broad range of narcotics despite efforts at concealment. Provided they have been trained to detect it, MWDs can smell small traces of nearly any illegal substance, even if it is in a sealed container. Dogs trained in drug detection are normally used at airports and other places where there is high security and a need for anti-contraband measures.
MWDs are perhaps at their most valuable when they are trained to detect explosives. Just as with narcotics, trained MWDs can detect minuscule amounts of a wide range of explosives, making them an invaluable addition both to entry points and patrolling within secure installations. These dogs are capable of achieving over a 98% success rate in bomb detection.
Both MWDs and their civilian counterparts provide an invaluable service in the war on drugs, sniffing out a broad range of narcotics despite efforts at concealment. Provided they have been trained to detect it, MWDs can smell small traces of nearly any illegal substance, even if it is in a sealed container. Dogs trained in drug detection are normally used at airports and other places where there is high security and a need for anti-contraband measures.
MWDs are perhaps at their most valuable when they are trained to detect explosives. Just as with narcotics, trained MWDs can detect minuscule amounts of a wide range of explosives, making them an invaluable addition both to entry points and patrolling within secure installations. These dogs are capable of achieving over a 98% success rate in bomb detection.
Modern usage
Contemporary war dogs are more commonly referred to as police dogs, or in the United States as a Military Working Dog (MWD), or K-9. Their roles are nearly as varied as their ancient cousins, though they are no longer used in front-line formations. Traditionally, the most common breed for these operations has been the German Shepherd; in recent years there has been a shift to smaller dogs with keener senses of smell for detection work, and more resilient breeds such as the Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd for patrolling and law enforcement. All MWDs in use today are paired with a single individual after their training. This person is called a handler. While a handler usually won't stay with one dog for the length of either's career, usually a handler will stay partnered with a dog for at least a year, and sometimes much longer.
In the 1970s the US Air Force used over 1600 dogs worldwide. Today, personnel cutbacks have reduced USAF dog teams to approximately 530, stationed throughout the world. Many dogs that operate in these roles are trained at the Lackland Air Force Base, the only facility that currently trains dogs for military use.
Change has also come in legislature for the benefit of the canines. Prior to 2000, older war dogs were required to be euthanized. Thanks to a new law, retired military dogs may now be adopted.
Contemporary war dogs are more commonly referred to as police dogs, or in the United States as a Military Working Dog (MWD), or K-9. Their roles are nearly as varied as their ancient cousins, though they are no longer used in front-line formations. Traditionally, the most common breed for these operations has been the German Shepherd; in recent years there has been a shift to smaller dogs with keener senses of smell for detection work, and more resilient breeds such as the Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd for patrolling and law enforcement. All MWDs in use today are paired with a single individual after their training. This person is called a handler. While a handler usually won't stay with one dog for the length of either's career, usually a handler will stay partnered with a dog for at least a year, and sometimes much longer.
In the 1970s the US Air Force used over 1600 dogs worldwide. Today, personnel cutbacks have reduced USAF dog teams to approximately 530, stationed throughout the world. Many dogs that operate in these roles are trained at the Lackland Air Force Base, the only facility that currently trains dogs for military use.
Change has also come in legislature for the benefit of the canines. Prior to 2000, older war dogs were required to be euthanized. Thanks to a new law, retired military dogs may now be adopted.
Combat Tracker Dogs
During Vietnam Labradors were used to track enemies and locate lost or missing troops. These dogs were often used for re-establishing contact with the Viet Cong and also to recon the area for possible Viet Cong activity. The team usually consisted of 5 cross trained soldiers and 1 K-9 in order reduce the chances of alerting the enemy to their presence. The Combat tracker teams were assigned to a larger platoon but often travel far in front to maintain noise integrity.
During Vietnam Labradors were used to track enemies and locate lost or missing troops. These dogs were often used for re-establishing contact with the Viet Cong and also to recon the area for possible Viet Cong activity. The team usually consisted of 5 cross trained soldiers and 1 K-9 in order reduce the chances of alerting the enemy to their presence. The Combat tracker teams were assigned to a larger platoon but often travel far in front to maintain noise integrity.
Law enforcement
As a partner in everyday police work, few humans can match the versatility and loyalty of a Police Dog. Police dogs can chase suspects, track them if they are hidden, and guard them when they are caught. They are trained to respond viciously if their handler is attacked, and otherwise not to react at all unless they are commanded to do so by their handler.
602-400-2799
Email: info@robinsondogtraining.com
As a partner in everyday police work, few humans can match the versatility and loyalty of a Police Dog. Police dogs can chase suspects, track them if they are hidden, and guard them when they are caught. They are trained to respond viciously if their handler is attacked, and otherwise not to react at all unless they are commanded to do so by their handler.
602-400-2799
Email: info@robinsondogtraining.com
Attack dogs
In ancient times, dogs, usually large ancient Mastiff and Rottweiler -type breeds, would be strapped with armor and spiked collars, and sent into battle to attack the enemy. This strategy was used by various civilizations, such as the Romans and the Greeks. This approach has been largely abandoned in modern day militaries due to the fact that modern weapons would allow the dogs to be destroyed almost immediately, as on Okinawa when US soldiers quickly eliminated a platoon of Japanese soldiers and their dogs.
Pulling dogs
At the beginning of the first World War, the Belgian army used cart dogs to pull their Maxim machine guns. The French had 250 dogs at the start of World War I The Dutch army copied the idea and had hundreds of dogs trained and ready by the end of World War I (the Netherlands remained neutral).
Many poor Europeans used dogs to pull small carts at that time.
In ancient times, dogs, usually large ancient Mastiff and Rottweiler -type breeds, would be strapped with armor and spiked collars, and sent into battle to attack the enemy. This strategy was used by various civilizations, such as the Romans and the Greeks. This approach has been largely abandoned in modern day militaries due to the fact that modern weapons would allow the dogs to be destroyed almost immediately, as on Okinawa when US soldiers quickly eliminated a platoon of Japanese soldiers and their dogs.
Pulling dogs
At the beginning of the first World War, the Belgian army used cart dogs to pull their Maxim machine guns. The French had 250 dogs at the start of World War I The Dutch army copied the idea and had hundreds of dogs trained and ready by the end of World War I (the Netherlands remained neutral).
Many poor Europeans used dogs to pull small carts at that time.
Anti-tank dogs
During World War II, the Soviet Union trained anti-tank dogs. These dogs were taught to seek food under tanks. They were then starved until a battle occurred, during which they would be released to seek food. The dogs wore a kind of pouched, canvas overcoat, similar to a modern doggie body warmer, in which high explosives were placed. When they ducked under a tank, the explosives were actuated by means of a Tilt Fuse on the dogs back, which when bent or broken set off explosives in the dog's overcoat, destroying the tank. These dogs were successful at disabling a reported 300 German tanks. They were dangerous enough that Panzer grenadiers were ordered to shoot all dogs on sight. However, the dogs were unable to distinguish allied from enemy tanks, and were easily scared away from battle despite their hunger. The project was eventually abandoned.
During World War II, the Soviet Union trained anti-tank dogs. These dogs were taught to seek food under tanks. They were then starved until a battle occurred, during which they would be released to seek food. The dogs wore a kind of pouched, canvas overcoat, similar to a modern doggie body warmer, in which high explosives were placed. When they ducked under a tank, the explosives were actuated by means of a Tilt Fuse on the dogs back, which when bent or broken set off explosives in the dog's overcoat, destroying the tank. These dogs were successful at disabling a reported 300 German tanks. They were dangerous enough that Panzer grenadiers were ordered to shoot all dogs on sight. However, the dogs were unable to distinguish allied from enemy tanks, and were easily scared away from battle despite their hunger. The project was eventually abandoned.
Messenger dogs
These dogs were used to carry messages in battle. They would be turned loose to move silently to a second handler. This required a dog which was very loyal to two masters, otherwise the dog would not deliver the message on time, or at all.A Russian war dog was sent to deliver a message during the battle of Stalingrad. The dog traveled for about 10 kilometers and was wounded nine times during the trip.Some messenger dogs also performed other jobs, such as pulling radio lines from one station to another, or as was common in WWII, to boost morale in the trenches.
These dogs were used to carry messages in battle. They would be turned loose to move silently to a second handler. This required a dog which was very loyal to two masters, otherwise the dog would not deliver the message on time, or at all.A Russian war dog was sent to deliver a message during the battle of Stalingrad. The dog traveled for about 10 kilometers and was wounded nine times during the trip.Some messenger dogs also performed other jobs, such as pulling radio lines from one station to another, or as was common in WWII, to boost morale in the trenches.
Dr. Putney related that while the dogs effectively found the mines, the task proved so stressful for the dogs they were only able to work between 20 and 30 minutes at a time. The mine detecting war dogs anticipated random shocks from the heretofore friendly earth, making them extremely nervous. The useful service life of the dogs was not long. Experiments with lab rats show that this trend can be very extreme, in some tests rats even huddled in the corner to the point of starvation to avoid electric shock.
Mine dogs
These dogs were used to locate mines . They did not prove to be very effective under combat conditions.
According to Lt. William Putney DVM, USMC War Dog Platoon, GUAM, WW2, mine detecting dogs were trained using bare electric wires beneath the ground surface. The wires shocked the dogs, teaching them that danger lurked under the dirt. Once the dog's focus was properly directed, dummy mines were planted and the dogs were trained to signal their presence.
These dogs were used to locate mines . They did not prove to be very effective under combat conditions.
According to Lt. William Putney DVM, USMC War Dog Platoon, GUAM, WW2, mine detecting dogs were trained using bare electric wires beneath the ground surface. The wires shocked the dogs, teaching them that danger lurked under the dirt. Once the dog's focus was properly directed, dummy mines were planted and the dogs were trained to signal their presence.
Scout dogs
These dogs were trained to silently locate booby traps and concealed enemies such as snipers. The dog's keen senses of smell and hearing would make them far more effective at detecting these dangers than humans. Scout Dogs were used in World War II, Korea, and during the Vietnam War.
These dogs were trained to silently locate booby traps and concealed enemies such as snipers. The dog's keen senses of smell and hearing would make them far more effective at detecting these dangers than humans. Scout Dogs were used in World War II, Korea, and during the Vietnam War.
The Cold War sparked a heated debate over the ethics of animal experimentation in the U.S., particularly aimed at how canines were treated in WWII. In 1966, major reforms came to this field with the adoption of the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act.
Medical researchers, and their allies in the armed forces, awarded military-style medals to animals in laboratories to emphasize the martial significance of animal experimentation. Here, Army Surgeon General Major General Norman T. Kirk, on behalf of the Friends of Medical Research, bestows medals upon research dogs Trixie and Josie "for outstanding services to humanity."
In World War Two, dogs took on a new role in medical experimentation, as the primary animals chosen for medical research. The animal experimentation in World War Two allowed doctors to test new medicine without risking human lives. These practices became more scrutinized after the war. The United States government responded by proclaiming these dogs as heroes.
In World War Two, dogs took on a new role in medical experimentation, as the primary animals chosen for medical research. The animal experimentation in World War Two allowed doctors to test new medicine without risking human lives. These practices became more scrutinized after the war. The United States government responded by proclaiming these dogs as heroes.
The buildup of American forces in Viet Nam created large dog sections at USAF Southeast Asia (SEA) bases. Four hundred and sixty seven (467) dogs were eventually assigned to Bien Hoa, Bien Thuy, Cam Ranh Bay, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Tuy Hoa, Phu Cat, Phan Rang, Tan Son Nhut, and Pleiku Air Bases. Within a year of deployment, attacks on several bases had been stopped when the enemy forces were detected by dog teams. Captured Viet Cong told of the fear and respect that they had for the dogs. The Viet Cong even placed a bounty on lives of handlers and dogs. The success of sentry dogs was determined by the lack of successful penetrations of bases in Vietnam and Thailand. It is estimated by the United States War Dogs Association that war dogs saved over 10,000 U.S. lives in Vietnam. Sentry Dogs were also used by the Army, Navy, and Marines to protect the perimeter of large bases.
Sentry dogs
Sentry dogs were used to defend camps or other priority areas at night and rarely during the day. They would bark or growl to alert civilian or military guards of a stranger's presence. During the cold war, American military used sentry dog teams outside of nuclear weapons storage areas. A test program was conducted in Vietnam to test Sentry Dogs. It was launched two days after a successful Viet Cong attack (July 1, 1965) on Da Nang Air Base. Forty dog teams were deployed to Vietnam for a four month test period. Dog teams were placed on the perimeter in front of machine gun towers/bunkers. The detection of intruders resulted in a rapid deployment of reinforcements. The test was successful. Handlers returned to the US and dogs were reassigned to new handlers. The Air Force immediately started to ship dog teams to all the bases in Viet Nam and Thailand.
Sentry dogs were used to defend camps or other priority areas at night and rarely during the day. They would bark or growl to alert civilian or military guards of a stranger's presence. During the cold war, American military used sentry dog teams outside of nuclear weapons storage areas. A test program was conducted in Vietnam to test Sentry Dogs. It was launched two days after a successful Viet Cong attack (July 1, 1965) on Da Nang Air Base. Forty dog teams were deployed to Vietnam for a four month test period. Dog teams were placed on the perimeter in front of machine gun towers/bunkers. The detection of intruders resulted in a rapid deployment of reinforcements. The test was successful. Handlers returned to the US and dogs were reassigned to new handlers. The Air Force immediately started to ship dog teams to all the bases in Viet Nam and Thailand.
Historical examples
The use of War Dogs has been common even in many early civilizations. As warfare has progressed, their purposes have changed greatly.
628 BC - The Lydians deployed a separate battalion of fighting dogs.
525 BC - Kambyses used huge fighting dogs against Egyptian spearmen and archers.
490 BC - Battle of Marathon - A brave fighting dog was immortalized in a mural.
385 BC - Siege of Mantineia - Fighting dogs cut off enemy reinforcements.
210 BC - Hammurabi equipped his warriors with huge dogs.
101 BC - Battle of Vercellae - Large Kimber dogs led by women defend their laagers .
50 - Rome conquers Britannia. Giant fighting dogs called Pugnaces Britanniae are discovered and exported for integration into the military of ancient Rome.
101 - The Romans employ one fighting dog company per legion.
1525 - Henry VIII exports 400 mastiffs to support Spain .
1580 - Elizabeth I sends 800 fighting dogs to fight in the Desmond Rebellions.
1799 - Napoleon assembles large numbers of fighting dogs in front of his reserves.
1915 - The Belgian Army use carabiniers, strong-muscled Bouvier des Flandres to haul heavy cannons to the front.
1914-1918 - Dogs are used by international forces to deliver vital messages.
1941-1945 - The Soviet Union used dogs strapped with explosives to destroy invading German tanks.
1966-1973-Over 4,000 US War Dogs served in the Vietnam War; estimated to have saved over 10,000 human lives
Dogs have been used for many different purposes. Different breeds were used for different things, but always met the demands of the handlers.
The use of War Dogs has been common even in many early civilizations. As warfare has progressed, their purposes have changed greatly.
628 BC - The Lydians deployed a separate battalion of fighting dogs.
525 BC - Kambyses used huge fighting dogs against Egyptian spearmen and archers.
490 BC - Battle of Marathon - A brave fighting dog was immortalized in a mural.
385 BC - Siege of Mantineia - Fighting dogs cut off enemy reinforcements.
210 BC - Hammurabi equipped his warriors with huge dogs.
101 BC - Battle of Vercellae - Large Kimber dogs led by women defend their laagers .
50 - Rome conquers Britannia. Giant fighting dogs called Pugnaces Britanniae are discovered and exported for integration into the military of ancient Rome.
101 - The Romans employ one fighting dog company per legion.
1525 - Henry VIII exports 400 mastiffs to support Spain .
1580 - Elizabeth I sends 800 fighting dogs to fight in the Desmond Rebellions.
1799 - Napoleon assembles large numbers of fighting dogs in front of his reserves.
1915 - The Belgian Army use carabiniers, strong-muscled Bouvier des Flandres to haul heavy cannons to the front.
1914-1918 - Dogs are used by international forces to deliver vital messages.
1941-1945 - The Soviet Union used dogs strapped with explosives to destroy invading German tanks.
1966-1973-Over 4,000 US War Dogs served in the Vietnam War; estimated to have saved over 10,000 human lives
Dogs have been used for many different purposes. Different breeds were used for different things, but always met the demands of the handlers.
The first official use of dogs for military purposes in the United States was during the Seminole Wars. Dogs were used in the American Civil War to protect, send messages, and as mascots.There are two War Dog Memorials; one at March Field Air Museum, and the other at The Infantry School, Ft. Benning.
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