Dogs have long taken a unique place in our hearts as k9 partners and confidantes, but some fail to recognize that these well-loved pets have performed a significant part in battles worldwide. From a pet that walks with soldiers into battle to an important participant that not only protects soldiers from harm but also attacks an enemy force, dogs have been present over the battle field in some capacity for hundreds of years. Certainly their use suggests that in lots of ways dogs are a beneficial asset to soldiers in both a professional and personal sense. Let's take a quick look at the history of war dogs plus some of the accounts that suggest why they may be so valuable to the militaries in which they serve.
Ancient Story of Dogs at War
Dogs have kept an important role in the armies of the world for centuries. As early as 2100 BC, dogs have accompanied men into battle, and many well-respected leaders have put their confidence in these dedicated animals to help their troops. Attila the Hun, Queen Elizabeth I, Frederick the Great and Napoleon all set up their armies with war dogs that helped in a variety of ways. Perhaps the most valuable application of dogs is as lookouts, where they are conditioned to warn a handler to oncoming strangers. Scout dogs are an extension of sentries, given that they use a comparable skill set to search out enemy soldiers. War dogs were also incredibly useful as messengers, where they're able to travel between two handlers quietly. Finally, dogs are incredibly helpful in uncovering mines and booby traps that humans just can't detect. War dogs have an excellent set of skills that adds to those of their handlers as well, so it's no surprise that they have an ancient history around the battlefield.
Vietnam: K9 Sapper
Vietnam was a clash that saw the application of dogs in modern combat increase significantly. One narrative was that of Buck, a German Shepherd mixed- breed trained by the Army. Buck was well matched to the type of situations that frequently occurred throughout the Vietnam war and produced a feeling of home for soldiers a long way away from home. Skilled at sensing adversaries from as much as 350 yards away, Buck could also locate explosives and booby traps that were easily overlooked by soldiers during the heat of battle. A cherished friend to all of the troops in his platoon, Buck never lost a man to an ambush, trip wire or pungy pit. Although this heroic dog passed away during the conflict, his memory stays with every soldier that he protected.
World War II: Prisoner of War
Although there were many amazing tales from the battlefields of World War II, few were as impressive as that of the US Marine Corps mascot Sgt. Soochow. Soochow began as the mascot of a company posted in Shanghai, China, in 1937. As conflict grew, the unit eventually shipped out to the Philippines in 1941 and saw intense combat throughout the siege of Corregidor. Through it all, the sad-eyed mutt kept his comrades' mood up even as the island fell to the Japanese and all surviving troops were locked up for over two and a half years. After being liberated in 1945, Soochow was transferred to San Diego, California, where he received a parade in his honor and lived out the rest of his days in luxury.
Tracking Dog Saves Soldiers in Iraq
These days the contemporary canine soldier is forced to adapt to many different situations, like that of Toby, a Belgian Malawa that has functioned in numerous theaters of operation in both a security and tracking position. As a US Marine War Dog, Toby was trained with the knowledge that needs on the battlefield may change rapidly, demanding this attentive and caring animal to continuously be on the lookout. In one instance, Toby's vigilance saved the lives of a group of Marines. Taking a much-needed rest break near the central Iraqi city of Fallujah, the platoon was approached by man who was swiftly arrested when Toby detected explosives. After a thorough search of the man, it was found that he was carrying explosive devices that could have killed the entire group. There exists no doubt that without Toby there would have been lots of men killed or injured.
Dogs are smart, intelligent and loyal animals, which not only puts them among our most popular domestic pets, but also as important soldiers. Whether it's saving lives, lifting spirits or any other number of missions, it should be no surprise why these canine partners are considered so valuable.
Ancient Story of Dogs at War
Dogs have kept an important role in the armies of the world for centuries. As early as 2100 BC, dogs have accompanied men into battle, and many well-respected leaders have put their confidence in these dedicated animals to help their troops. Attila the Hun, Queen Elizabeth I, Frederick the Great and Napoleon all set up their armies with war dogs that helped in a variety of ways. Perhaps the most valuable application of dogs is as lookouts, where they are conditioned to warn a handler to oncoming strangers. Scout dogs are an extension of sentries, given that they use a comparable skill set to search out enemy soldiers. War dogs were also incredibly useful as messengers, where they're able to travel between two handlers quietly. Finally, dogs are incredibly helpful in uncovering mines and booby traps that humans just can't detect. War dogs have an excellent set of skills that adds to those of their handlers as well, so it's no surprise that they have an ancient history around the battlefield.
Vietnam: K9 Sapper
Vietnam was a clash that saw the application of dogs in modern combat increase significantly. One narrative was that of Buck, a German Shepherd mixed- breed trained by the Army. Buck was well matched to the type of situations that frequently occurred throughout the Vietnam war and produced a feeling of home for soldiers a long way away from home. Skilled at sensing adversaries from as much as 350 yards away, Buck could also locate explosives and booby traps that were easily overlooked by soldiers during the heat of battle. A cherished friend to all of the troops in his platoon, Buck never lost a man to an ambush, trip wire or pungy pit. Although this heroic dog passed away during the conflict, his memory stays with every soldier that he protected.
World War II: Prisoner of War
Although there were many amazing tales from the battlefields of World War II, few were as impressive as that of the US Marine Corps mascot Sgt. Soochow. Soochow began as the mascot of a company posted in Shanghai, China, in 1937. As conflict grew, the unit eventually shipped out to the Philippines in 1941 and saw intense combat throughout the siege of Corregidor. Through it all, the sad-eyed mutt kept his comrades' mood up even as the island fell to the Japanese and all surviving troops were locked up for over two and a half years. After being liberated in 1945, Soochow was transferred to San Diego, California, where he received a parade in his honor and lived out the rest of his days in luxury.
Tracking Dog Saves Soldiers in Iraq
These days the contemporary canine soldier is forced to adapt to many different situations, like that of Toby, a Belgian Malawa that has functioned in numerous theaters of operation in both a security and tracking position. As a US Marine War Dog, Toby was trained with the knowledge that needs on the battlefield may change rapidly, demanding this attentive and caring animal to continuously be on the lookout. In one instance, Toby's vigilance saved the lives of a group of Marines. Taking a much-needed rest break near the central Iraqi city of Fallujah, the platoon was approached by man who was swiftly arrested when Toby detected explosives. After a thorough search of the man, it was found that he was carrying explosive devices that could have killed the entire group. There exists no doubt that without Toby there would have been lots of men killed or injured.
Dogs are smart, intelligent and loyal animals, which not only puts them among our most popular domestic pets, but also as important soldiers. Whether it's saving lives, lifting spirits or any other number of missions, it should be no surprise why these canine partners are considered so valuable.
About the Author:
Theresa Baum is a devoted dog owner and is a fan of dog insurance. After a terrible accident, the pet insurance she had saved her pet and her family's finances.
