K-9 Veterans Day: Canines in Military History

K-9 Veterans Day: Canines in Military History

On March 13th the veteran canines are unofficially celebrated for their service. We celebrate all animals tall, small, mongrel or otherwise and believe that these pooches, like everyone else on this day, need an extra special shout out.

Dog’s have been a crucial part of the military teams since they existed. They have their own ceremonies, awards, medals and retirement services because of how valuable they are to their teams. But where did it all begin?

America

On March 13th 1942, dogs were officially recognised in the US military. Although they had been used throughout World War One, it wasn’t until then that they established Dogs for Defense and received the recognition of their work.  Dogs for Defense was a private organisation searching the public’s pet dogs to recruit for the military’s War Dog Program - also known as K-9 Corps.

Breeders and trainers were appealed to for help in finding the perfect dogs for service. Their criteria included specific breeds, aged 1 -5 years old, physically fit, either male or female with ‘watchdog traits’. Donating your dog was regarded as helping the war effort and many people who gave up their pets for this cause were commemorated with a certificate from the government as thanks for their ‘patriotic duty’. After gaining 18,000 dogs from the public, Dogs for Defense eventually trained its own dogs for military purposes.

Britain

During World War One, Britain recorded 20,000 dogs that were trained for military service. This included everything from carrying messages, laying telegraph wires to hauling machine guns. In May of 1941, Britain advertised the need for dogs to help servicemen and 7,000 pets were recruited. Although 1942 saw strong advice to soldiers not to become attached or even pet the dogs they work with, it didn’t work. The men felt that having the dogs around was a morale boost and helped them through the psychological pain of war by reminding them of home.

Kuno

One of the most recent news reports on dogs in the military introduced us to Kuno, a Belgian Malinois. Trained to detect explosives and incapacitate enemies, Kuno served twice in Afghanistan. When the team were held down by gunfire Kuno was sent to break the deadlock. With a pair of night-vision goggles, he changed the course for all the men by stopping the gunman’s attack. He was the first dog to receive a custom prosthetic limb, after losing a paw to gunfire during the raid. Kuno received the Dickin medal for his service, the doggy equivalent to the Victoria Cross, and is now happily rehomed and retired.

"Kuno's story reminds us not only of the dedicated service of our soldiers and military dogs, but also the great care that the UK Armed Forces provide to the animals that serve alongside them."

When we think about how Kuno saved the lives of his team being hailed by enemy gunfire, it truly shows the potential animals have in aiding us. Military animals will always be an important commodity and deserve great recognition.