War Dogs: The History of Dogs in Hostile Territory

In this podcast episode, we tour the story of canine warriors and how after thousands of years they are only now starting to get the respect and attention they deserve.

From helping Roman legions break through enemy lines to protecting U.S. military forces in Vietnam, dogs have played an integral part in human warfare. Their keen sense of smell, ability to detect the slightest movements, and their undying loyalty has made them invaluable in conflict-burdened battle scenes around the world. Let’s look at the brave breeds who have saved countless human lives.

Bonafide Bits:

• Romans attached vats of burning oil to the backs of the now-extinct Molossus breed to break through enemy lines
• Border Collies are the product of old Roman dogs and Viking spitzes bred for herding in the rocky highlands of Scotland
• In 1884, Germany established the first military school for training war dogs
• In 1908, the AKC recognized the Doberman Pinscher and the German Shepherd Dog breeds
• AKC judge Ernest Loeb and his German Shepherd Dog left Hitler’s Germany to win Best of Breed at the Westminster Dog Show
• The legendary Marine Devil Dog unit consisted of three German Shepherd Dogs and twenty-one Doberman Pinschers
• Four thousand dogs served the United States military during the Vietnam War. Of those, 350 were killed in action and less than 200 returned home

Featured Breeds:

Saluki

• Among the world’s oldest breeds, the slim but rugged Saluki was the hunting hound of kings for thousands of years. Salukis are swift and agile sprinters who love a good chase. They make gentle, dignified, and independent but loyal pets. Discover more about Salukis at AKC’s Saluki Breed Biography.

Cane Corso

• Smart, trainable, and of noble bearing, the assertive and confident Cane Corso is a peerless protector. The Corso’s lineage goes back to ancient Roman times, and the breed’s name roughly translates from Latin as “bodyguard-dog.” Discover more about Cane Corsos at AKC’s Cane Corso Breed Biography.

Neapolitan Mastiff

• The Neapolitan Mastiff is a huge, powerful guarder whose astounding appearance has intimidated intruders since the days of ancient Rome. Wary with strangers, the profusely wrinkled Mastino is sweet, placid, and steady among loved ones. Discover more about Neapolitan Mastiffs at AKC’s Neapolitan Mastiff Breed Biography.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

• The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a large, immensely strong worker famous for a dense coat of striking black, red, and white markings. Dependable and faithful Swissies earned their feed as herders, drafters, and all-around pasture dogs. Discover more about Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs at AKC’s Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Breed Biography.

Border Collie

• A remarkably bright workaholic, the Border Collie is an amazing dog—maybe a bit too amazing for owners without the time, energy, or means to keep it occupied. These energetic dogs will settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done. Discover more about Border Collies at AKC’s Border Collie Breed Biography.

Icelandic Sheepdog

• The Icelandic Sheepdog, Iceland’s only native dog breed, is a charmingly friendly and faithful all-around herder of small-to-medium size. A densely coated Nordic spitz-type breed, Icelandic Sheepdogs are enthusiastically devoted to their humans. Discover more about Icelandic Sheepdogs at AKC’s Icelandic Sheepdog Breed Biography.

Doberman Pinscher

• Sleek and powerful, possessing both a magnificent physique and keen intelligence, the Doberman Pinscher is one of dogkind’s noblemen. This incomparably fearless and vigilant breed stands proudly among the world’s finest protection dogs. Discover more about Doberman Pinschers at AKC’s Doberman Pinscher Breed Biography.

German Shepherd Dog

• There are many reasons why German Shepherd Dogs stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherd Dogs will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians, but, the breed standard says, there’s a “certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.” Discover more about German Shepherd Dogs at AKC’s German Shepherd Dog Breed Biography.

Boxer

• Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America’s most popular dog breeds for a very long time. Discover more about Boxers at AKC’s Boxer Breed Biography.

Belgian Sheepdog

• The Belgian Sheepdog is a highly trainable herder whose versatility and intelligence is the stuff of canine legend. This is a breed built for hard work and plenty of it. These sensitive souls crave human companionship and abhor neglect. Discover more about Belgian Sheepdogs at AKC’s Belgian Sheepdog Breed Biography.

Giant Schnauzer

• The Giant Schnauzer is a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer, and he should, as the breed standard says, be a “bold and valiant figure of a dog.” Great intelligence and loyalty make him a stellar worker and companion. Discover more about Giant Schnauzers at AKC’s Giant Schnauzer Breed Biography.

Collie

• The majestic Collie, thanks to a hundred years as a pop-culture star, is among the world’s most recognizable and beloved dog breeds. The full-coated “rough” Collie is the more familiar variety, but there is also a sleek “smooth” Collie. Discover more about Collies at AKC’s Collie Breed Biography.

For more information about a specific breed visit the breed’s parent club or AKC.org.

Shareables:

• It’s a testament to both that the Viet Cong put a bounty on both dogs and their military handlers.
• Dobermans were ideal scouts because of their ability to distinguish among various scents. They could detect body odor 100 yards away.
• Roman occupation influenced every aspect of British life, including dog breeding.