During the pandemic, a few indigenous breeds such as Jaya, Casper, and Mani remained India’s first military dogs to assist the country’s Covid-19 frontline team. The dogs were trained to detect coronavirus on the basis of human urine and sweat samples.

In good or in bad, dogs and humans have an unbreakable bond that cannot be described in words. As guardians, family members, or hunting partners, dogs  can adore as well as help fight the enemy.

Today, dogs serve in various military facilities across the world. Even with so many technological advancements in the modern military, there are still some tasks best undertaken by well-trained canine soldier dogs with their elite senses of smell and hearing.

Brave, talented, attentive, and smart Indian Army dogs are unmatched. Currently, many Army dogs are deployed to counter mutiny areas. Others provide security to VIPs and guard strategic defense establishments. Many dog units have excelled in a large number of operational missions, receiving gallantry awards like Shaurya Chakras, Sena Medals, and Chief of the Army Staff’s recognition.

Here are five famous dog breeds of the Indian Army:

1. Great Swiss Mountain

The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a faithful and strong member of the Indian Army sometimes confused for the Bernese.

The average Great Swiss Mountain Dog is believed to have great bone strength while still maintaining high skill. These are sociable and friendly and can adjust to families. Indian army uses this dog in higher attitudes for finding weapons and finding dangerous terrorists

2. German Shepherd

Originally developed by a German army officer specifically used as a military working dog, German Shepherds remain one of the most popular military breeds, and adopting this dog by the Indian Army is a great choice. Because of their intelligence and quick learning skills, they are preferred for a number of jobs around the world in the military, for assisting disabled people, searching, rescuing, assisting police, and the military.

3. Labrador

The cute Labrador is another breed that can keep a cool-headed while all those around them are losing their heads. Their amazing sense of smell makes them the perfect dog soldier for sniffing out explosives. Indian army uses this dog as they are the breed which is known to be very social and friendly, these dogs are extremely loyal to their owners. The Indian Army deploys the canine unit to take up crucial roles of tracking, guarding, mine detection, explosive detection, infantry patrolling, and in rescue operations,

4. Bakharwal

Found in Northern India, The Bakharwal dog, also known as Gaddi Kutta or the Tibetan Mastiff, is an ancient working dog breed from the Pir Panjal range. It has been bred for centuries by the Bakharwal and Gujjar tribes. This tribe is also found in Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, their numbers are depleting and the tribes that breed them, but now have appealed to put them on the endangered species list. The Indian army is training this Ladakhi breed for various operational roles.

5. Belgian Malinois

This is the favourite breed of the armed forces across the globe, Belgian Malinois are famous for their extraordinary agility, smart mind, incredible strength, and attacking skills. This breed carries several stars on its shoulders. In 2011, this unique breed was involved in the Osama Bin Laden operation, and in 2019, it hunted ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi through a gloomy and treacherous passage in Syria. Because of their tiny shape, these dogs are great for parachuting and fast-roping out of planes, Indian army also has this dog in the dog squad for the same reasons.