Last Updated on October 8, 2022 by Pets Feed
A dog is not only man’s best friend, but also an excellent helper, guard and rescuer. There are special centers where service dogs are trained to find and protect people. Four-legged friends brilliantly cope with the tasks assigned. Our article lists the breeds that have proven themselves in the best way in rescue operations of varying complexity.
Water rescuers
The most common water rescue breeds include the following:
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador story begins on Newfoundland Island. This breed was raised to help fishermen to pull fishing nets out of the sea. The color of the Labrador’s coat was black, which is why they were named after the black stone “Labradorite”. In the 19th century, dogs were brought to Great Britain and crossed with curly-haired retrievers, as a result of which the well-known breed of the Labrador Retriever appeared.
Dogs are quite large, the height at the withers can reach 60 cm, weight up to 40 kg. The temperament is playful, friendly, patient. Reliable four-legged companions are easy to learn and perfectly obey the owner.
When training puppies, instructors try to build a learning system more in a game format. During the training process, scenarios of various natural disasters are also played out. Possessing a sharp mind, dogs easily overcome all obstacles.
Labradors, participating in rescue operations on the water, swim at speeds up to 5 km / h. They also help find victims of floods, explosions and earthquakes.
Labrador retriever | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures
Newfoundland
Like Labradors, “divers” lived on the island of Newfoundland, after which they were named. Good-natured large dogs helped fishermen in the sea – they pulled nets, pulled people out of the water. Despite the fact that it is an innate feeling for diving dogs to save people, they still need some training.
Dogs of this breed are able to instantly analyze the situation and make important decisions. Many stories show that in extreme situations, Newfoundlands quickly reacted and rescued their owners.
The character is good-natured, bold. The body height reaches 70 cm at the withers, and the weight is more than 70 kg.
It is necessary to train such a breed with the help of affection and respect, since they are sensitive to harsh intonation and criticism.
Shaggy giants are mainly involved in water rescue operations. Newfoundlands do not freeze, and their wool has high water-repellent properties. Due to the interesting structure of the ears, membranes between the pads of the toes, the third century, dogs of this breed are able to dive under water and overcome long distances.
Noticing the first signs of a drowning person, the dog immediately jumps into the water.
Newfoundland dog | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures
Leonberger
The breed was bred in Germany and named after the city of Leonberg. The founder is considered Heinrich Essig, he crossed several varieties of breeds and bred a large silver-gray dog with a black head.
The breed is distinguished by its endurance, excellent eyesight, keen hearing, strength and ability to swim. In dangerous situations on the water, it instantly reacts and rescues drowning people.
Dog parameters – height up to 80 cm, weight up to 75 kg.
Leonberger are loyal, calm and intelligent animals, get along well with family and young children. They lend themselves well to training and training. During the training process, it is worth being patient and not raising your voice at the dog.
Leonberger | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures
Mountain rescue dogs
The following breeds are considered the best rescuers in the mountains:
Saint Bernard
The history of this breed is very interesting. The Alps have the rugged Saint Bernard Pass, temperatures drop below 30 degrees in winter and inclement weather prevails most of the time. The border between Italy and Switzerland runs through this pass. A lot of people in ancient times tried to pass this pass, but did not get to the final point of their path.
In the 15th century, the orphanage of St. Bernard was built on this site, where travelers could stop and rest. In the 17th century, monks began to use alpine mastiffs to search for people, later they began to be called as the pass – St. Bernards.
Dogs grow tall, up to 70 cm and weigh about 91 kg. The character is loyal, hardy and fearless.
It is believed that four-legged assistants sense the approach of a cyclone in advance, 30-40 minutes before its start, and have an impeccable scent. They can find the victim under a thick layer of snow or lost high in the mountains. The task of St. Bernard is to search for the missing, to dig him out, pull out and warm him up.
Saint Bernard Dog | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures
German Shepherd
In the 16th century, German Shepherds were used to protect and guard homes. Dogs of this breed protected not only property, but also their owners. Because of their keen instinct, shepherd dogs began to be used to rescue victims of earthquakes in the mountains.
German Shepherd Dogs lend themselves well to training, complete all commands and tasks. Such dogs are suitable for active people with a strong character.
Height at withers 65 cm, weight up to 40 kg. The balanced breed has a kind and docile disposition. Gets along well with both adults and children.
German Shepherd | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures
Belgian Shepherd (Malinois)
Some believe that the Belgian Shepherd is originally from France, but this is not the case. The breed was bred in Mechelen, Belgium. Doctor and veterinarian Adolf Ruehl, attending an agricultural exhibition, decided to breed a new breed of herding dogs. After six years of fruitful breeding work, Dr. Ruhl officially founded the Belgian Shepherd Dog Club. And at the end of the 19th century, the Belgian canine community recognized the Malinois breed standard.
Despite the average size, height at the withers 58 cm, weight up to 30 kg, the Belgian Shepherd Dogs are excellent rescuers in the mountains. A dexterous pet, possessing a subtle scent and flair, finds and digs up victims after avalanches and debris.
Malinois behave well during training and training, focus on the owner and perform all assigned tasks.
The character is energetic, friendly, affectionate, responsible. They guard not only their family, but also the house.
Malinois | Dog Breed Information & Facts – Pictures
Many breeds of rescue dogs were bred to carry out special service work, search and protect people in extreme situations. Animals have intuition, a good sense of smell and a bold character. If you opt for one of the above dog breeds, you will not be mistaken. A reliable and strong four-legged friend is ready to come to the rescue in any situation.
