Military Working Dogs
Hope to clear up some of the questions regarding MWDs. The program started in 1942 by a women. 17,000 dogs saw active service in WWII and most dogs were returned to their handlers or civilians after the war. In 1952 the military designated MWDS as "equipment." and none were retired to civilian life after hat date. In Vietnam 4,000 dogs served, prevented over 10,000 casualties, yet only 220 were returned to the states. The rest were turned over to the South Vietnamese or euthanized. In 2000 President Clinton signed into law requiring suitable MWDs to be retired to civilians. I acquired Lucy (N430) in January 2010. A 3 year year-old German Shepherd she couldn't work on slick floors. Great for me! I even flew from Boston to Lackland AFB Texas to get her. The straight "attack" dog is history. Most are patrol and used as detectors but can attack on command. The majority are just detector dogs, GSD, Belgian Malinois, retrievers. Hope this info helps! ARF! Mike Lemish/MIlitary Dog Historian/www.K9writer.com