Canine breeds used for various tasks in the MPS

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.032934

I note you seek access to the following information:

I am seeking information as to which canine breeds are used for different tasks within the police forces in the UK.

Specifically what breeds and how many of each breed do you use/have for:

1. Search and Rescue
2. Detection
3. Apprehension
4. General Patrol Dogs
5. Other (please specify)

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

1) Search & Rescue – This is not specifically a police role, however we support the London Fire Service with 10 USAR (Urban Search & Rescue Dogs). This skill is an additional skill that has been trained on specially selected General Purpose Dogs (German Shepherds)

2) Detection – The MPS has a mix of detection dogs approximately 200 in total. There is a mix of Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels and Labradors.

3 & 4) General Purpose Police Dogs are trained in general purpose patrol and apprehension. There are approximately 220, although the number is constantly changing depending on breeding, puppy development and of course retirements. We predominately use German Shepherds, a few Dutch Herders and a few Belgium Malinois.