Canada has been using service dogs since at least the late 1800’s. Many different breeds of dogs are valued for police work, tracking, search and rescue, import inspections, assisting the disabled, and increasingly, for explosive detector work. For Canine Demine, the dog of choice is the noble German Shepherd.

Why the German Shepherd?

The dogs selected for the Canine Demine programme must be in top physical health and temperamentally stable, with keen trainability and mental acuity, excellent olfactory senses and a strong prey drive. They are an intelligent breed, capable of forming a strong bond with their human partners.

	Why Dogs?
Why Dogs? Our Training Our Bond Our Work	Canada has been using service dogs since at least the late 1800’s. Many different breeds of dogs are valued for police work, tracking, search and rescue, import inspections, assisting the disabled, and increasingly, for explosive detector work. For Canine Demine, the dog of choice is the noble German Shepherd. Why the German Shepherd? The dogs selected for the Canine Demine programme must be in top physical health and temperamentally stable, with keen trainability and mental acuity, excellent olfactory senses and a strong prey drive. They are an intelligent breed, capable of forming a strong bond with their human partners.	Did You Know...? In the 1890's a German cavalry officer developed the German Shepherd, often referred to as the perfect working dog. Horand became the first registered German Shepherd with his "powerful bones, noble head, solid character and faithful obedience". Today these qualities remain in this versatile breed.