How many years does the ultimate man's best friend, the Police Dog work?

Question

My grandmother had a dog, a golden retriever, and as a little boy, I loved that dog. But like all little kids growing up, you soon learn of love and loss.

So how long do police dogs work, and do they get a good retirement plan...(they deserve it you know! :-D )

Thank you very much. You all gave excellent answers. I will put this to a vote since I can't decide.

Whoever wins, can you answer my one last questions. What about the handler, does that mean that a police officer may have 2-3 different K-9 partners during his lenght of police service?

Answer 1

It depends. Some departments have policies indicating how old a dog can be before it is retired, regardless of it's health or performance. Some dogs are retired early due to injury.

A lot of it depends on the breed of the dog and type of work it does. For example, a bomb detecting Labrador can work longer than a utility (patrol) work German Shepherd because it doesn't have to be as active on the job. Same goes for Bloodhounds.

I've never seen a German Shepherd work past 9 years old, and I'm not really sure about Labs or Bloods.

In most departments, when a K-9 is retired, it's handler is given the opprotunity to take it home as a pet. More often that not, that's what happens. And, in most cases, the department that retires the dog takes care of the dog's Vet expenses (either in full or at least in part) for the rest of his life.

Answer 2

What all the other guys said.

Dogs here generally work until they can not work anymore. Then they are retired and live with the handler until the end of their lives. The retirement plan is great. Free housing, health care and all the milk bones they want.

When I was Army military police, one of our K-9 handlers once told me that they put their K-9s to sleep after they are retired. Something about the Army not wanting the liability of having "trained" dogs "running loose". I have no idea how true that is.

Answer 3

Police dogs usually work until they are about 7-8 years old, if they are still in good health. Ususally the dog is given to the K9 handler to live out the rest of it life as a family pet.

Answer 4

My K-9 is currently 8 years old and still has the desire and health to continue on. In others words....I can't get out of the driveway without him barking up a storm to jump in the patrol car with me!

If the handler or veterinarian observes any indication of health problems...the K-9's service is terminated.

Mine will have a life of running about the yard sniffing the little spots he so enjoys during his final years of retirement!

Best wishes.