Among the many animals domesticated by humans over thousands of years, dogs occupy one of the first places. They have proven themselves not only as loyal friends, but also excellent helpers in various areas of human life. From simple hunters, guards and shepherds, they turned into professional workers.
Today it is difficult to imagine the hard and dangerous work of rescuers without the use of trained dogs, not to mention the protection of farms, hunting and special therapy. What are the professions of dogs, what is their job, what breeds are suitable for performing certain tasks?
Security guards, guard and service dogs
One of the very first dog professions was that of a security guard. Since ancient times, tamed four-legged friends have guarded people's homes, but even today a guard dog is still in demand.
Pets are specially trained to protect residential buildings, various property and work in public service. Dogs guard the state border and strategic facilities (airfields, weapons depots, penitentiary institutions).
The list of breeds of service and military dogs is headed by German shepherds. They have proven themselves well as guards: Caucasian Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Moscow guards and other breeds, endowed by nature with devotion, confidence and the ability to selflessly do their job. Brave, resilient and capable of making independent decisions, dogs are involved in detaining dangerous criminals, they are able to stop uninvited guests, and keep them in place until a person arrives.
Selected groups by nature of service
Based on the nature of their service, all types of service dogs can be divided into several groups. They have the following names:
- search, guard and customs dogs called upon to search for dangerous substances, weapons and criminals, as well as patrol state borders and other important objects;
- search and rescue, used to save people in extreme situations;
- shepherds, divided into those who help with grazing and those who protect livestock;
- bodyguards who provide protection to individuals and facilities;
- sappers trained to search for explosives and mine clearance;
- rehabilitation, involved in canistherapy;
- guide dogs and other assistance dogs that help the blind, visually impaired and other people with disabilities;
- sleds used to transport goods and people in the Far North;
- hunting, helping to track, drive, catch and bring prey;
- sentries protecting territory or individual objects.
Four-legged pets are actively used by employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and the Federal Penitentiary Service, border guards, military, police and rehabilitation centers. To enter the service, they are required to undergo training courses: OKD and ZKS.
Hunters
Medieval hunting on horseback with a huge number of dogs is a thing of the past. But even today's hunting is difficult to imagine without four-legged helpers. Many hunting breeds are designed for different types of work. What types of hunting dogs are there?
Hounds
They track prey, sometimes following a bloody trail they find a wounded animal and drive it out to hunters, be it a hare, a fox or a deer. Hound breeds include:
- Rhodesian Ridgeback;
- beagle;
- basset hound;
- Foxhound;
- Russian hound dog.
Greyhounds
Greyhound dogs are used for hunting hare and fox without guns. They are able to chase their prey and grab it while running. Representatives of the breed:
- greyhound;
- whippet;
- Italian Greyhound;
- Russian and Afghan hound;
- pharaoh hound;
- Irish wolfhound.
Cops
A breed involved in hunting game birds. Dogs lift birds from reeds and ponds for shooting, search for and bring wounded and killed birds to the hunter. Coping breeds:
- German shorthaired pointer and drathaar;
- Hungarian Vizsla;
- English, Irish and Scottish Setter;
- English Pointer.
Burrows
Dogs chasing game out of a hole:
- dachshund;
- Jagdterrier;
- fox terrier;
- Jack Russell Terrier.
Likes
A small universal dog that is used both for hunting small game and for baiting bears.
List of the most popular dogs for service
It is unrealistic to list all representatives in one article. Having thought about which service dogs to include in our list, we made a choice in favor of their popularity and recognition.
German Shepherd (for search, guide, rescuer, bodyguard)
The most popular breed of detection dogs is the German Shepherd. She takes 3rd place among the most obedient four-legged animals and unquestioningly recognizes the authority of her owner, since the degree of her devotion is raised to the absolute.
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More about the German Shepherd
Black Russian Terrier (rescue, search engine, guard)
One of the most successful results of the work of Soviet dog handlers. Notable for its developed protective instinct and persistent character. Needs a strong owner and is very kind to children.
“ More about the Black Russian Terrier
Russian hunting spaniel (hunter)
A first-class bird hunting assistant. Easily adapts to urban living conditions and any weather. Can work in hot weather and is not afraid of cold water.
“ More about the Russian hunting spaniel
Boxer (lifeguard, bodyguard)
Despite his courage and fearlessness, the boxer has an easy-going and sociable character. Shows friendliness to all household members and loves to play with small children.
“ More about the boxer
Alaskan Malamute (sled)
INTERESTING!
Socks are knitted from Malamute wool to reduce swelling and pain.
Designed for working in dog sleds. Independent and willful, loves to dominate. Not suitable for living in hot climates and cramped conditions. In the absence of physical activity, he directs his energy to destroying the house.
“ More about the Alaskan Malamute
Saint Bernard (rescue, watchman)
A charming giant who loves children. Used as a companion and to rescue people lost in the mountains. He is very calm and does not bark over trifles. He orients himself well in space and easily finds his way back when he is away from home.
“ More about St. Bernard
Border Collie (shepherd, guide, rescuer, search)
The smartest dog in the world, who loves to herd everything and everyone. In the absence of cows and sheep, he keeps an eye on the children, not allowing them to move further than the safe zone. Openly despises a passive lifestyle.
“ More about the Border Collie
Cane Corso (guard)
A former fighting dog with excellent guard qualities. Despite its menacing appearance, the Cane Corso is a kind and attentive pet, infinitely devoted to its family. When performing a security function, it avoids a direct attack on an attacker, preferring to simply drive him into a corner.
“ More about Cane Corso
Doberman (for search, guide, guard)
This four-legged all-rounder is on the list of the most popular breeds and is used in almost all areas of human activity. He never loses his vigilance and is always ready to help. Not suitable for phlegmatic and too tough owners.
“ More about Doberman
Golden Retriever (guide dog, search engine, canine therapy, hunter)
INTERESTING!
The name of the breed (retriever) means “returning back”, since initially the animals were used exclusively for searching for and returning shot birds.
A good-natured and calm dog, grasping even the most complex material on the fly. We depend on human attention. Due to its innate trust in people, it is not suitable for protection, but can still repel an attacker if its owner is in danger.
“ More about the Golden Retriever
Rottweiler (for search, guide, bodyguard)
Needs a serious mentor and is sensitive to everyday conflicts. In the absence of special training and with frequent quarrels in the family, it shows aggression towards others and its own owner.
“ More about the Rottweiler
Siberian Husky (sled)
He is calm towards strangers and gets along well with other dogs. Prone to escape, striving for leadership and stubbornness. Able to catch game if very hungry, but will never share it.
“ More about the Siberian Husky
Caucasian Shepherd (guard, shepherd)
Shows friendliness only to family members. The shepherd dog does not trust everyone else and takes them for potential thieves. Thanks to its phenomenal sensitivity, it picks up even minor rustles.
“ More about the Caucasian Shepherd
East European Shepherd (guide dog, guard, search)
Despite the innate distrust of strangers, he never offends children. This distinguishes the Shepherd from the less selective Rottweiler. She is phlegmatic and reasonable by nature, but easily makes lightning-fast decisions in emergency situations.
“ More about the East European Shepherd
Newfoundland (rescue, guide)
INTERESTING!
Newfoundlands have special membranes between their toes that make swimming easier.
This huge and powerful dog is an excellent swimmer. It is capable of swimming long distances and diving to depths, which is why, first of all, it is used to rescue drowning people.
“ More about Newfoundland
Alabai (guard)
Thanks to his innate fearlessness, he is not inclined to attack unless there is a compelling need. He is not fussy and shows reserved suspicion towards strangers.
“ More about Alabai
Labrador (guide dog, rescuer, canistherapy, hunter)
Thanks to its peaceful nature, it is suitable not only for service, but also as a companion. He trusts people limitlessly, so in the absence of aggression towards himself or towards the owner, he will calmly allow the entire apartment to be surrounded.
“ More about Labrador
Leonberger (lifeguard, security guard)
This shaggy good fellow will never compete with his owner for the status of alpha male. He is not malicious and excessively suspicious, like other guards, but is still able to protect the property entrusted to him.
Moscow watchdog (security guard)
A close relative of the Caucasian Shepherd, with a milder temperament. Moscow watchmen are fearless and incorruptible, so it is impossible to deceive them with flattery or seduce them with food.
“ More about the Moscow watchdog
Samoyed (mount, hunter, guard)
INTERESTING!
The fluffiness of a Samoyed depends on the temperature outside. In severe frosts, its fur bristles, improving thermal insulation.
A brave and friendly dog who does not tolerate loneliness well. The Samoyed is designed to work in a team, so he has a lot of trust in others and is not prone to conflict behavior.
“ More about the Samoyed
Miniature Schnauzer (security guard, customs officer)
One of the smallest representatives. Thanks to his innate intuition, fearlessness and vigilance, he is often recruited to work at customs.
“ More about the miniature schnauzer
Komondor (shepherd)
Thanks to its natural camouflage in the form of dense cords of wool, the Komondor is practically invisible in a herd of sheep. This ensures a surprise attack when repelling an attack by wild animals.
Tibetan Mastiff (guard)
This powerful and fluffy handsome man has a discreet and independent character. He has a developed sense of smell and keen hearing. It tends to be nocturnal, so its maximum peak of activity occurs after sunset.
“ More about the Tibetan Mastiff
Collie (wanted, shepherd)
One of the most peaceful breeds. Gets along easily with cats, parrots and hamsters. Does not require strict control and is extremely diplomatic towards strangers. They love to babysit children and are extremely talkative.
“ More about collies
Giant Schnauzer (for search, guide, guard, shepherd)
INTERESTING!
The literal translation of the breed's name is “giant face.”
A very powerful and dominant dog, which should be trained by an experienced dog breeder - or a certified dog handler. He has a strong distrust of strangers and a phenomenal memory. If a Giant Schnauzer has seen a person at least once, he will remember his appearance and smell for the rest of his life.
“ More about the Giant Schnauzer
Bloodhounds
The name of this profession speaks for itself. Bloodhound dogs have an excellent sense of smell and are able to find delicious truffle mushrooms in the forest, drugs and explosives, wherever they are hidden, and a missing person.
For such work, dogs with a calm and balanced character are used, capable of learning more than just the ability to pick up a scent. In this difficult task, dogs of the spaniel, golden retriever and labrador breed serve people. The German Shepherd is also distinguished by its good sense of smell and ability to search.
Rescuers
Specially trained dogs come to the aid of people during natural disasters and catastrophes. Swiss scientists conducted an experiment during which they hid a hypothetical victim in an area of 10,000 square meters and at a depth of 2 m. It took a team of experienced rescuers in full equipment 4 hours to find the person; the rescue dog did it in 12 minutes. For such work, dogs of the St. Bernard, Newfoundland and Labrador breeds are most often used.
Shepherds
Herding dogs appeared several thousand years ago. These were mainly large dogs that protected the herd from predators - wolves, bears and strangers. Most shepherds, mountain dogs, corgis and some other breeds cope well with the role of shepherds.
There are also cattle dogs that perform more complex tasks. The shepherd's four-legged assistant must know every animal in the herd, drive it to pasture and back, and ensure that the cattle do not stray from the general herd. There are only a few such breeds, the most famous of which are the Australian Heeler, Flanders and Bouvier des Ardennes.
Dogs in science
One of the most famous scientific canine professions is astronaut. Back in 1957, the dog Laika went into orbit. Subsequently, Strelka, Belka, Chernushka, Zhulka, Zhemchuzhina and Zvezdochka flew into space.
Four-legged pets can also be found as workers:
- laboratories;
- seismological stations (predict earthquakes);
- zoos (as foster mothers for the cubs of other animals).
Dogs are responsible assistants in any business. They follow commands without hesitation and are always dedicated to their work.
Guides
Specially trained dogs help people with physical disabilities and special needs overcome the challenges that await them at every turn. Labradors, German Shepherds and Giant Schnauzers are used to care for the blind, visually impaired, deaf, and people in wheelchairs. There are dogs trained to predict epileptic seizures and the defining signs of cancer.
Doctors
There is a whole direction in modern medical practice - canistherapy. Dogs of absolutely any breed, including outbred dogs, participate in treatment and rehabilitation programs for children and adults with various cardiovascular diseases, Down syndrome, those suffering from autism, nervous disorders and social behavior disorders, hyperactivity and many other diseases. The effectiveness of this technique has been repeatedly confirmed.
Work in sports
In the West, a dog is often chosen as an emblem or symbol of a college. Also, a four-legged friend can be the mascot of a sports team and decorate students’ clothes. Americans have a special love for bulldogs; their images are often used to decorate the flags of educational institutions.
In the world of sports, four-legged friends enjoy participating in competitions - greyhound racing, freestyle and frisbee. Common breeds that take part in sledding races include huskies, Samoyeds and huskies.
In Brazil, dogs work on large tennis courts - they fetch balls from the field. For four-legged friends, this is not a job, but just a dream!
Another sporting activity is dog fighting. Of course, many animal rights activists will say that this is a cruel spectacle, but this is what breeds such as bulldogs, pit bull terriers, mastiffs and shar-peis were originally bred for.
