Afghanistan's Bomb Sniffing Dogs

by Dr. Chris

July 25, 2010 in Afghanistan the leading cause for fatalities are roadside bombs. But thanks to Labradors, German shepherds, and Belgian Malinois the number is being reduced.

According to the LA Times' David Zucchino, some of the dog's have made some amazing finds. For example, Urmel, a Belgian Malinois, found at least 20 explosive devices over the last year. Ted, a chocolate lab, has detected almost 2000 pounds of explosives, and also sniffed out 30 pounds of explosives hidden in a haystack as well.

Even though the military considers bomb sniffing dogs only as equipment, many of them are treated as pets by the soldiers. The soldiers commonly play with them, and even feed them junk food.

These dogs all have service numbers tattooed on the inside of the ears.

In southern Afghanistan over the last year the number of bomb sniffing dogs has increased tremendously. They usually join soldiers going out on dangerous patrols.

The most common breeds are Belgian Malinois, German shepherds, and labradors.

These dogs can detect bomb making factories, weapons, explosives, and homemade bombs.

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