female gsd police dogs - Page 1

According to my K9 trainer friends, most departments prefer males over females due to:
1. Size
2. Heat cycles or the down time when spayed
3. Perception that females are weaker and may not be as tough or durable
4. Egos (we know some handlers use the dogs as walking testicles, men as well as women, 
    and it would be hard to feel that way if they had a female dog on the other end of
    the leash )

The deparment that is currently using a female my one friend trained said this female is a much better K9 then many of her male counterparts and absolute hell on wheels. They love her. But that is the only one I have heard of. My cousin in Germany said they use either one, it just depends on the dog, but that may just be her area.

The RCMP uses purebred German shepherds as well as Belgian shepherds (Malinois) in perfect physical condition.

The RCMP considers these breeds to be the best choice for police work as they are adaptable, versatile, strong, courageous and able to work under extreme climatic conditions. Male dogs are usually chosen. A dog entering the RCMP training program has a 17 percent chance of succeeding due to the high standards required.

The dog starts its police training when it is from 12 to 18 months old. Basic training is approximately 17 weeks, but training never really ends as daily practice is required to maintain a high level of physical and mental fitness. Dogs and handlers are validated to the Doghandler Course Training Standard Field Level capability annually.
 

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RCMP Police Dog Services only uses purebred German shepherds for General Duty teams. Other breeds may be used for Specialty Detection teams.

Male dogs are favoured but some females are chosen. In addition to being in perfect physical condition, they must have particular personality traits which make them suitable for police work: even temperament, hunting instinct and sound character are essential. All RCMP dogs are taught to protect their handlers, themselves or to apprehend upon command. Any that display reluctance to do so are not accepted.

The German shepherd breed displays the versatility, strength and courage that makes it eminently suitable for Canadian police work. Their heavy coats allow them to work under extreme climatic conditions. In addition, their presence seems to have an inhibitive psychological effect on potential wrongdoers. German shepherds trained to apprehend will invariably make a successful arrest despite the fact they are trained only to hold, never to be savage.