Dogs' Jobs

Dogs are so incredibly versatile, they seem capable of rising to almost any number of demands we ask of them. This page will look at the different roles dogs play and also how breeds have been developed to enable dogs to perform them.

More information will be added as soon as possible.

Police Dog

A German Shepherd being trained for police work.

Military Dog

German Shepherd with trainer.

Tracking Dogs

More details to follow

Rescue Dogs

Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their own pack, because their own survival depends on it. This instinct has been utilised in sea and mountain rescue, but also underlies some incredible rescue stories that seem to defy traditional, apparently logical beliefs about animals. See Dog Tales for some stories that illustrate this.

Saint Bernards have traditionally been used in Swiss mountain rescue.

A lifeguard human and dog team combine the best life-saving skills, speed and stamina of both human and animal. Newfoundlands, with their naturally webbed feet, have a affinity with water and a strong rescue instinct, making them ideal for sea rescue.

Therapy Dogs

More details to follow

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Details to be added

Sheep Herding

Border Collies have been bred to herd sheep, utilitising the dog's natural hunting instinct to protect the flock, rather than hunt it.

Guard Dogs

Dogs natural instinct to guard the pack from danger is needed little encouragement. Only a foolhardy person would enter a home as an unwelcome guest, with these two dogs on guard.

Cart / Harness dogs

More information to follow

Ranch Dogs

More details to follow