For first time in India, study on qualitative requirements for dogs in forces

Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 28

For the first time in India, qualitative requirements-cum-trial directives have been formulated on a selection of canines for breeding of dogs in the security forces.

A scientific K9 study, has been completed and submitted to the K9 Cell of the Ministry of Home Affairs by a Central Armed Police Forces board, with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) as the lead agency.

The board standardised the actual physical parameters, temperament, behavioural characteristics, and phenotypic gene expression of selected working-line breeds of dogs. 

According to sources, this is a very long pioneering study on Malinois, German Shepherds, Labradors, Dobermans, Cocker Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Hounds, Golden Retrievers, Dutch Malinois, and many more breeds, was carried out the ITBP.

The work was complimented by the MHA K9 consultant, Dr PK Chug, during the National K9 Seminar organised at the Bureau of Police Research and Development this week.

This study— for the very first time—draws out the exact parameters on selection of dog breeds, not on basis of ‘show line’ that has been the practice in India, but on actual working traits and their suitability of induction in the forces. 

During a briefing to the union home minister, Amit Shah— during the release of the National K9 Journal recently—the formulation of qualitative requirements and trial directives for dogs was declared to the one of the important goals of the ministry.

ITBP has been felicitated for its technical expertise and perseverance in putting in efforts in coming out with this unique original document, that will raise the standards of working line K9s not only in CAPFs but also in the Army and state police forces. 

Sources said that such a comprehensive study of international standards has never been attempted before and this is for the first time that an Indian force has concluded a pivotal study that has been accepted by the MHA. 

This will act as a key scientific document to upgrade the cutting-edge of K9 wings of all security forces of the country and will herald the mainstreaming of K9 activities by bringing all organisations on the same grid, a senior officer said.