This weekend we had the privilege of attending the Desert K-9 Trials at the Scottsdale Colosseum. K-9’s and their handlers came from the local and distant places representing law enforcement and the military. The K-9s we saw working were either the Belgian Malinois or the German Shepherd.
Desert K-9 Trials
K-9 Trials Events
Obedience/Obstacles (Judged on control of their K-9 and successful navigation of obstacles)
Handler Protection (Judged on handlers tactics and the K-9 ability to follow direction)
Tactical Challenge (Judged on above but a timed event w/deductions for mistakes)
Area Search (Judged on search, find, and alert on a suspect. A timed and point event)
Narcotics & Explosives Search (This is a controlled event and not available to the public for safety)
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is an alert high energy breed a popular as both a police and military working dog although sometimes mistaken for the German Shepherd dog the Malinois is more elegant in build and lighter bone but does not lack for strength, agility, or herding ability.
The Belgian Malinois got his name from the city of Mechelen–Malines in 1981 where the breed was developed
Intelligent and trainable the Belgian Malinois possesses the strong desire to work and they are happiest with regular activity and with a job to do, a relatively easy keeper due to their medium size and short coat they love their family but may be somewhat reserved with strangers they are naturally protective of their owners without being overly aggressive
Belgium Malinois is a well balanced square dog elegant in appearance with an exceedingly proud carriage of head and neck, the dog is strong agile well-muscled alert, and full of life.
The basic coloring is a rich fun to mahogany with black tips on the hairs giving an overlay appearance the mask and ears are black males generally stand 24 to 26 inches high with an average weight of 55 to 65 pounds.
German Shepherd
The German Shepherd dog is considered the world ‘s leading police garden military dog has consistently one of The United States most popular breeds according to AKC registration statistics The German Shepherd dog is Also a loving family companion herder and show competitor the breed is approachable direct and fearless with a strong muscular body.
Energetic and fun loving the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established he is a loyal family pet and a good guard dog the ideal choice for many families who require a regular exercise and grooming program.
The breed has a sturdy muscular slightly elongated body with a light but solid bone structure The German Shepherd dog averages in height from 22 to 26 inches with an average weight of 77-85 pounds.
Trivia
The average police canine you can cost up to $10,500 to purchase with the cost of training a Police Department can have up to $17,000 invested in the teen before they hit the street.
Most K-9s are assigned to one handler and live in the handlers home.
Most K-9 unit strain on a weekly basis and must certify annually
Read more about the Desert K-9 Trials
