Dogs have been taken an important part of human history for thousands of years. They have served as loyal companions, protectors, and even heroes in times of war. Check the most important dogs in history!
SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DOGS IN HISTORY
Hachiko – symbol of loyalty and devotion
Hachiko was a Japanese Akita who became famous for his remarkable loyalty to his owner. Every day, Hachiko would come with his owner to the train station and would sit there until he return from work.
One day, his owner passed away while at work, but Hachiko continued to wait for him at the train station every day for the next nine years until his own death. Hachiko’s story has become a symbol of loyalty and devotion around the world.
Balto – The Most Brave Dog
Balto was a Siberian Husky who led his team on the final leg of a dangerous journey to deliver medicine to Nome, Alaska during a diphtheria outbreak in 1925.
The journey was over 600 miles long and Balto and his team had to brave harsh weather conditions and treacherous terrain. Thanks to their efforts, the medicine was delivered in time and many lives were saved.
Laika – first astronaut to orbit the Earth
Laika was an abandoned stray dog from Moscow who became the first astronaut to orbit the Earth. She was launched into space by the Soviet Union in 1957 as part of their space program. Unfortunately, Laika did not survive the mission, but her bravery paved the way for future space exploration.
Sergeant Stubby – The War Dog
Sergeant Stubby was a pit bull who served as a mascot for the 102nd Infantry Regiment during World War I. He was also trained as a war dog and participated in several battles. Sergeant Stubby is credited with saving many lives by alerting soldiers to incoming gas attacks and even capturing a German spy.
Chips – Silver Star for his bravery
Chips was a German Shepherd who served as a sentry dog during World War II. He participated in several battles and was even awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in capturing an enemy machine-gun nest.
These are just a few examples of the many dogs who have played important roles throughout history. Their stories remind us of the special bond between humans and dogs and their unwavering loyalty and bravery.
DOGS USED IN WARS
Dogs have been used in wars for thousands of years, serving as scouts, sentries, messengers, trackers, and even combatants. In this blog post, we will explore some of the roles and achievements of military dogs throughout history and in the present day.
War Dogs from the past
One of the earliest recorded uses of dogs in war dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who trained large breeds such as mastiffs and molossers to attack enemy soldiers and horses. The Egyptians also used dogs to guard their camps and temples, and to pull chariots. Dogs were also employed by other ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks, Romans, Persians, and Chinese, for various military purposes.
In the Middle Ages, dogs continued to be used as weapons and companions in war. Some of the most famous examples are the war dogs of the Vikings, who accompanied their masters on raids and battles across Europe.
The Vikings bred fierce dogs that could fight alongside them or run ahead to scout the enemy. Another example is the mastiffs of England, who were used to defend castles and towns from invaders. The English mastiffs were so feared that they were banned from export by King John in the 13th century.
MILITARY WORLD WARS DOGS
Dogs in First World War – WWI
In the modern era, dogs have played a vital role in many wars and conflicts. During World War I, dogs were used to carry messages, locate wounded soldiers, and detect mines and gas.
Some of the most notable dogs of this war were Stubby, a stray terrier who became a hero and a mascot for the American troops; Rags, a mixed-breed dog who delivered crucial messages for the 1st Infantry Division; and Chips, a German shepherd-collie-husky mix who attacked an enemy machine gun nest and captured four prisoners.
Dogs in Second World War – WWII
During World War II, dogs were used for similar tasks as in World War I, as well as for parachute jumps, demolition missions, and guarding prisoners. Some of the most famous dogs of this war were Smoky, a Yorkshire terrier who performed various feats such as pulling a telegraph wire through a pipe; Judy, a pointer who survived a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp and helped save many lives; and Antis, a German shepherd who flew with his owner on 30 bombing missions over enemy territory.
Middle Eastern War Dogs
In more recent times, dogs have been involved in many wars and operations around the world. For example, during the Vietnam War, dogs were used to detect enemy tunnels, booby traps, and ambushes. One of the most decorated dogs of this war was Nemo, a German shepherd who saved his handler from an enemy attack by taking a bullet to his eye. During the Iraq War, dogs were used to sniff out explosives, weapons, and drugs. One of the most famous dogs of this war was Cairo, a Belgian Malinois who participated in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
Dogs are still used in wars today, as they provide invaluable skills and abilities that humans cannot match. They are loyal, brave, intelligent, and adaptable. These dogs can sense danger, track enemies, alert allies, and comfort soldiers. They are not only tools, but also friends and heroes. Dogs have proven themselves to be indispensable partners in war.
OTHER FAMOUS WAR DOGS
War dogs are dogs that have been trained and used for military purposes. They have served in various roles, such as scouts, sentries, messengers, trackers, and combatants. War dogs have also become famous for their bravery, loyalty, and heroism. Here are some examples of famous war dogs throughout history and in the present day.
Stubby – 17 battles
A stray terrier who became a hero and a mascot for the American troops during World War I. Stubby participated in 17 battles and four offensives, and was wounded twice. He also captured a German spy, detected gas attacks, and alerted soldiers to incoming shells. He was awarded several medals and honors, and met three US presidents.
Rags – Front Line Courier
A mixed-breed dog who delivered crucial messages for the 1st Infantry Division during World War I. This dog was adopted by an American soldier in Paris, and accompanied him to the front lines.
He carried messages across dangerous terrain, often under fire. He was wounded by shrapnel and gas, but survived and returned to the US with his owner.
Chips – Three Times Awarded Hero
A German shepherd-collie-husky mix who attacked an enemy machine gun nest and captured four prisoners during World War II. This dog was part of the War Dog Program, which trained dogs for various tasks. He also served as a sentry, a scout, and a messenger. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Service Cross, but they were later revoked due to military regulations.
Smoky – Airbase Builder
A Yorkshire terrier who performed various feats during World War II. This dog was found by an American soldier in a foxhole in New Guinea, and became his companion. Smoky traveled with him to various locations, and entertained troops with her tricks. This hero dog also helped build an airbase by pulling a telegraph wire through a pipe under a runway. She was credited with saving hundreds of lives and planes.
Judy – Best Rescue Dog
A pointer who survived a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during World War II. This dog was the mascot of a British naval ship that was sunk by bombers. Juy helped rescue survivors by swimming to them and leading them to safety. This hero dog was captured by the Japanese and sent to a camp, where she befriended a British airman.
Judy protected him from guards and scavenged food for him. She also alerted prisoners to air raids and helped them escape. She was awarded the Dickin Medal, the highest honor for animals in war.
Nemo – Sentry Dog
A German shepherd who saved his handler from an enemy attack during the Vietnam War. This dog was part of the Sentry Dog Program, which trained dogs to guard air bases. Nemo detected a group of Viet Cong guerrillas who were trying to infiltrate the base, and alerted his handler. This hero dog attacked the intruders, but was shot in the eye. Nemo continued to fight until his handler was able to shoot back. He then crawled to his handler and shielded him from further harm. He was the first sentry dog to be officially retired from service and returned to the US.
Cairo – Navy SEAL Dog
A Belgian Malinois who participated in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden during the Iraq War. This dog was part of the Navy SEAL Team Six, which carried out the operation. Cairo was trained to track enemies, search buildings, and detect explosives. He also wore a special vest with a camera and a speaker, which allowed his handler to communicate with him remotely. He was the only dog to be honored at the White House for his role in the mission.
If you have interest to read more on the topic, we recommend to visit the Britannica!
