Member-only story
Are Pitbulls Used as Military Working Dogs? Separating Fact from Myth.
No, the United States military does not typically use Pit Bulls as military working dogs (meaning working dogs being handled by military personnel) and is not utilizing any at the moment. However, they had been used occasionally in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as contracted working dogs (working dogs with civilian handlers) trained by programs such as Dogs for Defense.
(Not a Medium member? Read this story for free here.)
According to Dan Hughes of Dogs for Defense, there was a small handful of Pit Bulls that did make it to Iraq as military working dogs for explosive detection. However, he did state that most contracted working dogs are trained for jobs that only require the use of their nose, such as explosive or narcotic detection.
Were Pit Bulls Ever Used As War Dogs?
Pit Bulls have a long history as loyal, loving, brave, and intelligent dogs. Previously known mostly as fighting dogs, they have since become beloved family pets.
But did you know that Pit Bulls have also been used as war dogs?
During World War I, Pit Bulls were used by the United States military as guard dogs and sentries. They were also used to transport messages and supplies, as well as search for…






