THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state police force has decided to put an end to the routine of buying dogs for the dog squad. From now on, the police force will find puppies through breeding. The future dream of the Dog Squad is Maggie and Lara, Belgian Malinois puppies, undergoing training at the Thrissur Police Academy. They both are six months old.

The authorities are planning to mate these female dogs with a Belgian Malinois male dog from the Dog Squad after they become two years old. The puppies were donated by Sanjayan, a well-known breeder from Muvattupuzha in the state. Maggie is training to detect the smell of explosives. Lara is training in the drug department.

It was common practice to buy puppies for the force from breeders in neighbouring states for large amounts. More than half a lakh rupees were spent on one puppy. However, good breeds were often not available. The police decided to breed their own puppies so as to ensure good breeds without wasting time and money.

Belgian Malinois
It was the Belgian Malinois dogs who helped the United States find and kill Al Qaeda leader bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Belgian Malinois are characterized by olfactory, intellect, memory, and athletic ability. That is why these are the trump cards of commandos. Instead of barking non-stop at the sight of an explosive device, they communicate by shaking their heads.

Authorities are also planning to breed dogs from the 13 Indian breed dogs that are part of the force. The Indian breed dogs are more resistant to diseases and live longer than foreign breeds and are better at smelling.