Training roles

In addition to the highly-developed qualities dogs have as team members, they can do much more. Their visual and olfactory abilities are literally superhuman, so they can go where a soldier cannot and can often subdue or intimidate an enemy more quickly and with nonlethal force. Even when there is little or no wind, a dog can detect intruders up to 900 meters away using its senses of smell, hearing and sight.

Over the centuries, dogs have played a wide range of military roles. During World War II, the Soviet Union deployed them to carry explosives and destroy German tanks. In modern times, specific duties have been refined to areas in which dogs can provide the best service.

At present, the vast majority of PLA army dogs are German and Dutch shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Kunming dogs, which are similar to German Shepherds but are native to China. The dogs are aggressive, smart, loyal and athletic and as diverse as the soldiers, sailors and aircrews they work alongside.