The Police Unit currently employs various breeds, including German Shepherds, Bloodhounds, and English Springer Spaniels, for tracking down suspects. The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized herding breed and one of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds.
The puppies undergoing training and their handlers.
The Uganda Police Force Dog Unit has initiated a nine-month training program for Belgian Malinois puppies to enhance its crime-fighting capabilities. Commandant of the K9 unit, Dr. Martin Mugume, announced on October 14 that they are introducing more Belgian Malinois, also known as Belgian Shepherds, to their kennel due to their exceptional performance.
“These puppies are between 3 to 8 months old and will remain in training at Nsambya for at least nine months before they are deployed for work,” Dr. Mugume stated. These puppies are the result of a breeding program based in Nagalama.
Dr. Mugume noted that Belgian Malinois are particularly effective in rural settings like Uganda, as they can track for extended periods without tiring, unlike other breeds. “This program will continue until every district has a sniffer dog,” he added.
The Police Unit currently employs various breeds, including German Shepherds, Bloodhounds, and English Springer Spaniels, for tracking down suspects. The Belgian Malinois is a large-sized herding breed and one of the four Belgian Shepherd breeds. While they share similar characteristics with German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois are smaller in size but more energetic and tend to form closer bonds with one individual.
This breed is known for its high energy levels, requiring regular physical activity to stimulate them mentally and physically. Renowned for their intelligence, agility, and athleticism, Belgian Malinois are widely used as service dogs by elite forces operating in war zones.