Starting today, dog breeders from around the U.S. are meeting in North Carolina with law enforcement, military, and terrorism experts. They are addressing a growing security issue: a lack of quality detection dogs.
The Global Market
A 2020 report states that the country “has faced a chronic shortage of domestically bred working dogs” for over thirty years. As of now, the United States “purchases [around] 90 percent of its detection dogs from Europe” and other areas.
Additionally, Europe reserves the best-trained dogs, and the rest are sold globally. As such, the U.S. competes with countries such as China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia for the other dogs. Given the current state of affairs, the issue here is apparent: our current system is fragile.
Responding to the Issue
The Hill reports that in 2016, the American Kennel Club created its Detection Dog Task Force to address the problem. After speaking to experts about the shortage, they launched several programs to boost domestic breeding.
One of these is the Patriotic Puppy Program. The adorably-named program helps breeders of sporting dogs — Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and Pointers — who are interested in raising puppies for advanced detection training. Alongside that, the force has established breeding programs with the military and several universities. Congress has also started its own breeding program.
However, experts say the issue is far from resolved. Although we have the capacity, says the report, the selection process and changing demand turn many breeders away.
Why Detection Dogs Are an Urgent Issue
As it stands, the U.S. is still far from solving its dog shortage. However, the issue is dire. A recent CSIS report states that domestic terrorism is growing. According to the report, solving this issue is crucial for our nation’s safety.
Yet, change is on the horizon. Hopefully, the AKC’s initiatives will help create more sustainable solutions to the country’s need for quality detection dogs.
