Mexico’s National Guard trains Chihuahua for search and rescue — Daily Maverick

Mexico’s National Guard is training a 13-month-old Chihuahua named Comando for search-and-rescue tasks. The dog, which weighs 7 kilograms and stands 21 centimeters tall, also takes part in public events and community outreach programs, Daily Maverick reports.

The unit’s smallest dog

Comando has become the smallest and one of the most unusual dogs in the National Guard’s canine unit, which has about 350 dogs. Most of them are traditional service breeds, including German shepherds and Labrador retrievers.

During training in Mexico City last week, Comando climbed stairs and overcame obstacles. A much larger, already trained dog named Roco was also present at the session.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Service and public events

The Chihuahua is equipped with miniature goggles, a tactical vest, a helmet and a compact head-mounted camera. According to officers, Comando is being prepared not only as a mascot for public events, but also for search-and-rescue work.

The National Guard took in the dog about six months ago in the northern state of Chihuahua, from which the breed takes its name. Its previous elderly owners could no longer care for the animal. Since then, Comando has appeared at Mexico’s Independence Day parade and also takes part in ceremonies, school events and programs for local communities.

Lieutenant Debora Hernandez said that Comando’s presence is intended to help the National Guard build a warmer connection with the public. Officials also noted that the dog helps soften the image of the agency, which is under army control.