Police sniff out true talent for K-9 units

During the three-day competition, over 70 police dogs of more than 10 breeds showcased their skills in tracking, evidence search, blood detection, manhunt, drug detection, explosive detection and basic obedience.

In addition to popular police dog breeds such as the tall and powerful German Shepherd, Malinois and Labrador retrievers, small breeds such as the Jack Russell Terrier and English Springer Spaniel are among the competitors.

A total of 73 handlers representing 19 teams from across the bureau participated in the competition, aiming to secure a spot in the national police dog technical competition later this year, according to the bureau's criminal investigation department, the contest's leading organizer.

A K-9 officer is a law enforcement agent who handles and uses the skills of police dogs to assist in the execution of duties such as drug detection, cadaver location, manhunts and explosives identification. A police dog, also known as a K-9 or K9 canine, is specifically trained to assist these officers.