So That Others May Live...
We prefer the American Pit Bull Terrier for Search and Rescue (SAR) work because the American Pit Bull Terrier, when properly bred and raised, possesses heart, drive and a work ethic unlike ANY other breed. Although each dog will have its own individual personality traits, there are some characteristics common to all dogs of this breed. The properly bred American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium sized, athletic and physically tough dog possessing a very compliant nature, endless energy, extreme drive and a boundlessly friendly nature with all people.
The basic traits and characteristics that a SAR dog handler looks for in a SAR dog candidate are TONS of hunt drive (the desire to search for an item until the dog finds it, is told to stop, or collapses from exhaustion), rock solid temperament and nerves, and good health and physical fitness. Many American Pit Bull Terriers have these characteristics and traits, as do many of other pure or mixed breeds. However, many American Pit Bull Terriers do not, just as many dogs from other breeds do not. These basic traits and characteristics are not breed specific. It all depends on the individual dog either having them or NOT. Lack of drive, poor temperament, any sign of dog aggression, weak nerves or poor health rule out ANY dog for search and rescue work.
Additionally, as every dog is trained to work and indicate differently, the genetic makeup of the breed must also work well for the individual search style of the handler since the dog and handler work together as a team. The American Pit Bull Terrier's friendly demeanor with people, athletic build and legendary determination to get the job done makes her a perfect candidate for search and rescue work. Nothing deters her - not heat or cold, not fatigue, not the things that make lesser dogs quit. We've worked with many different pure and mixed breed dogs and, in our experience, have found no other breed that matches the American Pit Bull Terrier for stability, human friendliness and work drive. But most importantly, when you are out in the middle of a cold and rainy night looking for a missing Alzheimer’s patient or a missing child, you want a dog that will go anywhere, do anything, and won't quit!
The characteristics of a sound American Pit Bull Terrier compliments our individual search style, which has been an extremely successful handler/canine partnership as is evident by Dakota and Tahoe's work. Dakota has been deployed on over 200 search missions including such high profile searches as the Laci Peterson search effort and the search for American heroes--Dakota, and her handler/trainer Kristine, were hand-picked by FEMA and NASA for the elite team tasked to search for the remains of the seven astronauts that lost their lives in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Dakota has received numerous awards for her work including a Certificate of Appreciation from the FBI and a letter from the Governor of California stating that she 'demonstrates the true strength of California and represents the best of the Golden State'.
Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster Anniversary Memorial
"A Tribute To SAR Dogs"
You will need sound to view this tribute.
"A Journey To The Heavens"
A tribute to the Columbia 7. You will need sound to view this tribute.
Search and Rescue (SAR) Dog Informational Links
Search and Rescue Related Links ks
Tahoe
Finney Search - 2005
Kris & Dakota
Mount Baldy Search - 2004
Kris & Dakota and the DOJ
San Benito pot farm body search - 2003
Kris & Dakota - Blackhawk Buzzard Brigade
Space Shuttle Columbia search effort - 2003
