German shepherds, Labrador retrievers and bloodhounds are the macho breeds that most North American police departments use in their K-9 units. An innovative sheriff in the Midwest has tried out a new idea. He believes good police dog work can be done by small dogs too. Midge, a 9-month old, 8-pound Chihuahua/rat terrier mix, has become the world's smallest drug sniffing dog. A typical police dog would be Midge's partner in crimefighting, Brutus, a massive German shepherd. McClelland began training Midge to sniff out marijuana when she was 3 months old. She is still learning but she has just passed her test and has received her certification as a real K-9 drug detector in the state of Ohio."We knew," McClelland says, "that, with the type of dog she is and with her size, she was never going to do crowd control, and she's not going to strike terror in the hearts of men, so we decided to make her a social dog." McClellan says he's confident that Midge is more than just a novelty and that she, and other little dogs, will grow to be valuable members of law enforcement teams. Says McClellan: "I believe there's no reason why a small dog can't be as effective as a big dog. She searches big rooms, like a big dog. Her advantage comes in going in small places. … I think we might be onto something.' Midge is being trained as a so-called "single purpose" dog, specialising in sniffing out drugs, unlike bigger dogs, such as Brutus, which are also used for crowd control and catching criminals.The 8-pound Chihuahua/rat terrier mix has now set the world record as the smallest drug dog on the planet. The Guinness Book of World Records sent the Sheriff's Department the certificate to recognise this achievement. Midge has become so popular that she frequently appears in magazines and newspapers. Not just in the US but worldwide. Some of her fans even send her gifts like a camouflage vest, hand painted portraits, and scarves.
Midge is a star and fan mail can be sent to: midge@co.geauga.oh.us
Midge is a star and fan mail can be sent to: midge@co.geauga.oh.us
I shall write to her and let's see what happens. Watch this space!
7 comments:
At least she's not sniffing cocaine
Hoorah! Finally, a use for small dogs. Not that I'm biased or anything.
That is so cute. I am sure she wouldn't appreciate being known as cute, however!
Crystal xx
She looks like a great dog. Useful, energetic, inquisitive, intelligent.. do you have her phone number?
That sounds like a great idea. Little dogs often have very big hearts. I hope this works out well.
good for midge! Do keep us posted, ED.
Clever Midge! I will watch with interest!
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