Military working dogs have been used in the United States since the biblical times but it wasn't until World War I (1914-1918) when the United States Armed Forces officially trained and used the dogs in small quantities. These dogs, along with their volunteer handlers, were trained as scouts, trackers, sentry (guard dog), mine/booby-trap/tunnel/water detection of hostile forces.
America's first war dog was Stubby, a bull terrier, who participated in 17 battles on the Western Front. He became the most honored dog in WWI when he saved his regiment from a mustard gas attack. His handler was Corporal Robert Conroy of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. Stubby was also trained to locate and aid the wounded as well as find explosives. General John Pershing awarded Stubby a gold medal made by the Humane Society. Stubby was part of the inspiration to create the United States K9 Corps for World War II.
Another war dog, Rin Tin Tin, was a German Shepherd. He was abandoned and rescued U.S. Air Corporal Lee Duncan. He was brought to the United States where he became a movie star. He starred in 27 films some of which were The Lone Defender and The Lightning Warrior.
Another war dog, Rin Tin Tin, was a German Shepherd. He was abandoned and rescued U.S. Air Corporal Lee Duncan. He was brought to the United States where he became a movie star. He starred in 27 films some of which were The Lone Defender and The Lightning Warrior.