Canine Unit

Established in 1960, the Calgary Police Service Canine Teams play a vital role in law enforcement. Police dogs assist in apprehending individuals involved in serious criminal offences and are trained to locate evidence such as weapons, clothing, drugs, explosives and human remains. Their highly refined sense of smell gives officers an advantage in locating suspects and items related to crime.  

The Canine Teams currently consist of 23 dogs, each serving in roles ranging from general patrol to specialized detection. The breeds most commonly used in Calgary include:

• German shepherds
• Belgian Malinois
• Labrador retrievers

These breeds are selected for their sense of smell, tireless work ethic, and social temperament.

Each year, CPS dogs attend approximately 5,000 calls and contribute directly to the apprehension of around 500 suspects. 

Canine officers live with their handlers, who must provide secure kennels at home. While many dogs integrate into the handler’s family life, they are never considered pets. The CPS also maintains a kennel facility for use when handlers are on vacation.

When a dog retires from the CPS:

• They are typically sold to their handler
• If the handler cannot keep the dog, the dog may be placed with a family member or close friend who is familiar with them
• The CPS does not sell retired dogs to the public

If a dog is killed in the line of duty, a memorial service is held in their honour. Representatives from across Canada and the United States attend these ceremonies. The fallen canine is commemorated at:

• The Canadian Police Canine Memorial at the RCMP training centre in Innisfail, Alta.
• The Calgary Police Canine Memorial Park at the YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre

Canine Teams occasionally participate in public events and school visits to showcase their skills. To inquire about a visit, please contact the CPS Media Line at 403-428-7979 to determine availability and appropriateness.