ABOUT US

The Sheriff’s K-9 Unit was established in 1967. It has a total of 26 dogs. They are trained in protection, article searches, tracking suspects or evidence, as well as in drug detection. To become a K-9 Handler, a deputy must have at least two years of experience working in patrol, detentions or courts. Deputies must pass a rigorous physical fitness test because they should be able to carry and control the dog in various situations. Upon completion of a 12-week academy, handlers are required to attend 16 hours of training per month in tracking, narcotics or apprehension work depending on their K-9’s assignment. The deputy handler and K-9 are required to complete yearly certifications in each specialty. Handlers are responsible for the 24/7 care of K-9s.

A working dog wearing a sturdy collar looks to the side with its tongue out with brown and light brown furr.

WHAT WE DO

PATROL

My handler and I are a team. We respond to calls for service from our deputy partners whether it is finding a suspect or assisting during a SWAT standoff. I can sense when things are not quite right and alert my handler to the danger lurking ahead. To help a deputy fulfill his or her duty of keeping our communities safe, I will protect and defend my handler from potential attackers at all times.

A uniformed officer stands with a K-9 dog, both framed within a dog-shaped silhouette.

DETECTION

I am able to pick up on important clues and materials people are not able to detect. I can sniff out hidden drugs and items of evidence in a crime that could generate leads in a case or assist detectives in their investigation.

A black working dog wearing a harness inspects equipment while standing on a concrete surface, framed within a dog-shaped silhouette.

TRACKING

My superior sense of smell helps me to search a designated area faster and more thoroughly. My agility helps me crawl into tight spaces to find hiding spots for suspects. This keeps my handlers from walking into a possible ambush.

A working dog on a leash investigates a large metal structure, shown within a dog‑shaped silhouette.

EXPLOSIVES DETECTION

Some of us are highly trained to help our handlers find explosives and firearms-related evidence. As regional resource, we help keep the whole county safe. Our nose is a major asset in securing crowded events, transportation hubs, buildings, and other public places.

A working dog on a leash sniffs the ground near grass and a metal grate, shown within a dog‑shaped silhouette.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

We always welcome opportunities to meet the people we serve. My partner and I visit schools and attend community events to explain our unique bond, training, job responsibilities and answer frequently asked questions. As a professional working service dog, I do not attend parties or private functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I touch, pet or feed your dog?

No. As with any dog, you must absolutely ask the handler before approaching. If you see a dog wearing a harness, vest or cape, assume it is working. Our K-9s are not family pets. When you see a Sheriff's K-9 out and about, assume it is working and on-duty to keep its deputy handler safe. By approaching, petting or trying to offer food to a K-9, you're detracting the dog from its ability to give its full attention to the task at hand and keeping its handler safe. This interference without the handler's permission could lead to a potentially dangerous situation. Any dog will react defensively when approached improperly.

Where do K-9s live?

A handler is responsible for the 24/7 feeding, bathing, grooming, training and veterinary care of the dog.

How old are the dogs when they start training?

Typically we acquire dogs between one to two years old. They're beyond the puppy stage and we can train the dog from the start without any prior habits. Fully grown, the dogs weigh between 80 to 100 pounds so a handler needs to be in great physical shape.

How long does it take to train the dogs?

Initially, the handlers and their dogs train for 12 weeks at a facility in Miramar. If they pass the test and are certified, they are cleared for active duty. Training never ends. Deputy and K-9 Teams are required to meet 16 hours of training per month to meet performance standards by the North American Police Work Dog Association and the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Do you prefer a certain breed?

We look at the characteristics, drive and temperament of candidate dogs. German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are working breeds known for their intelligence, alertness, obedience, agility, loyalty, enthusiasm and alertness. They can easily adapt to different environments making them well-suited for law enforcement work.

How long can K-9s work?

Depending on their physical health, most K-9s can work an average of 10 years. Some dogs remain healthy and can work beyond that point. It depends on the physical condition of the dog and their continued willingness to work. Early retirement could happen if there is a physical limitation or injury in the line of duty.

What happens to the dog when it is too old to work?

The dog is retired and given to the handler to keep it as part of the family. If the dog is handled by more than one deputy during its career, it will retire with the last deputy it worked with.

Do you have bomb sniffing dogs?

Yes. The Sheriff's Office currently has four explosives detection K-9s. These dogs undergo an intensive 10-week training program where they learn to identify a wide range of explosives and firearms-related compounds and materials. To keep their skills sharp, they participate in continuous drills and exercises in accordance with the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards Training or POST. They deploy anywhere in the county ensuring public safety.

Before July 2024, the Sheriff's Office received assistance from the bomb-sniffing dogs of the FBI and ATF, as well as San Diego, Harbor and Cal State San Marcos Police Departments. Response was based on the location of the call in the county.

How is a dog able to smell better than humans?

A dog's sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times better than ours. While humans have six million receptors in their noses to analyze smells, dogs have a staggering 300 million receptors. To visualize this disparity, a dog can detect a teaspoon of sugar in water enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools or one dirty sock in a pile of two million clean ones.

How much do the dogs cost?

Each dog could cost up to $15,000. We have been fortunate to receive donations through the Honorary Deputy Sheriff's Association.

How can I support the Sheriff's K-9 Unit?

Donations to the Sheriff's K-9 Unit can be made through the Honorary Deputy Sheriff's Association or HDSA.

Deputies and their K-9 partners encounter the most dangerous of circumstances to stop crimes, as well as find drugs and weapons that would otherwise enter the community. K-9 Teams have a valuable impact in keeping you and your families safe.

2,300

CALLS FOR SERVICE

2,600

POUNDS OF ILLEGAL DRUGS SEIZED

$6

MILLION IN CASH SEIZED

2020 Sheriff’s K-9 Unit figures, this does not reflect every year

SHERIFF'S K-9S

PATROL K-9S

A working dog with alert ears sits outdoors wearing a collar, with its mouth open and tongue extended.

ARGO

BOLT

A working dog with upright ears sits outdoors on grass, wearing a collar, with shrubs and leaves in the background.

CHIVAS

HERO

A close-up of a dog with upright ears, tan-and-black fur, and a long tongue extended outward. The dog is wearing a dark vest and collar, standing outdoors with a blurred ground surface in the background.

TANK

KEMO

Black and brown dog with a coller with ears up.

NIKE

A close-up of a dog with upright ears and short brown-and-black fur, shown outdoors on a bright day. The dog is wearing a collar and looking slightly to the side, with a blurred green grassy background behind.

PEDRO

A close-up of a dark‑colored dog with upright ears and a long tongue extended slightly outward. The dog is wearing a collar and is outdoors in a natural setting with blurred plants and distant hills in the background, lit by soft sunlight.

RICO

A close-up of a dog with large upright ears, a dark muzzle, and short brown-and-black fur. The dog is looking toward the camera with its mouth slightly open. The background shows dry vegetation and an outdoor setting.
JACK

Brown and black dog with tounge sticking out outside a park.
MAX

Ears up with Light brown and black with black coller.
ROCKY

Dog at park with black and dark brown furr
SPIKE

brown dog with tounge sticking out outside with veto.

VETO

DETENTION K-9S

A close-up of a black dog with short fur and a wide open mouth, showing the tongue extended outward. The dog is wearing a chain-style collar and is outdoors in front of tall green plants with small purple flowers.
AXE

A close-up of a light brown dog with short fur, a broad nose, and the tongue extended outward. The dog is wearing a collar and is outdoors on a paved surface with a softly blurred background.
BOOMER

A close-up of a dog with a dark brown head, long ears hanging down, and a spotted white-and-brown body. The dog is wearing a collar and leash and has its tongue extended outward. The background shows an outdoor path with greenery and sunlight.
BRUCE

A close-up of a dog with long, wiry black-and-gray fur and a large pink tongue extended outward. The dog is wearing a collar and leash, standing outdoors near a metal guardrail with a blurred background.
ODIN

A close-up photo of a dark brown dog sitting on a smooth concrete surface. The dog is looking toward the camera with the mouth open and the tongue slightly visible. The dog is wearing an orange collar, and small stones and a tan wall are visible in the background.
CEDAR

BENNY

EXPLOSIVES DETECTION K-9S

A light-colored dog wearing a collar is shown outdoors, with ears visible on each side and a textured ground surface in the background.
NALLA

A close-up of a light-colored dog with short fur, upright ears, and a wide open mouth with the tongue extended. The dog is wearing a collar and leash, standing outdoors near a tree with a softly blurred background.
DEXTER

A light-colored dog with short fur is shown outdoors, wearing a collar and leash. The dog is positioned in front of a tree trunk, with natural outdoor lighting and a blurred background.
BEAR

A light-brown dog with short fur is shown outdoors, wearing a collar and leash. The dog’s mouth is open with a long tongue extended, and the background includes a dark vehicle and a gravel surface.Provide your feedback on BizChat
ARCHER

INVESTIGATIONS K-9S

A light-colored dog is sitting outdoors on a paved path with green trees, grass, and shrubs in the background.
GROOVY

A close-up image of a light-colored dog looking toward the side. The dog has short fur, floppy ears, and is shown outdoors with a soft, natural background of greenery and muted colors.
CASH

A black dog with short fur is outdoors on a grassy area, wearing a chain-style collar and leash. The dog’s mouth is open slightly with the tongue visible, and a tree trunk and grass are in the softly blurred background.
BLUE

A brown dog with short fur is lying in the back of a pickup truck, wearing a collar. The dog’s mouth is open with the tongue visible. The background includes the truck bed, a dark tailgate, and metal equipment beside the dog.

MILO

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