4. German Shepherd
This noble herding breed is the darling of police departments the world over, and the second most popular dog in America. With approximately 225 million scent receptors, they tie the beagle for their number of scent gathering receptors. The GSD practices air-scent tracking rather than ground to find its quarry. German Shepherds are used for search and rescue to detect live victims and are used by military and airport security to detect explosives as well as drug enforcement agencies to detect drugs, all while adding more than a little fear factor for potential suspects.
An intelligent and versatile breed, German Shepherds excel at personal protection, schutzhund, herding, agility and obedience. Confident and somewhat aloof, they are not an aggressive breed by nature. However the GSD will stand his ground and defend himself or master with punishing force. They are considered a “one man breed,” fiercely loyal to their main caretaker. They are good with children, once a relationship has been established.
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