This Memorial Day, remember the dogs of war
When Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941,the United States inventory of military working dogs consisted of only 90 Siberian Huskies and Malamutes. These dogs were used as pack and sled dogs for rescue in areas of the world where motorized equipment could not go. In 1942 “Dogs for Defense” began a modern military dog-training program that would supply the demand for man ‘s Best Friend” for combat units and security in the European and Pacific theaters of WWII. Over 42 breeds of dogs were originally accepted for training, but by the summer of 1942 only seven breeds were suitable for combat situations based on intelligence and agility: Siberian Huskies, Malamutes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, Collies, Belgian Sheepdogs and Alaskan sled dogs.