Size of SAR dogs?

**Lauri & The Gang** · 01-24-2010, 06:18 PM

I've always wondered if smaller dogs would be better suited for SAR situations like in Haiti - where they could maneuver the rubble better and get into more places than a larger dog.

Are there small (as in Crested sized) SAR dogs?

pinkanml · 01-24-2010, 06:26 PM

I've certainly seen/heard of Aussies and border collies being SAR dogs, don't see why a smaller dog couldn't. I think a JRT would be perfect for searching through earthquake rubble.

pupresq · 01-24-2010, 06:33 PM

I've wondered that myself. The smallest dog I've ever seen personally doing SAR was a very small Aussie (like 20lbs). She was an HRD dog.

Does the Mighty Mite forum have any members with working SAR dogs?

Chicagocanine · 01-24-2010, 06:42 PM

I have heard of small terriers like Jack Russells being used for SAR.

Here is an American Hairless Terrier SAR dog:
http://www.ahts.ca/scooby.htm

AHTs are a hairless version of the Rat Terrier. I was interested in doing SAR or detection work with my Rat Terrier... He was very agile and good at scenting but then he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. I can see how they would be good for this type of work due to their agility and balance.

DianaM · 01-24-2010, 07:01 PM

I would be worried about a hairless dog- they don't have the protection that a coated dog has and I'd be concerned about the dog getting scraped up, especially in urban rescue.

But then again I am NOT a SAR person but it makes sense to me.

FuryanGoddess · 01-24-2010, 07:03 PM

On another note, there was another earthquake today in Haiti. It's a 4.3 or something close to that.

Poor people!

Minnieski · 01-24-2010, 07:39 PM

In our local SAR group there is an area search dog that can't be more than 15 pounds. He was a rescue and he's awesome (crazy energy put to use!).

3K9Mom · 01-24-2010, 07:40 PM

My 11 inch, 18 lb beagle has been taking tracking lessons for months, and is a natural. She is (most likely) starting too late for SAR. But she has a killer work ethic and worked multiple surfaces her first time out.

Beagles have that nose after all...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHVoE_V0G4o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xhHZS2X4tc

(Someone -- I think it was Nancy -- posted for me additional links to videos of a woman in San Diego who has been doing SAR with beagles for years.)

Eleven inch beagles would a great choice because they're small and don't weigh much, but still sturdy like their bigger 13 inch counterparts. Even appropriately sized 13" beagles shouldn't weigh more than about 25 lbs.

**ladylaw203** · 01-24-2010, 07:55 PM

Agility is very important. High drive and rock solid nerves are the most important traits.

**jocoyn** · 01-25-2010, 07:15 AM

I have struggled with that one myself. I can see pros and cons to working a small RUGGED dog....

01-24-2010, 06:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lauri & The Gang Moderator Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: SouthEastern WI Posts: 12,525	Size of SAR dogs? I've always wondered if smaller dogs would be better suited for SAR situations like in Haiti - where they could maneuver the rubble better and get into more places than a larger dog. Are there small (as in Crested sized) SAR dogs? __________________ Lauri & The Raw Fed Gang Raw Dog Ranch Tazer HIC CGC – Cocker Winnie CGC - Corgi Mix Chimanes Spice it Up Piquin (Kaynya) - Chinese Crested Sasha - GSD mix Nator von Triton HIC CGC (Mauser) - LC GSD Piquins Some Like it Hot (Spike) – Chinese Crested Piquins Too Hot To Handle - Fuego (Chinese Crested)

01-24-2010, 06:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
pinkanml Master Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 818	Re: Size of SAR dogs? I've certainly seen/heard of Aussies and border collies being SAR dogs, don't see why a smaller dog couldn't. I think a JRT would be perfect for searching through earthquake rubble. __________________ Jessica Nico - 3 y.o Shiloh Shepherd, CGC http://www.dogster.com/dogs/682112 Sasha - 6 y.o adopted GSD http://www.dogster.com/dogs/682131 Mojo & Neo - ferrets Roxy, Tater & Max - adopted kitties

01-24-2010, 06:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
pupresq Crowned Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 5,485	Re: Size of SAR dogs? I've wondered that myself. The smallest dog I've ever seen personally doing SAR was a very small Aussie (like 20lbs). She was an HRD dog. Does the Mighty Mite forum have any members with working SAR dogs? __________________ http://www.brighterdaysforshelters.com Grace GSD Leo GSD

01-24-2010, 06:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chicagocanine Crowned Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 5,518	Re: Size of SAR dogs? I have heard of small terriers like Jack Russells being used for SAR. Here is an American Hairless Terrier SAR dog: http://www.ahts.ca/scooby.htm AHTs are a hairless version of the Rat Terrier. I was interested in doing SAR or detection work with my Rat Terrier... He was very agile and good at scenting but then he was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. I can see how they would be good for this type of work due to their agility and balance. __________________ Chicago Canine Bianca HIC CGC TT (GSD)

01-24-2010, 07:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
DianaM Crowned Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 10,098	Re: Size of SAR dogs? I would be worried about a hairless dog- they don't have the protection that a coated dog has and I'd be concerned about the dog getting scraped up, especially in urban rescue. But then again I am NOT a SAR person but it makes sense to me. __________________ Renji - 6 y/o M GSD x chow rescue Training @ The Canine Center - St Cloud, FL "German shepherd dog breeding is working dog breeding or it is not German shepherd dog breeding." -v. Stephanitz

01-24-2010, 07:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
FuryanGoddess Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: PA Posts: 1,298	Re: Size of SAR dogs? On another note, there was another earthquake today in Haiti. It's a 4.3 or something close to that. Poor people! __________________ Zeva Female GSD 10/02/2009 http://www.dogster.com/dogs/1090361 Waiting at the Bridge: Buddy ~ GSD/Husky mix 1/00 Sadie ~ GSD 10/05 Lady ~ GSD 5/09 Pepper ~ Beagle 12/09

01-24-2010, 07:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
Minnieski Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,022	Re: Size of SAR dogs? In our local SAR group there is an area search dog that can't be more than 15 pounds. He was a rescue and he's awesome (crazy energy put to use!). __________________ Minnie - CGC Tanner

01-24-2010, 07:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
3K9Mom Crowned Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 7,575	Re: Size of SAR dogs? My 11 inch, 18 lb beagle has been taking tracking lessons for months, and is a natural. She is (most likely) starting too late for SAR. But she has a killer work ethic and worked multiple surfaces her first time out. Beagles have that nose after all... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHVoE_V0G4o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xhHZS2X4tc (Someone -- I think it was Nancy -- posted for me additional links to videos of a woman in San Diego who has been doing SAR with beagles for years.) Eleven inch beagles would a great choice because they're small and don't weigh much, but still sturdy like their bigger 13 inch counterparts. Even appropriately sized 13" beagles shouldn't weigh more than about 25 lbs.

01-24-2010, 07:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
ladylaw203 Moderator Join Date: May 2001 Location: Beaumont,Texas Posts: 4,752	Re: Size of SAR dogs? Agility is very important. High drive and rock solid nerves are the most important traits. __________________ Renee Utley Port Authority Police KaroSkocickaSamotaZM,ZOP,ZPU,FPR,FPR,ZVV1,ZZZ,ZZP, RHE,ZM TART, IRO titled SAR dog ZVV1 Gabbi Mariko Bohemia ZVV1 Jessy Vikar www.nndda.org, Certifying official http://www.voneintzeshepherds.com

01-25-2010, 07:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
jocoyn Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South Carolina Posts: 8,052	Re: Size of SAR dogs? I have struggled with that one myself. I can see pros and cons to working a small RUGGED dog.... __________________ Nancy www.scsarda.org Grim (Grimmy Bear) & Beau (Bo-dee man) Waiting at the Bridge: Cyra, Toby, Rainbow, Linus, Oscar, Arlo & Waggles

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