meet japan’s newest police dog — all 3 kg (6.6 lb) of her.
in what is a first for japan and the world, a long-haired deer head chihuahua named “momo” – “peach” – passed exams to become a police dog in the western japanese prefecture of nara.
the brown-and-white, perky momo was one of 32 successful candidates out of 70 dogs, passing a search and rescue test by finding a person in five minutes after merely sniffing their cap.
“any breed of dog can be entered to become a police dog in the search and rescue division,” said a nara police spokesman.
but he admitted that the news may still come as a surprise to many.
“it’s quite unusual,” he said.
television footage showed the 7-year-old momo bounding across grass or sitting proudly, long hair blowing in the breeze.
momo will be used for rescue operations in case of disasters such as earthquakes, in the hope that she may be able to squeeze her tiny frame into places too narrow for more usual rescue dogs, which tend to be german shepherds.
the public response to the news of momo’s selection took police by surprise, the spokesman said, adding: “the phone’s been ringing all afternoon.”
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famous chihuahua fashion pick for momo the chihuahua: our pink quilted dog coat with a hood – perfect for those chillier days. practical and fashionable in girly pink trimmed with a black elasticized ribbed hem for a nice neat fit with two black buttons on the outside faux pockets. the soft fleece lining will always keep little momo snug and warm.
we want to know what all of our readers think of a chihuahua becoming a police dog! share your comments on this below or at the famous chihuahua facebook fan page, the fastest growing chihuahua community on the web!
reference: reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6AI1EE20101119
reporting by elaine lies; editing by paul casciato
