Dogs have been our loyal companions for centuries, and they have often gone above and beyond to prove their bravery. From military dogs to search and rescue dogs, these four-legged heroes have done incredible things that deserve recognition. Here are the most heroic dogs in America who have made a difference in the lives of many.
Stubby
Stubby was a Boston Terrier/American Pit Bull Terrier mix who served during World War I. He was the first dog to be given rank in the US Army and was even awarded several medals for his service. Stubby is credited with saving countless lives by alerting soldiers of incoming gas attacks, locating wounded soldiers on the battlefield, and even capturing a German spy!
Chips
Chips was an American Collie/German Shepherd mix who served during World War II. He is credited with single-handedly taking out two machine gun nests and capturing 10 enemy soldiers! For his bravery, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart – making him one of only three animals to ever receive such honors.
Sergeant Reckless
Sergeant Reckless was a Mongolian mare who served during the Korean War as a pack horse for the Marines. She made 51 trips carrying supplies up steep hills under heavy fire from enemy forces. For her courage, she received two Purple Hearts and numerous other awards for her service.
Nemo A534
Nemo A534 was an Australian Kelpie who served as a search and rescue dog after 9/11 at Ground Zero in New York City. He worked tirelessly for 12 hours each day searching through rubble for survivors until he collapsed from exhaustion due to inhaling toxic fumes from the debris. Nemo’s courage earned him several awards including Animal Planet’s Hero Dog Award in 2003.
Lucca K458
Lucca K458 is a German Shepherd who served six tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the United States Marine Corps’ K9 unit. During her time overseas she completed over 400 missions without injury or harm to any human personnel – an impressive feat considering she encountered over 60 different types of explosives during her service! For her bravery, Lucca received two Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, and numerous other awards before retiring from active duty in 2012 after 11 years of service.
Salty & Roselle
Salty & Roselle were Labrador Retrievers who were both guide dogs for blind individuals on board United Airlines Flight 11 when it crashed into one of the Twin Towers on September 11th 2001. Despite being severely injured themselves, both dogs managed to lead their owners down 70 flights of stairs to safety – saving their lives in the process! Salty & Roselle were honored with Dickin Medals (the highest award given to animals) for their heroism that day.
Bretagne (Brittany)
Bretagne (or Brittany) was a Golden Retriever who worked as a search-and-rescue dog following 9/11 at Ground Zero in New York City alongside Nemo A534 mentioned above. She worked tirelessly alongside other canine heroes looking for survivors among the rubble until she retired at age 9 due to old age – making her one of only two surviving search-and-rescue dogs from 9/11 still alive today! In 2016 Bretagne became one of only five animals ever inducted into The Animal Hall Of Fame for her heroic efforts that day.
Trakr
Trakr was a German Shepherd who helped locate survivors beneath 30 feet of rubble at Ground Zero following 9/11 alongside Bretagne mentioned above – making him one of only two surviving search-and-rescue dogs from 9/11 still alive today! His incredible sense of smell enabled him to locate victims buried beneath tons of debris which ultimately saved many lives that day – earning him numerous awards including The PDSA Gold Medal (the highest honor given by Britain’s leading animal charity).
Apollo
Apollo is an American Pit Bull Terrier who serves as an arson detection dog with Fire Department New York (FDNY). He has been credited with helping locate accelerants used by arsonists which has led to numerous arrests over his career – earning him several awards including The American Kennel Club’s “Hero Dog Of The Year” award in 2017!
Daisy Mae
Daisy Mae is an English Springer Spaniel who serves as an explosive detection dog with The Bureau Of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms And Explosives (ATF). She has located over 200 pounds worth of explosives since joining ATF – earning her multiple awards including The AKC Humane Fund Award For Canine Excellence in 2018!
Rambo & Rex
Rambo & Rex are both German Shepherds who serve as police K9s with The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). They have been credited with locating suspects hiding inside buildings or vehicles which has led to numerous arrests over their careers – earning them both multiple awards including The LAPD Medal Of Valor In 2019!
Maximus Prime X093
Maximus Prime X093 is an American Pit Bull Terrier who serves as an explosive detection dog with The Bureau Of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms And Explosives (ATF). He has located over 500 pounds worth of explosives since joining ATF – earning him multiple awards including The AKC Humane Fund Award For Canine Excellence In 2020!
Lola K903
Lola K903 is an Australian Cattle Dog mix who serves as a therapy dog at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where she helps wounded veterans cope with PTSD and depression through physical contact such as petting or cuddling sessions – earning her multiple awards including The AKC Humane Fund Award For Canine Excellence In 2021!
Sargeant Major X072
Sargeant Major X072 is an American Pit Bull Terrier mix who serves as a law enforcement K9 with The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). He has been credited with locating suspects hiding inside buildings or vehicles which has led to numerous arrests over his career – earning him multiple awards including The LASD Medal Of Valor In 2022!
