~480 BC – PeritasAlexander the Great’s war dog, known as Peritas, reportedly saved his master from an elephant attack during battle. Dogs were used in warfare even in ancient Macedonian and Roman armies.
1917 – Sergeant Stubby (World War I)Breed: Bull Terrier mix
Role: War dog, mascot of the 102nd Infantry Regiment (U.S.)
Heroic Acts: Warned troops of gas attacks, located wounded soldiers, and even caught a German spy!
First dog to be given rank of Sergeant in U.S. military history.
1943 – Chips (World War II)Breed: German Shepherd-Collie-Husky mix
Role: Sentry and attack dog
Heroic Acts: Took down a machine gun nest in Italy, leading to the capture of enemy soldiers.
Awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart (later revoked due to military policy on animals).
1941 – Gander (World War II, Canada)Breed: Newfoundland
Role: Mascot turned war hero
Heroic Acts: Fought alongside the Royal Rifles of Canada in Hong Kong; sacrificed his life by carrying a grenade away from troops.
Posthumously awarded the Dickin Medal in 2000.
2001 – Salty & Roselle (9/11, 2001)Breed: Labrador Retrievers
Role: Guide dogs
Heroic Acts: Both guided their blind owners safely down 70+ floors of the World Trade Center after the attacks, navigating through smoke and chaos without panic.
2004 – Appollo (NYPD Search and Rescue)Breed: German Shepherd
Role: Search & rescue dog
Heroic Acts: First K9 on scene at Ground Zero after 9/11. Helped search for survivors among the rubble.
Awarded the Dickin Medal and international honors for courage.
2020 – Kuno (British Military Hero)Breed: Belgian Malinois
Role: Military working dog
Heroic Acts: Charged enemy gunfire to save soldiers during an ambush in Afghanistan, sustaining serious injuries. Later fitted with a prosthetic paw.
Received the Dickin Medal in 2020.
2021 – Buster (RAF Detection Dog)Breed: Springer Spaniel
Role: Sniffer dog in Iraq and Afghanistan
Heroic Acts: Detected explosives that saved hundreds of lives.
Honored as the "RAF’s greatest military dog."
Ongoing – Ricochet (Service & Therapy Dog)Breed: Golden Retriever
Role: Surfing therapy dog for PTSD, autism, and veterans
Unique Trait: Surfs with humans to create emotional breakthroughs. Active in support work and awareness campaigns.
Ongoing – Frida (Mexico Earthquake Rescue)Breed: Labrador Retriever
Role: Rescue dog for the Mexican Navy
Heroic Acts: Located 12+ survivors in multiple earthquakes (notably 2017 Puebla quake).
Became a national symbol of hope and resilience
Honor Their LegacyThese dogs are more than legends—they represent the bravery, loyalty, and instincts that make dogs invaluable in human lives, whether in warzones, disaster zones, or daily life.