The U.S. Postal Service today issued Forever stamps recognizing Military Working Dogs, the four-legged heroes of the nation’s military. Each block of four stamps features one of the canine breeds — German shepherd, Labrador retriever, Dutch shepherd, and Belgian Malinois — that commonly serve in America’s armed forces.

Brave and loyal military working dogs are essential members of America’s armed forces. Courageous canines have aided U.S. soldiers in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Today, the 341st Training Squadron, at Lackland Air Force Base just outside of San Antonio, TX, trains American military working dogs and their handlers. Dozens of dog breeds have served in the U.S. armed forces.

The German Shepherd is a breed of classic beauty and possesses superior intelligence. It is highly adaptable, energetic, curious, strong, and dependable. The breed displays a magnificent appearance and is extremely agile, with great stamina and endurance.

A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd is fearless, bold, hard working, and alert. They are known for their loyalty, deep devotion, and courage. This breed thrives on human interaction from their family and does not like to be left alone for extended periods of time. German Shepherds are exceptionally wary of strangers. They will most generally get along with other household pets they have been raised with. This breed will attempt to perform the task of herding on anything and everything that moves. The German Shepherd is not recommended for the novice, apathetic, or sedentary owner.


When military working dogs reach retirement age, they are usually adopted by their handlers or civilians. Across the country, there are memorials dedicated to these animals.