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.

First found as natural sheepdogs inhabiting the countryside of The Netherlands, Dutch Shepherds were used by farmers to prevent flocks of sheep from coming near the crops and to keep hens away from a kitchen garden at the farm. The original breed standard, established in 1898, allowed these shepherd dogs to have any coat color. However, in 1914, brindle was accepted as the standard color to distinguish it from Belgian and German Shepherds.

Gifted with the real sheepdog disposition, the Dutch Shepherd is characterized by loyalty, reliability, and watchfulness. Known for being an active working dog, it can perform any task independently. Loving, faithful, and willing by nature, it makes an excellent companion for its handler and family. It does not display any signs of fear, shyness, or viciousness when subjected to unprovoked attacks.


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.