Here's an interesting quote from http://www.uwsp.edu/psych/dog/LA/distano2.htm

BEGIN "JD: Jon, do you ever see the AB being involved in law enforcement?

JN: I think the AB could excel at any task that is put in front of them with proper training. But, when it comes to law enforcement I don't think this dog should be used. Not so much as for ability, but there are many variables. Just to name a few, most K9 handlers are inexperienced with dogs, and rarely have the opportunity to work with the bull breeds. A visual deterrent is important in any protection aspect. The general public is very uneducated with the bull breeds, and the last thing we want them to see is an officer showing up at a domestic dispute with his K9 partner resembling a dog that was on the six o'clock news. On top of this, most law enforcement trainers have more luck with the more traditional working breeds. As animal aggression is an important factor, it is much simpler to stick with breeds that are more tolerant to other animals. I do however, see them being used for more specialized operations like tactical units, SWAT, and private security. The general public doesn't always hear of these operations and how they are being conducted.

JD:It seems like the GSD is an easier choice. Can you tell us why you switched from GSD's to AB's?

JN: I didn't exactly switch from one to another, I always keep some good GSD's, and probably always will. I feel that the GSD is a fine dog for any working field, but what attracted me to the AB is the amount of pressure this dog can take. I don't just mean in the protection field, but over all. We must look at the breeds' history, stability and performance. This is very important to people who own this breed. This breed was bred to endure rigorous environmental conditions as well as to be a discretionary protector with minimal training. This is probably the only breed that for centuries was called upon to perform any task that is required of our modern day working dog, only without the extended training we put into our modern day working dogs. Although this breed has declined in quality over the past few years, with a little bit of research by the right individual, you will still be able to obtain companion and a partner that you will not be disappointed with. " END

I still think that Bulldog/Pit Bulls will begin showing up in SWAT/Military applications in the near future. They are already showing up more and more frequently in PP trials. There are breeders working towards a common goal geared towards bite work, finding a solid working pit bull is becoming easier and easier if you know where to look.

I am from Utah and I have not heard of any SWAT team using the AB, though I may not have heard it yet. The magic 8 ball I use says:

Signs point to no....

I did notice on K9 boot camp that there was one Pit/Malinois mix that was certified as a MWD. However, it did posess many of the Malinois characteristics. Kind of an uglg looking thing.....looked like an ogre.....

I just contacted Utah POST and no one really could tell me about an AB being using in a SWAT setting. Wendell Nope is the best person to answer that question, but is out of the office until tomorrow.........

Max,
Again lets see facts of the matter not a trainers opinion of the matter. I read the article and it seems the only person who made the statements is not a know LEO K9 trainer. The LEO K9 trainer interview along with whomever this is spoke of GSDs and nothing else.

Because someone makes a comment in a interview doesn't mean it's true or correct. It mayjust be their opinion but what is it based on?

I'll do some checking and see if anyone in Utah has a SWAT certified AB or APBT.

Please provide us with fact and not a "I think they can do it, or you will see it one day..."

Drew...you beat me to it..I was just going to email him..LOL...I'd pretty much say the chances are slim to..NONE!

Utah County offers a SWAT Certificate, but Utah POST does not. This is according to a POST certified K9 judge. He stated it may have changed since he went through, but says even if it has, the chances are slim that an AB has been certified.

He stated as far as he knows Utah County primarily certifies Malinois', though some GSDs. He does not know of any AB being certified. UDOC also certifies SWAT dogs, but again he does not know of any AB that is being used. Hope that helps.

JD:It seems like the GSD is an easier choice. Can you tell us why you switched from GSD's to AB's?


Taken from that same debate, I am impressed with the Am Bulldog amazingly determined and strong dog, alot stronger then the GSD.

Am Bull Dog vs GSD
But which dog could be the Ultimate working Dog if such a animal exist, as strong and as powerful as the Am bull dog is the GSD was decided on. Amazing!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Even out gunned, the GSD always seem to always win these debates, is it history or statistics. Or just the right combination of whatever its takes. Kinda like the Sugar Ray Robinson of dogs pound for pound the best ever.

I guess there needs to be clarification on Utah Post info.
Since I'm an adjunct instructor for Patrol dogs and SWAT (TDD) I will try to not be incorrect. Since I'm out of state I might be behind the curve.
In the spring there historically has been a POST certification week in which dogs could certify in patrol and SWAT Tasks under post guidelines receiveing post certifications. My department has frequented these events as part of our K-9 programs documentation eventhough Utah certs are for Utah departments they would carry considerable weight in demonstrating proficiency.
Individual skills can be tested for from a battery of tactical applications.
Utah county also runs a seminar doing the same thing within the seminar. The certification are Utah Post certs.
A number of years ago I did see an American Bulldog at Utah Post's certification week, I do not remember having evaluated him and his handler in whatever event I was judging that year. I do not know in what he tested or completed successfully.

Kevin, the gentleman I spoke to did his SWAT certification with Utah County and that was a few years back. He did mention the Utah County seminar in the Spring time, but wasn't sure about Utah POST actually offering a certificate. It is quite likely that you are correct in stating Utah POST does offer the certification as well as Utah County. He said it may have changed over the past few years. When you say SWAT tasks, is there a distinction between SWAT tasks certification and a general SWAT certification. In other words, does the Utah County certification cover more topics than the Utah POST certificate even though it is under the guidelines set by POST?