These adorable puppies may look cute and cuddly now but they will soon be helping to bring down some of the toughest criminals in Britain.
The seven-week-old Springer-Cocker Spaniel cross pups – known as Sprockers – are to be trained as the next generation of crime fighting canines by West Midlands Police
The three boys and three girls were born into the forces ‘T-litter’ on August 19 and are named Trev, Ted, Tyler, Topsey, Trotter and Turvey.
They are now looking for members of the public to take them in and look after them until they are 12-months-old.
After a year they will then be trained for eight weeks to become specialist search dogs or sniffers dogs – to hunt out explosives and drugs.
First litter
The cute pups are the first ever Sprocker litter to be born into the dog breeding programme of the West Midlands Police based in Balsall Common, Birmingham,
Dave Raymond, breed scheme manager at the force’s dog unit, said: “All the pups are doing really well – they’re healthy and Olympia is a fantastic first-time mum.
“What we’re trying to achieve in breeding Sprockers is to bring out certain temperaments in each of the breeds.
“Our Springer Spaniels tend to be a little bit gamey, meaning they like to chase birds, but the Cockers can be quite responsive so we’re hoping we can create the ideal search dogs by combining the two.
“We’ve had Sprockers donated to us before and the ones we’ve got work very well and have a great nose on them.”
Puppy walkers are said to be vital to the training school as they help orientate the dogs for the next 12 months allowing them to experience living in a home, socialising with people and other animals.
Mr Raymond added: “After their time with the puppy walkers, they’ll go on an eight-week course to develop their search instincts.
“They’ll complete searches in buildings, streets, open spaces and vehicles with a view to becoming either a drugs sniffer dog or specialist search dog, depending on what they show an aptitude for.
“But for now, it’s important they’re just allowed to be pups and have fun developing in a happy environment, without any fears.
“Anyone over 18, who would normally be at home during the day to look after the pups can apply.
“We’re also looking for puppy walkers as we’re quite low on numbers at the moment and could really do with some more volunteers.”
Anybody interested in taking in one the pups can get in touch by tweeting West Midlands Police or emailing breedscheme@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.
