Not a Game

SAR dogs must be strong and they must be smart. Most of all, they must love to play. This is because hard work and active play may seem like the same thing to the dogs. For SAR dogs, looking for missing people may seem like a game of hide-and-seek. But to people, it is not a game. It is a matter of life and death. In times like these, dogs make the best detectives.

photograph of a black Labrador retriever dog photograph of a Border Collie search and rescue dog German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, and Border collies make good SAR dogs.

German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, and Border collies make good SAR dogs.

In Other Words

  • a matter of life and death very, very important

Before You Move On

  • 1. Note Details Name three types of emergencies in which SAR dogs have helped people.

  • 2. Cause and Effect Why do SAR dogs work hard?