Meet King: the next generation of mine detection dogs saving lives around the world

In a collaboration to support global humanitarian demining efforts, we are proud to introduce King, a 12-month-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois and one of the newest canine heroes in training to become a Mine Detection Dog (MDD).  

King has already started his 18-month journey of specialized training at the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) Global Training Centre for Mine Detection Dogs, a leading facility based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The centre prepares dog handler teams for humanitarian mine action work in some of the world’s most mine-contaminated countries.

“We're proud to support King and the entire NPA team in the lifesaving work they do every day. The mine detection dogs are superheroes, working to restore safety and hope for communities living in the shadows of conflict. We hope sharing this story inspires others to support the NPA and their vital work." - Tonje Wahl Evensen, CEO of Non-stop dogwear

Once he completes his training, King will join NPA's mine action operations where mine detection dogs are already deployed in various countries including Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, Iraq, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Globally, more than 60 countries and territories remain contaminated with landmines and explosive remnants of war, continuing to endanger civilians and preventing communities from accessing essential infrastructure including homes, farmland, roads, and schools. In 2023 alone, over 5,500 people were killed or injured by landmines or explosive remnants of war, according to the Landmine Monitor.

The NPA’s mine detection dog program is one of the most effective and efficient tools for clearing land safely, especially in environments where mechanical clearance is difficult or impossible.

• Trained dogs like King are an integral part of this program, as they can detect explosives much faster and more accurately than traditional methods.
• They can detect trace explosive particles down to nanogram levels, one-billionth of a gram.
• They can find landmines buried more than a meter deep, including those that have been underground for over 50 years.

 

Once fully operational, a single dog can safely search up to 1,000 square meters of land per day, nearly 20 times faster than a manual deminer using a metal detector.

Belgian Shepherds like King, are also ideally suited for this work. They are a breed known for their intelligence, loyalty, and drive – qualities that are essential for the environments MDDs operate in.

Through our partnership with NPA, we are equipping mine detection dogs with our advanced gear that is designed to ensure both performance and protection in challenging terrain and conditions.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Non-stop dogwear. Their support in our 'Hire a Mine Detection Dog' project is invaluable.  Together, we are making significant strides in creating safer environments and saving lives." - Kristin Molnes, Senior Marketing Advisor at NPA

The NPA Global Training Centre plays a key role in improving demining efficiency worldwide by not only preparing dogs and handlers for deployment, but also supporting global demining initiatives by sharing expertise, research, and operational standards.

Find out more about NPA’s Mine Detection Dog Program and how you can support this life-saving work:

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