‘Best ever’ police dog Dutch retires after nine years of service

A hero police dog dubbed ‘the best ever’ by his handler is retiring after nine years of service.

Dutch protected PC Marc Richardson from violent offenders, saved people’s lives while on duty and even tackled a man armed with a crossbow during his time with North Yorkshire Police.

He helped officers detain a man who had barricaded himself inside a house with a handgun and helped track down hundreds of other suspects.

Dutch – named after his breed Dutch shepherd, was the force’s longest-serving general purpose dog.

PC Richardson said: ‘He has been my constant companion and I’m absolutely gutted he’ll no longer be by my side every day at work.

‘He’s been the most brave, fearless and loyal partner – always ready to work at a moment’s notice and on numerous occasions has protected me from potentially serious injury at the hands of violent offenders.

‘Out of work he’s the most chilled out, loving dog you would ever meet and a much-loved member of the family.’

He also made waves when a video of him jumping into the arms of his handler after two weeks apart went viral.

In the video, Dutch rushes over to PC Richardson and leaps into his arms upon the officer’s return from annual leave.

But after turning 10 earlier this year, the decision was made to retire him from service.

PC Richardson said: ‘He has saved the lives of at least two people who, without being found by Dutch, would have succumbed to the elements or the effects of an overdose.

‘Just last week he found an unconscious hypothermic missing person in dense undergrowth.

‘He’s an incredible police dog, maybe the best that I will ever work with and I’m so proud of everything he’s done in his time at North Yorkshire Police.’

Dutch has been with PC Richardson since he was just 18 months old and qualified as a General Purpose dog within weeks of his first birthday.

His first arrest as a police dog saw him detain a violent male who was throwing missiles at police officers from the window of a flat.

During his career he has also been trained to work as a Firearms Support Dog, Police Support Unit Dog and to fly in helicopters.

He is set to enjoy retirement at PC Richardson’s home, where the officer has instructed him to put his ‘paws up’.

Happy Retirement PD Dutch! Dutch has been an amazing police dog and servant to North Yorkshire Police and deserves a well earned retirement! Thank you Dutch! pic.twitter.com/1BtHFFop2h

— North Yorkshire K9 (@NYPDogSection) October 4, 2019

So we have just got home after your last shift big lad. Nearly a decade on the streets and 66 confirmed oooh ooooh ahhhh ouchies. You’ve been a complete and utter legend. The beast from the east. Paws up mate. Love you ???? @NYPDogSection pic.twitter.com/UIe42XhOO2

— Furry Exocet (@dutchiek9) October 4, 2019