Kanuk - a valuable police dog
Highly trained to follow commands even in stressful situations, Kanuk is a valuable member of the police team.
As a police dog, Kanuk participates in search and rescue, and pursues armed criminals resisting arrest. (First published in May 2020)
You might see Kanuk wearing a bulletproof vest. After all, a well-trained dog is an investment for any police force. Such dogs are worth thousands of dollars. For example, ShieldK9Dogs, an Ontario, Canada company, provides fully trained protection and police dogs. Their best dogs are sold for CAD$20,000.00 - $40,000.00.
Kanuk’s large nose can sniff a scent on the ground. This is useful for tracking missing people, and cadavers. However, he can also air scent to determine if a suspect has circled back, and is a potential threat to his handler.
Kanuk’s value is increased because he can respond to any number of situations such as helping find narcotics or explosives if need be.
In my portrait, Kanuk listens attentively for his master’s next command.
Kanuk lives with his human partner 24-7. Working in tandem, a dog/handler team such as Kanuk’s is a vital asset to a police department.
Why are German Shepherds suited to police work?
- Herding breed has physical strength and intelligence, qualities bred in the dog for hundreds of years
- Easily trained
- Loyal
The German Shepherd Dog Club of America says that the best in the breed is “approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand.”
Details of Kanuk's portrait.
Kanuk is an acrylic portrait painted on 9 x 12 watercolour paper. As I had leftover maple leaves printed last year with my Gelli plate, I used them in the background. Certainly, this highly trained working dog is a Canadian hero!
Thank you @dandrew at unsplash.com for the copyright free image used as reference to paint Kanuk.
To view another German Shepherd in my portfolio, see Hunter. Or read another service dog’s story: Nala, a most devoted companion to a Canadian war vet.
Other pet portraits painted recently.
Visit my Custom Pet Portraits page for information about having your own photos transformed into unique works of art. You will find a link to my price list on that page as well as testimonials.
Update: I am not accepting commissions at the present time; however, I will gladly add your name to my waiting for fall. First come, first served. Fall is already looking busy. If you are thinking ahead to Christmas, don't wait too long!
Contact me here with any questions or to book your own pet portrait. I would love to hear from you!
Wonderful painting! You have captured the fur so beautifully with your brush strokes, and especially the eyes, they are beautiful and alive. Such a great piece!
Thanks Liza.