Jack Russell terriers are the SAS ’s new secret weapon in the fight against global terrorism.
The pint-sized pups are being trained by the elite force to take on daring missions behind enemy lines.
They have been chosen because they are easy to train, tenacious and fast.
Their noses can detect ammunition and explosives as well as humans and food. A special forces source said: “They learn quickly and are very loyal.”
It is understood the pooches will be fitted with a harness to carry hi-tech cameras and recording equipment.
These will help identify enemy numbers and positions inside buildings.
The SAS has a canine unit that currently works with a much larger breed of dog called Belgian Malinois.
Commanders believe a small agile dog will add flexibility to operations.
The insider added: “Malinois are great but they are quite big and we have seen in Afghanistan and Syria that the enemy will often target the dog.
“The Jack Russell’s size makes it a much smaller target. They can cover the ground very quickly and are very easy to carry.”
The source said the dogs have been trained to conduct reconnaissance on houses, compounds and vehicles.
They added: “The dog’s amazing sense of smell means it can find explosives and mines. It will be able to pick up a trail and head directly towards the explosives, whether it’s a mine or a bomb factory and because they are so small they can get very close to the target.”
A two-year old Jack Russell named Patron has been working with Ukrainian authorities and has sniffed out almost 90 Russian explosives, mines and bombs.
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