Nine Belgian Malinois puppies from Karnataka, village head to protect the nation. india news

Last updated:07 January, 2026, 15:10 IST

These dogs are trained to detect explosives, track suspects, guard sensitive installations and patrol difficult terrain. In many situations, they perform tasks where humans cannot.

On an ordinary day in Karwar, Karnataka, where the morning usually begins with the sound of temple bells and bicycles on narrow roads, something quietly powerful emerged. There were no banners, no big speeches, no television vans. Just a small gathering, a few officials and nine little puppies sitting in the shade, unaware that their lives were about to change forever.

By the end of that morning, those puppies will no longer belong exclusively to their breeder. They will belong to the nation.

Raghavendra Bhat, a dog breeder from Ankola taluk in Karwar district, stood with a simple smile as he handed over nine Belgian Malinois puppies to India’s security forces. This was not a grand ceremony. But for everyone in attendance, it was a moment that mattered.

From passion to purpose

Bhatt’s journey into breeding working dogs started not as a business plan, but as a quiet passion that gradually turned into a mission. At his home in Bhavikeri village, he has spent many years breeding Belgian Malinois not for the show ring or competitions, but for service.

His method is simple and disciplined. Careful selection of bloodlines, early conditioning and socialization from the first few weeks of a puppy’s life. It is this patient approach that has earned him the trust of security agencies across the country.

With the latest donation, the number of dogs supplied by them to the Indian Army and various police departments now exceeds fifty. For someone working out of a small village, this is a contribution that reaches far beyond geography.

Why does the Belgian Malinois matter?

The Belgian Malinois is not just another breed of dog. Worldwide, it is considered one of the finest working dogs for military and police operations. Known for their sharp intelligence, high energy, and unmatched focus, the Malinois thrives in difficult environments.

These dogs are trained to detect explosives, track suspects, guard sensitive installations and patrol difficult terrain. In many situations, they operate where humans cannot, often becoming the first line of defense in dangerous operations.

For India’s security forces, well-trained Malinois are not optional assets. They are silent partners in security.

where are the puppies going

Of the nine puppies handed over in Bhavikeri, four have been handed over to the Central Reserve Police Force and five to the West Bengal Police.

Although they are playful now, their path is already set. In the coming months they will be sent to special training centers where they will undergo rigorous preparation. From obedience exercises to explosive detection and patrol techniques, their transformation from village pups to frontline protectors will be intense.

Only after completing this training will they be deployed for active duty, stepping into roles that demand courage, discipline and trust.

A community watches with pride

For the people of Bhavikeri and nearby villages, the handover was more than an event. It was a moment of collective pride. Many locals expressed how inspiring it was to see someone from their own community strengthening the country’s defense in such a direct way.

At a time when patriotism is often loudly expressed, this felt different. This was patriotism without noise. No slogans, no spotlight. Just cool service.

Security officials present at the event also underlined how important trained dogs have become in modern operations. Be it checking suspicious packages, assisting in counter-terrorism operations, or patrolling risky areas, canine units are now indispensable.

“This is the pride of our family”

Raghavendra Bhatt did not speak much after the ceremony, but when he spoke, his words had weight. He said that seeing the dogs reared in his home serving the country fills his family with immense pride.

There is no award recognition for them. The idea is that the care he puts into raising these animals may one day help save lives.

His story is a reminder that serving the country is not always done by wearing a uniform. Sometimes, it comes down to spending early mornings training puppies, having patience, and believing that even a small breeder from a quiet village can make a big difference.

When small actions make a big impact

As nine Belgian Malinois puppies begin their journey in service, there’s more to them than just trainability. He has the hopes of the forces that will trust him and also the pride of the village that has seen him take his first steps to protect the nation.

In a country as vast as India, such contributions may seem small compared to the scale of the challenges. But together, they form the invisible shield that protects millions of people every day.

One man, one cool decision and nine young dogs are now ready to be part of that shield.