According to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, Devon & Cornwall Police has 65 serving police dogs.
The force has 45 police dog handlers. The Police Dogs Department cost £3.54 million in the 2025/26 financial year, including police officer pay, the FOI request shows.
Dog handlers complete canine first aid training, with refresher courses every two years.
General patrol dogs are typically German Shepherds. Specialist detection dogs are used to search for drugs, cash, firearms, explosives and digital evidence.
The force said detection dogs include Springer Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels and Labradors, among other breeds.
Devon & Cornwall Police is also appealing to the public for new locations where they can train their dogs. Contact [email protected]
Devon and Cornwall Police Has 65 Dogs and 45 Handlers