Mexico’s National Guard has a new recruit, and he is the smallest one in the force.
Comando, a 13-month-old Chihuahua, has become the smallest member of Mexico’s National Guard after being adopted about six months ago.
The seven-kilogram, 21-centimetre-tall dog wears a miniature tactical vest, protective goggles and a small camera for his appearances with National Guard personnel.
According to Reuters, Comando was brought to authorities in the northern state of Chihuahua, Mexico, by an elderly couple who could no longer care for him. The National Guard adopted him and he has since become part of its community outreach efforts.
National Guard Lieutenant Debora Hernandez said Comando comes to “break that paradigm that only large dogs” can be part of the National Guard Corporation.
She said his size also helps draw people to National Guard officers, giving them an opportunity to interact with the public and build trust.
He is also being trained for search-and-rescue work. During a recent training session in Mexico City, Comando was seen climbing stairs and navigating obstacles alongside a much larger trained dog named Roko.
The National Guard has about 350 dogs, with breeds such as Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Dutch Shepherds, Labradors and Mexico’s Xoloitzcuintli making up the force.
The National Guard says his role goes beyond the attention. Hernandez said Comando helps officers build trust with the public and show the human side of the force.
