The New Zealand Police Dog Section was established in 1956, prompted by a visit by the New Zealand Prime Minister Sir Sidney Holland to the Surrey Constabulary Police School during a state visit to England.
The first police dogs were brought over from England by PC Frank Riley, who arrived with his trained dog Miska as well as puppy Dante and bitches Karen and Silva. He also brought 12 puppies born during the voyage. Frank Riley soon recruited Alan Symes and Colin Guppy. This group became New Zealand’s first police dog handlers and were widely known as “The Three Musketeers”. Handlers were appointed for the puppies born on the voyage and the newly established dog teams were trained at the Police Dog Training Centre at Trentham, Upper Hutt. The Police Dog Training Centre is still based at this site on Dante Road, named after Police dog Dante and is now well known in New Zealand and overseas for its training expertise.
New Zealand Police Dog - Soft and cuddly German Shepherd Police Dog soft toy wearing the New Zealand Police Dog Ceremonial Cape - Gifted to Baby Prince George when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited The Royal New Zealand Police College in April 2014 - Feel like Royalty and cuddle one of your own!
Height-25 cm ( paw to the top of the head)
Length- 30cm ( top of the head to tip of the tail)
Width- 16cm ( across the Back )
Also check out his very own Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NZPoliceDogSoftToy
