Top 10 Bravest Military Dogs in History

No matter their size, militaries around the world have utilized man's best friend to help win wars. While most modern breeds are typically bigger working dogs, such as the German Shepherd, some little dogs have made pretty big marks on history. Here are the top 10 Bravest Military Dogs in History:

10.) Sinbad

Source: USCG[/caption]Sinbad's career in the US Coast Guard lasted from 1938 to 1949. He stayed onboard the cutter ship Campbell, and was considered a full-fledged member of the Guard. The adopted mutt even stayed on board the vessel as it was attacked by a Nazi submarine - U-606. He stayed as the damaged boat was being towed and repaired, and even as other sailors were being transported to other safer vessels.

9.) Beauty

Source: BarkPost[/caption]Largely regarded as the first true "Rescue Dog," Beauty found an astonishing 63 trapped animals after the Battle of Britain. Despite having never been trained for the role, the wire-haired terrier helped her owner and other authorities see the incredible potential for animal search-and-rescue teams. She was highly awarded for her bravery before passing away in 1950.

8.) Gander

Source: Battle for Hong Kong[/caption]Gander was a member of the Canadian Forces during World War II - the Royal Rifles, to be exact. Gander's ultimate act of bravery ended up taking his life. During the Battle of Lye Mun on Hong Kong Island, the Newfoundland dog picked up a grenade in his mouth and carried it away from a group of soldiers. Unfortunately, the grenade detonated and the Gander lost his life.

7.) Chips

Source: Defense Media Netwrok[/caption]Chips will go down in history as the most decorated American K9 of World War II. The mixed-breed dog deployed all over Europe and even to North Africa alongside troops. During the invasion os Sicily, Chips broke away from his handler to attack the Italian machine gunners that had pinned them down on the beach. His actions that day earned him the Silver Star, the Purple Cross, and the Distinguished Service Cross.

6.) Smoky

Copyright Wm. A. Wynne, 2011[/caption]This tiny terrier earned her place in history after she was found in New Guinea by Bill Wynne, an American Soldier. She repaid the soldier for saving her by warning him of an incoming attack from a transport ship, an act that saved that soldier's life. The 7-inch dog also entertained soldiers during brief moments of rest. She is memorialized with a statue in Lakewood, Ohio.

5.) Lucca

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKnB98oyw3sAn entire Platoon of Marines was saved thanks to this brave dog. Her job as a specialty search dog was to walk in front of troops and sniff out bombs. She lost one of her legs while protecting the Platoon from a Roadside bomb that she had found, but her handlers managed to save her life. Every patrol she led resulted in zero injuries - including the one when she lost a limb.

4.) Treo

Army dog handler Sergeant David Heyhoe and army explosives search dog Treo [PA][/caption]Treo was doing some of the same work for British troops while they were deployed. Because of his expert bomb-sniffing skills, he was awarded the Dickin Medal for saving the lives of hundreds of soldiers.

3.) Lex

Source: Oh Mi Dog[/caption]Lex and his handler, Cpl. Dustin Lee, were deployed in Fallujah when the pair was struck by a mortar. Lee was fatally wounded in the attack, but Lex guarded his body until medics could arrive. The brave dog was later adopted by Lee's family.

2.) Nemo

Source: Dog Guide[/caption]Nemo became famous for his service during the Vietnam War. One day on patrol, Nemo's handler was suddenly shot in the shoulder, and Nemo took a bullet just under hie eye. Despite this wound, he charged the gunman, giving his human time to call for reinforcements. They ultimately both survived the encounter, and Nemo lived a good long life in the States afterward.

1.) Sergeant Stubby

Corporal Robert Conroy and Sergeant Stubby photo portrait
Corporal Robert Conroy and Sergeant Stubby in March 1919. Source: Division of Armed Forces History, Smithsonian Institution.[/caption]We chose this little guy as our number one pick, because of the big story that comes along with his small stature. Sergeant Stubby is possibly the most famous and decorated dog in history, after providing incredible service to soldiers during  World War One. Among other heroics, Stubby was known for sniffing out German spies, alerting troops to gas attacks, and even finding wounded soldiers on the battlefield. In short, Sergeant Stubby was a very, very good boy.