Pomeranian joins police dog unit in Japan after beating the odds

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In Japan, a small Pomeranian is breaking barriers as the newest member of the police force, demonstrating that even little dogs can be excellent at tracking down criminals.

A two-year-old Pomeranian named Haku has officially joined the Hyuga Police Station in Miyazaki Prefecture, according to Live Door News.

This is the first time a dog of his breed has been chosen for this job in the area, which usually sees bigger dogs like German Shepherds taking the lead.

So, my K9 partner, Haku, totally crushed the police dog certification back in December 2025! There were 52 of us competing – dogs from all over – and we had to prove ourselves in things like tracking scents, identifying smells, and searching big areas. He actually qualified in tracking, which is basically like pretending someone’s running away and seeing if we can follow their trail. It was awesome seeing him do so well!

Tiny dog recruited as police dog in Japan

Haku’s success was remarkable because it’s unusual for a dog to pass the test during its first year, according to his trainer, Hikaru Takekoshi.

Even though he was small and fluffy, officers were confident in his capabilities after he completed the assessment.

According to a deputy chief at Hyuga Police Station, they have no concerns about him because he passed the required test. They also explained that while large dogs in cities can sometimes be frightening to people, small dogs generally don’t cause that problem.

Haku’s path to becoming a police dog was unique from the start. He was born in a pet store and later surrendered by his original owner before finding a home at a police training center. After about a year of training, his dedication and eagerness impressed his handler so much that they decided to test him for certification ahead of schedule.

The small Pomeranian impressed everyone during training, even his trainer. Takekoshi noted, “He was remarkably focused, proving he can perform well under pressure.”

Japan’s police typically use larger dog breeds, but smaller dogs are becoming increasingly popular. Their quickness and ability to handle different situations make them especially useful in cities.

Haku isn’t currently working in the field, but over the next year, he’ll train with his handler, helping with cases like finding suspects and locating missing people.

Just recently, a Japanese police station gained attention for officially reinstating its Shiba Inu officer, complete with a rank and assigned duties.

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2026-04-20 13:20