Amazing WWI Dogs

Some of the most valuable soldiers had four legs... dogs worked as messengers, sentries, mascots, beasts of burden, hunters, search & rescue - and comforters for the sick.

1. Little Kaiser

A dog belonging to a Mr. Dumas Realier, dressed as a German soldier, in 1915.

2. Je Suis Doggie

A French soldier and his dog outside of a ruined house in Candor, a commune in the Oise department of northern France. c.1917

3. Sauerkraut

A German dog hospital, treating wounded dispatch dogs coming from the front, ca. 1918.

4. Sergeant Stubby

Sergeant Stubby was known for his therapy work with soldiers. When his handler, Private J. Robert Conroy was hospitalized for his war injuries, the hospital physicians took note of Stubby’s impeccable conduct and the cathartic effect of his visits.

5. Fetch

A Red Cross dog during WWI whose job was to locate the wounded in the field.

6. Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Weiner

Canine mascots were popular during the largely static First World War.

7. I Believe I Can Fly!

A Beauceron messenger dog leaps over a trench. Messenger dogs became vital as the war progressed.

8. Ok, Now I'm Just Showing Off

An photo of a war dog jumping over a trench to deliver a message.

9. Dog O' War

Belgian Army war dogs pulling light machine guns - destined for the front.