Our fantastic Lost Dog Tracking Network is always expanding, and as of September 2026, we have an extraordinary 74+ volunteer teams across the UK who have completed their training to attend active searches for lost and missing dogs.
We are so proud of all the dogs and handlers who have dedicated so much time and effort to completing the extensive training required to become a fully accredited team. The work isn’t complete once they become Operational; teams have to continue training and be available to head out on active searches across their regions!
We’ll spotlight some of our amazing volunteers going forward, but for now … what kind of dogs might be looking for your dog?
The Breed Breakdown
We have a huge variety of dog breeds and crossbreeds who train for the specific tracking skills required to search for lost dogs. We have lots of the breeds typically associated with Scent Detection and Search/Rescue work, making up our biggest groups, including:
- 16 Cocker Spaniels
- 10 Border Collies
- 7 Springer Spaniels
- 5 Labradors
- 13 Crossbreeds
Plus some rare but traditional sniffing breeds, including a Beagle and a Bloodhound!
Everyone always expects to see lots of Gundogs on our search teams, and in addtion to those listed above, we do also have Vizslas, a Weimaraner, and two Golden Retrievers, as well as the Herding breeds who love to work, such as the three Belgian Malinois, a German Shepherd, and the less common Herders in a Beauceron and a Kelpie.
We also have some more unexpected sniffers!
- 2 Rhodesian Ridgebacks
- 1 Tekel (Dachshund)
- 1 Poodle
- 1 Boxer
- 1 Giant Schnauzer
- 3 Terriers (Border Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier!)
All our teams are trained to the same high standards, regardless of breed!
Sometimes a dog’s breed-specific qualities can give them advantages in certain environments and terrains, but the key focus for all of our trained dogs is that they remain fit, healthy, and enthusiastic for their very important work.
You can find out more about what is required for our Operational Teams here.