Mexico’s national guard has welcomed an unconventional new recruit to its ranks: a 13-month-old chihuahua named Comando. Weighing just 7lbs and standing only 21cm tall, the dog is a stark contrast to the 350 larger working breeds, such as German shepherds and labrador retrievers, that typically make up the force’s canine unit.
Despite his diminutive size, the force has provided Comando with specialized gear, including a fitted tactical vest, miniature goggles, a helmet, and a small head-mounted camera. While he may appear to be a mascot, officials emphasize that he is undergoing training for actual search-and-rescue operations. During a recent training session in Mexico City, the pup demonstrated his capabilities by navigating stairs and various obstacles while being observed by a much larger, fully trained canine named Roko.
Lt Debora Hernandez noted that Comando serves a dual purpose. Beyond his operational training, he is tasked with helping the national guard build a warmer connection with the public. His presence at community outreach programs, school events, and civic ceremonies serves as a reminder to the public that “beneath the uniform, we are human beings,” Hernandez explained. She added that the dog challenges the prevailing stereotypes that only large breeds can serve within a military-style organization.
The national guard adopted the chihuahua about six months ago in the northern state of Chihuahua—the region that inspired his name—after his previous elderly owners were no longer able to care for him. Since joining the force, Comando has already participated in Mexico’s Independence Day parade and has become a viral sensation, inspiring memes and his own animated likeness on social media. While chihuahuas are generally recognized for their big personalities, alertness, and expressive eyes, they are rarely considered for serious police or military work, making Comando a unique outlier in the national guard.
Outfitted with miniature goggles, a fitted tactical vest, a helmet and even a petite head-mounted camera, the 7lb (15lb) chihuahua has become the most unusual – and smallest – canine member of the force.
Officers said the 13-month-old pup is being trained not just as a crowd-pleasing mascot but for search-and-rescue work as well.
