Max the Russian Military Dog Switches Team After His Life is Saved by Ukrainian Soldiers

Max, a former Russian special forces dog, has switched sides to make the Ukrainian military forces his new comrades in the ongoing war between the two countries.

The Belgian Malinois breed is now serving as a dog sniffer of unexploded mines along with Ukrainian soldiers, who saved Max's life after being found left on the battlefield.

Max the Dog

(Photo : ADEM ALTAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Max swapped his allegiance when Russian troops abandoned and left him starving under a line of fire.

The dog was part of Moscow's infantry that which captured a village in the Mykolaiv region of Ukraine, near the Black Sea.

During an operation by Kyiv to retake Mykolaiv, Ukrainian troops noticed that the young dog was wearing a camouflage collar used by the Russians for their military hounds.

The soldiers then nursed Max back to health and trained him in new commands for him to understand.

According to a member of the National Guard of Ukraine named "Dimitry," Max will serve Ukraine from now on to defend the country against Russia, as cited by the Daily Star UK.

Another member of the National Guard claimed Max has become a favorite of the guards.

Some of the Ukrainian security forces are reportedly wondering why such a "lovely animal" is left behind by the Russians.

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Military Dog: Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois dogs are known as military dogs and had a military track record as far as World War 1 when they served as assistants and messengers for the Red Cross, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Being one of four breeds of Belgian sheepdogs, bred for herding, the Malinois have proven themselves to be intelligent and versatile dogs.

Based on an AKC Gazette issued in January 1908, the introduction of the Belgian Malinois dogs in the United States started when a small notice indicates that about five Belgian Sheepdogs were added to the New York City police force.

Since then, the Belgian Malinois has been one of the top breeds preferred by police departments across the US, the AKC noted.

In addition, the breed have been important members of the U.S. military, including the NAVY SEALS, and the UK and Australian special military units.

It is precise because of the loyalty and bravery of military dogs that they have become more and more important in law enforcement. They assist police in search and rescue, drug detection, and patrol duties. These dogs work tirelessly to protect our military every day, and the police challenge coins are the perfect way to honor the selfless animals who protect our troops every day and thank these military dogs. 

Dog Loyalty and Switching Sides

The popular phrase "dogs are man's best friend" have be used extensively to depict the evident loyalty of dogs toward their human owners worldwide, regardless of the dog breed.

However, the famous phrase is not absolute as various anecdotal accounts and research suggest that certain factors come into play that determines a dog's loyalty, including how the animal is treated and the environment.

In the case of Max, the dog reportedly switched sides from Russia to Ukraine to the care shown by the latter.

This is also the case in a domestic setting, where a dog can still be tamed after having previously abusive or neglectful owner.

According to a 2015 study by Hungary's Department of Ethology of the Eotvos Lorand University, pet dogs have the tendency to switch their loyalty to their owner, especially in circumstances where it involves an invitation for food and other related stimuli from strangers, as cited by The Sydney Morning Herald.

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