Meet Momo, The Newest Member Of The Japanese Police Force

Think Chihuahuas are just trophy dogs that look good hanging out with celebrities? Then you haven't met Momo, a 10-inch tall, 6.6-pound canine, that has just been recruited by the Japanese Police Force.

Believed to be the world's smallest police dog, the long-haired Chihuahua, who was one of 32 successful recruits from a pool of 70 police dog hopefuls, will be a member of the search and rescue team of the Western Japanese Prefecture in Nara.

And attractive as he is, the Chihuahua did not make the team based on his good looks, but by passing a rather difficult test that involved finding a lost person within five minutes, by merely sniffing their cap.

While the Nara police were surprised that the Chihuahua had been entered for consideration, they are quite excited with their new recruit, who they expect to use for rescue operations in the case of natural disasters like earthquakes. They believe that thanks to its size, Momo will find it easier to squeeze inside small places and look for victims than the German Shepherds that currently make up the bulk of their dog team.

Named after a Mexican State, the Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dogs. Their spunky attitude, intense devotion to their owners and minimal grooming needs, has made them very popular as pets. Now thanks to Momo. they may even be considered for more serious careers!

Sources:tvnx.co.nz, telegraph.co.uk, independent.co.uk