The U. S. Border Patrol utilizes Belgian Malinois and the German and Dutch Shepherds as the primary breeds in its program. All Border Patrol canines are imported from Europe and typically begin work at about 14-18 months old. Only one out of every one hundred canines tested pass the U.S. Border Patrol selection test and are accepted into training.

All new Border Patrol canines receive at least six weeks of intensive pre-training at the National Canine Facility in El Paso, Texas, prior to them being paired with their new handlers. All U. S. Border Patrol canine handlers are volunteers who have distinguished themselves as agents prior to being considered for the position. After selection, all rookie canine handlers attend an intensive six-week course in detection canine handling where they are paired with their new canine partners. After completion of basic handler training all U. S. Border Patrol canine teams receive a minimum of sixteen hours of maintenance training monthly. In addition, all Rio Grande Valley Sector canine teams are required to pass a vigorous recertification course patterned after the German Police canine standards twice annually.

The U. S. Border Patrol utilizes its canine corps to locate concealed illegal aliens, for search and rescue, and to detect the presence of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.

All Border Patrol canine handlers literally take their work home with them, since their canine partners live with them at their homes. Based upon this unique element, the bond that develops between handler and canine is unsurpassed. Most handlers become so attached to their four-legged partners that they remain in the canine program until the dog is retired, even if that means foregoing a promotion for the handler.