'Perfect' police dog retires but legacy lives on

PD Jax leaves a legacy, with two of his sons serving with Greater Manchester Police

A police dog so "perfect" he has sired dogs serving in forces around the country and as far afield as New Zealand has retired.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said PD Jax had served for eight years and had been responsible for more than 50 arrests during this time.

His legacy lived on as two of his children - PD Harley and PD Hully - were currently working for GMP and artificial fertility techniques meant more litters of Jax juniors could be born in future, the force said.

His keeper, Insp Weeden said: "I knew from day one how special he was in every aspect of being a police dog – he was super confident but also had a calm, caring, and loving demeanour when off duty."

Insp Weeden, who has worked with PD Jax for three years, said: "I always knew what he was the 'perfect' police dog.

"Within minutes of detaining someone, Jax would be in the back of the van asleep like nothing had happened."

He said that on many occasions Jax's presence and confidence meant that a high number of suspects surrendered to him, preventing the need for him to be deployed.

"Every deployment for him was about getting the job done and then going back to be quiet Jax," he added.

PD Jax joined the force as a puppy in 2017 and worked with several handlers, both on patrols and as a firearm support dog.

Insp Weeden said he was "extremely proud of Jax's achievements and have mixed emotions around his retirement".

He said he was happy to see him put his feet up now and relax but he could still see the disappointment in his eyes when he left for work without him.

"He was the perfect partner and has protected me and other colleagues numerous times," Insp Weeden added.

A GMP spokesperson said PD Jax had sired a number of puppies who had gone on to serve with police forces due to his genetics, excellent mannerisms and performance during his career.

PD Jax is a father to three other dogs in the force, two of which could become operational PDs in the future, they added.