The U.S. Postal Service today issued Forever stamps recognizing Military Working Dogs, the four-legged heroes of the nation’s military. Each block of four stamps features one of the canine breeds — German shepherd, Labrador retriever, Dutch shepherd, and Belgian Malinois — that commonly serve in America’s armed forces.

Brave and loyal military working dogs are essential members of America’s armed forces. Courageous canines have aided U.S. soldiers in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Today, the 341st Training Squadron, at Lackland Air Force Base just outside of San Antonio, TX, trains American military working dogs and their handlers. Dozens of dog breeds have served in the U.S. armed forces.

The Belgian Malinois excels not only in herding, but also in protection and law enforcement; drug, bomb, and gas detection; search and rescue; tracking; obedience; sledding; agility; and therapy assistance to disabled, ill or elderly people. This dog is demanding and needs an experienced owner. A wide range is seen in temperament and aggressiveness. They want nothing more than to be with their family, which makes them unsuitable as a kennel dog.

It is a very smart and obedient dog. He has strong protective and territorial instincts. Malinois instinctively display herding behavior such as chasing and circling, moving effortlessly for hours and nipping at people's heels. The dog is good for working and competitive obedience, but not for toddlers who run and scream. A Belgian Malinois will constantly be trying to keep the toddler in one spot!

When military working dogs reach retirement age, they are usually adopted by their handlers or civilians. Across the country, there are memorials dedicated to these animals.