Anti-tank dogs

Anti-tank dogs, also known as dog mines, are dogs with explosives harnessed to their back, trained to run under enemy tanks. When the dog was in position the explosives would be detonated.

The dogs were employed by the Soviet Union during World War II, to be used against German tanks. Unfortunately, the Soviets trained the dogs by placing food under their own tanks; consequently, in battle the dogs were as likely to run beneath a friendly tank as they were to attack the enemy. Also, the dogs were reluctant to run towards an active tank, and as such became a menace to everyone on the battlefield. In 1942, after dogs forced an entire Soviet tank division into retreat, dog mines were withdrawn from use.

The German army learned of the use of Hundeminen as anti-tank weapons, and on the Eastern Front dogs were shot on sight, under the pretence that they were likely to be rabid. Dogs became scarce as a result, making the use of dogs as a surprise weapon even more improbable.

After the war more efficient and easier anti-tank methods became available, and it is unlikely that anti-tank dogs will ever be employed again

The German army learned of the use of Hundeminen as anti-tank weapons, and on the Eastern Front dogs were shot on sight, under the pretence that they were likely to be rabid. Dogs became scarce as a result, making the use of dogs as a surprise weapon even more improbable.

After the war more efficient and easier anti-tank methods became available, and it is unlikely that anti-tank dogs will ever be employed again