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3w ago

Mexico’s National Guard Adds Tiny Chihuahua Recruit

Officials say the adopted puppy will help soften the force’s public image by training as a potential search-and-rescue aid.

A member of the National Guard places a helmet on Comando, a Chihuahua adopted by Mexico's National Guard that has become one of the force's most recognizable public faces through appearances at ceremonies and community events, at a military base in Mexico City, Mexico, September 29, 2026. REUTERS/Toya Sarno Jordan
A member of the National Guard places a helmet on Comando, a Chihuahua adopted by Mexico's National Guard that has become one of the force's most recognizable public faces through appearances at ceremonies and community events, at a military base in Mexico City, Mexico, September 29, 2026. REUTERS/Toya Sarno Jordan
A member of the National Guard stands next to Comando, a Chihuahua adopted by Mexico's National Guard that has become one of the force's most recognizable public faces through appearances at ceremonies and community events, at a military base in Mexico City, Mexico, September 29, 2026. REUTERS/Toya Sarno Jordan
Comando, a Chihuahua adopted by Mexico's National Guard that has become one of the force's most recognizable public faces through appearances at ceremonies and community events, is held by a member of the National Guard at a military base in Mexico City, Mexico, September 29, 2026. REUTERS/Toya Sarno Jordan

Overview

  • The National Guard adopted a 13-month-old Chihuahua named Comando about six months ago in the state of Chihuahua after his elderly owners could no longer care for him.
  • Reuters reported Tuesday that Comando took part in a Mexico City training session where he ran stairs and obstacle drills alongside a larger, fully trained dog.
  • Comando weighs about 7 kilograms (15 pounds) and stands roughly 21 centimeters (8 inches) tall and is outfitted with a fitted vest, miniature goggles, a helmet and a tiny head-mounted camera.
  • The Guard is using Comando for public outreach at schools, civic ceremonies and parades, and his animated likeness and memes have boosted the force’s visibility while officials say he humanizes personnel.
  • Comando is an outlier inside a roughly 350-dog canine corps dominated by larger working breeds, a status that may limit his frontline use but increase the Guard’s community engagement and recruitment appeal.