Lea Chadwell, age 9, of Winston Salem, N.C., for her question:

WHAT IS A POLICE DOG?

Police dog is the common name for the German shepherd dog. But the common name is an incorrect title.

While it is true that lots of dogs trained to do police work are of the German shepherd breed, many other types of dogs are also used for this work. For example, lots of Airedale terriers and Doberman pinscher dogs are used in police work in many cities.

Dogs used in police work receive special training in tracking down criminals, in guard duty and in other types of patrol and observation work.

German shepherd dogs stand about two feet high and weigh between 60 and 85 pounds. Trainers find they are intelligent, alert, loyal and have good dispositions. The female of the breed is used often as a guide dog for the blind because it is easy to manage.