Meet the Mexican military's newest recruit - Comando the Chihuahua

Published: 23:34 BST, 30 September 2026 | Updated: 01:29 BST, 1 October 2026

Mexico's National Guard has unveiled a 13-month-old Chihuahua as its newest recruit.

The puppy, known as Comando, stands at eight inches tall and weighs just 15lb – making it the smallest member of the force.

At a training lesson in Mexico City last week he was seen scampering up stairs and over obstacles while a much larger, fully trained dog called Roko watched on.

Lieutenant Debora Hernandez said Comando would be 'challenging stereotypes' that only big dogs can serve in the National Guard and that a military-style force cannot build a warmer connection with the public.

She insisted his presence reminds people that 'beneath the uniform, we are human beings'.

In addition to being trained as a crowd-pleasing mascot, Comando will also carry out important search-and-rescue work.

He was adopted by the force about six months ago in the northern state of Chihuahua, which inspired the breed's name, after his elderly owners became unable to care for him. Comando now appears at civic ceremonies, school events and community outreach programmes.

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 recognisable public faces 

The puppy stands at eight inches tall and weighs just 15lb – making it the smallest member of the force

 Chihuahuas, known for their large upright ears, big personalities and expressive eyes, may be alert and energetic, but they are rarely seen as candidates for serious operational work

However, he is still an exception in a National Guard canine force of around 350 dogs – most of them traditional working breeds such as German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers.

Chihuahuas, known for their large upright ears, big personalities and expressive eyes, may be alert and energetic, but they are rarely seen as candidates for serious operational work.

Comando has already appeared in Mexico's Independence Day parade and has inspired his own animated likeness and a growing crop of memes on social media.

His growing visibility is also said to serve a broader purpose – with officials saying he helps soften the image of the National Guard, which is under Army control.