Indian Army's dogs, who have helped the forces in numerous counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, are all set to take part in the Republic Day Parade after a gap of 26 years.

The Army has selected 36 canines to march down Rajpath on January 26 this year along with their handlers.

"We have come for the Republic Day parade with 36 army dogs and army handlers. Our contingent is coming to the parade after a long gap," said one of the handlers Naik DK Sahu.

Captain Rishi Sharma expressed delight over being a part of the parade and said the Army's dogs are highly trained in bomb detection and mine detection.

"It is an honor and pride to march at Rajpath. We have come here for the January 26 parade with the Army dogs," he said.

The Army has around 1, 200 Labradors and German Shepherds, which are trained for specialised jobs like explosive detection, mine detection, tracking, guarding and assaulting.Army's dog training school was instituted in Meerut on March 1, 1960.