A roll out of new stab proof vests have equipped police dogs in Taranaki.

Taranaki police dog Yarko will have an additional layer of protection when it heads out on patrol from Thursday - a stab-proof 'vest'.

The five-year-old German Shepherd was the first of the region's four operational police dogs to receive its stab-resistant, multi-purpose harness on Wednesday.

Nationally 10 dogs, based in Wellington, Palmerston North, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Nelson, Whangarei, Auckland, Christchurch, Rotorua and Tauranga, have so far received the new kit which gives them similar levels of protection as their handlers.

Grant Matthew Taranaki police dog handler Constable Mark Addison with his dog Yarko in his new stab resistant harness.

The Mako harness is fitted with layered polymer panels to shield the vital organs from stabbing and slashing and its overall robust design is made from a material which does not absorb moisture and also gives the animal protection from blows and kicks.

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Sergeant Max Spedding, the Taranaki dog section supervisor, said it was exciting the dogs were getting the new gear.

"They are your partner and you want your partner to be protected just as much as you are," Spedding said.

"It's a really good thing that we are finally getting the dogs the same sort of protection as their handlers and the officers around the country."

Spedding said the dogs and their handlers had a special bond and the harnesses would give an increased confidence their partner was protected.

"The dogs are always at the sharp end of anything serious happening.

"Especially against stabbing-type instruments, screwdrivers and knives and stuff like that, and also a bit more protection against being kicked and punched, it's golden."

He said the harness, which weighs about one kilogram, had performed the best in trials and had been designed so it wouldn't impair agility and speed, dried quickly, could be worn throughout a shift and gave handlers more control over their dog.

"All of the handlers that have trialled them or used them on those courses, really rate them and say that it gives them that extra control over their dog."

Spedding said he looked forward to the region's remaining dogs receiving the new gear within the next three months.

"Hopefully it won't be too far away."

The harnesses have been designed by Hamilton-based specialist Sabre Tactical NZ and are being manufactured in New Zealand.