New Zealand police dogs are being outfitted with new stab-proof vests.

All 130 of New Zealand's police patrol dogs will soon be equipped with a stab-resistant harnesses, which may also carry cameras or GPS units.

The "Mako" cordura fabric harness featured two panels of layered polymer to protect from stabbing or slashing. Police said this was comparable to the protection that their body armour provided to officers.

Senior Sergeant Mark Davidson said the harness provided "100 per cent more physical protection than dogs have at the moment."

Supplied A patrol dog with the new harness.

However this armour would likely not have saved police dogs Gazza and Gage, who were shot.

READ MORE:

*Shot police dog honoured for bravery

*Gage 'devoted', 'scared of nothing'

*Shot police dog handler Bruce Lamb watches son graduate police college

"A dog's greatest protection is its speed and agility," Davison said.

Supplied Future patrol dogs try on mini-versions of the harness.

"Ballistic armour capable of stopping a shot would seriously affect mobility."

The harness would be outfitted with velco strap and loops for attachments, although none of these had been finalised yet.

Police were looking into attaching a camera to the harness.

Davidson drove the project, which was trialled on eight dogs up and down the country.

The harnesses were designed by Hamilton-based specialist Sabre Tactical NZ and would be manufactured in New Zealand.

Twenty three layers of the polymer was used, despite just 10 being suitable for stopping stabbing penetration.

"The welfare of our dogs is paramount. We don't use them as cannon fodder - and it's important to remember that standing immediately behind every dog is its handler," Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator for Police Dogs said.

The full rollout was due to start in July, with the whole 130 police dog force wearing the harnesses by October.