A Chihuahua weighing 6 kgs just joined Mexico's National Guard, meet Comando

Watch out, there’s a new recruit in town, and he’s smaller than your backpack.

Mexico’s National Guard has an unlikely new member in its ranks: Comando, a tiny Chihuahua who has been kitted out for search-and-rescue training and has quickly become an unofficial mascot for the force.

According to a report by Metro UK, Comando was adopted by the National Guard around six months ago when he was still a puppy after his elderly owners could no longer care for him. Since then, the pint-sized pooch has been given his own gear, including a fitted vest, miniature goggles and even a head-mounted camera.

And despite weighing just around 6 kgs, Comando is already showing that size isn't everything.

During one training session, the Chihuahua tackled an obstacle course while a much larger, fully trained dog reportedly froze in place. His performance has earned him plenty of attention within the force, where he is now being trained to assist with search-and-rescue operations.

Lieutenant Debora Hernandez said Comando has also come to represent something beyond his work, noting that he reminds people that “beneath the uniform, we are human beings.”

Comando has meanwhile become one of the National Guard’s most recognisable faces, appearing at ceremonies and community events alongside officers. His tiny frame and miniature equipment have made him an unusual sight within a force more accustomed to working with larger breeds such as German Shepherds.

While his role may currently be more modest than that of his bigger canine colleagues, Comando is being trained as the National Guard continues its operations against organised crime across Mexico.- Ends