Alongside servicemen, more than one thousand service dogs are currently serving in the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Among them is Elsa, who, together with the guardsmen, contributes to maintaining security and public order.

Elsa specializes in the detection of explosive substances. She has been serving in the ranks of the National Guard since 2019 and has already proven herself to be a reliable and highly effective partner. Ahead of major sporting and cultural events in Astana, she and her handler conduct inspections of venues and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of residents and visitors of the capital.

By her side is her permanent partner, Sergeant Bolat Alzhanov, an experienced canine specialist of military unit 5573 with 17 years of service. A native of the North Kazakhstan Region, he raised Elsa from puppyhood. Even then, observing her energy and natural abilities, he was confident that she would become a worthy defender of the Motherland.

Elsa is the third service dog in Sergeant Alzhanov’s professional career. His first partner, a tracking dog named Dakl, served for more than eight years before retiring with honors. His second dog, Lucky, specialized in narcotics detection. Today, Elsa confidently continues this legacy, demonstrating outstanding performance in service.

In addition to carrying out operational duties, Sergeant Alzhanov and Elsa have repeatedly become prize-winners in departmental and interagency competitions. In 2023, they placed third in the individual standings at the National Guard Service Dog Competition. In 2025, they took first place in Petropavlovsk and also became prize-winners in the team standings at competitions among law enforcement agencies in Almaty.

Overall, dogs of various specializations serve in National Guard units, including patrol and tracking dogs, narcotics detection dogs, explosive detection dogs, and others. In particular, 75 dogs specialize in explosive detection, 89 in narcotics detection, and 703 in tracking operations. Their deployment remains an important component of the national security system.

The coordinated work of a canine specialist and his four-legged partner is the result of trust, daily training, and mutual understanding. Together they carry out their duties, ensuring the safety of citizens and proving that the defense of the Motherland is a shared mission in which loyal service dogs stand side by side with people.

Press Service of the National Guard

Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kvv/press/news/details/1216012?lang=kk