Tiny Pinocchio sits in a tea cup June 2, 2003 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Tiny Pinocchio, a 15-month-old Yorkshire terrier, weighs in at one pound. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A German Shepard bares its teeth during Schutzhund attack dog training at Witmer-Tyson Imports February 14, 2002 in Newark, CA. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Beluga the bog poses as Britney Spears during the 17th annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade October 28, 2007 in New York City. The event is the largest dog Halloween party in the United States with an annual attendance of over 400 costumed dogs. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Disabled dogs outfitted with wheelchairs walk at an animal rescue center on July 12, 2008 in Chengdu of Sichuan Province, China. The center has adopted over 100 stray dogs and cats from quake-struck areas. Those who were hurt or disabled are outfitted with a cart to help support they're body and make them mobile. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)

Throughout the course of the long war in Afghanistan, Coalition troops have relied on thousands of military working dogs to help keep them safe, and make their jobs easier. The dogs are trained to detect explosives, to find illegal drugs, to search for missing comrades, or target enemy combatants. Not only are they active on the front lines, but behind the lines they serve as therapy dogs, service dogs, and loyal companions. They also share the same risks as the ground troops, suffering injuries and sometimes death on the battlefields. Gathered here are images of these dogs and their handlers in Afghanistan and back home, from over the past several years, part of the ongoing series here on Afghanistan.

A Yorkshire Terrier has it's hair done on a grooming table on Day one of Crufts at the Birmingham NEC Arena on March 8, 2012 in Birmingham, England. During the annual four-day competition nearly 22,000 dogs and their owners will compete in a variety of categories, ultimately seeking the coveted prize of “Best In Show”. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)