Comando, the Tiny Chihuahua Recruited by Mexico’s National Guard

Proof that size doesn’t measure a heart. Comando, a 13-month-old Chihuahua weighing maybe as much as 15 pounds and standing just 8 inches tall, has become the smallest and perhaps most unusual canine member of Mexico’s National Guard.

Comando wears a custom tactical vest, miniature goggles and even a tiny helmet equipped with a camera. But this isn’t a publicity stunt. National Guard officers say the little dog is being trained for search-and-rescue work, while also taking part in community outreach and public events.

Comando was adopted about six months ago after his elderly owners could no longer care for him. He appropriately came from the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

The National Guard has about 350 working dogs, most of them German shepherds and Labrador Retrievers..

Comando has already appeared at Mexico’s Independence Day parade and become a social-media sensation, inspiring memes and even an animated version of himself.

Officials say Comando also serves another purpose: helping create a friendlier connection between the National Guard and the public, particularly children. Now, when the sergeant says, “Stay under the radar,” Comando can take the order literally.