Border Guard Badges

[Matthew S.]

I know that the classification badge for dog handlers was issued from 1966 until the Wall came down, but that in the third series of classification badges (1986-90), the Border Guard had their own badge. My question is, after 1986 would a Border Guard dog handler wear BOTH the earlier dog-handler badge AND the Border Guard badge, or would he only wear one? In that case, which?

[Mike G.]

I don't think there is going to be an issue with respect to which of the two badges to wear, or which two can be worn. Here is why.

The Klassifizierungsabzeichen fuer Diensthundefuehrer is an MdI badge. Apparently however it was not prohibited from wear by the NVA / Grenztruppen dog handlers. That being said, it however apparently never was adapted for wear by the Grenztruppen. All photo evidence supports that the Grenztruppen opted to wear the dog handler Tunic patch (patch of a Shepard's head), which was worn on the left forearm Tunic sleeve.

Consequently, to my thinking, the sleeve patch and the Grenz classification badge would be the more correct approach.

The dog handler classification badge was from all photo evidence, worn exclusively by the MdI. (Polizei).

[Matthew S.]

Ahhhhhh! I had not been able to find any photos to consult... that certainly helps. Thanks.

[Lancer21]

My 2 pfennigs worth...

From the widely known and often referenced book "Militärische Abzeichen der Deutchen Demokratischen Republik" = "Military Badges of the DDR" which was published in East Germany in 1988 by the DDR government, on page 21 it states and I have traslated it as follows...

Klassifizierungsabzeichen für Diensthundfürer
Das Abzeichen zeigt im Eichenlaubkranz den Kopf eines Deutschen Schäferhundes. Das Klassifizierungsabzeichen für Diensthundfürer wurde erstmals 1966 im Auftrag des Ministeriums des Innern hergestellt. Obwohl zu diesem Zeitpunkt in der NVA und in den Grenztruppen der DDR andere Klassifizierungsabzeichen verliehen wurden, trugen zahlreiche Angehörige der NVA und der Grenztruppen der DDR das Klassifizierungsabzeichen für Diensthundfürer in den Leistungsklassen I, II, und III. Seit 1987 sind Staatsflagge und Oval mit Angabe der Leistungsklasse Farbig lackiert und mit Polyesterharz überzogen. Das Abzeichen wird weiterhin im Bereich des MdI verliehen.

Classification Badge for Dog Handler Service
This badge displays the head of a German Shepherd dog within a wreath of oak leaves. The classification badge for Dog Handler Service was first manufactured in 1966 on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior (MdI). Although at this time in the NVA and in the DDR Border Troops had other classification badges which were awarded, numerous members of the NVA and the Border Troops wore this classification badge for Dog Handler Service in the performance classes I, II, and III. Since 1987 the National flag of the DDR and the inner oval with the indication of the performance classification where painted and coated with polyester resin. The badge was extensively awarded within the MdI.

I hope that helps, probably only adds more mystery to the question though?

[Capt. R]

grenz dog handler badge

dog badge on GT NCO tunic