National police dog skill competition showcases well-trained top breeds in China

The sixth national dog skill competition, currently underway in Beijing, highlights a diverse array of canine talent and showcases the impressive skills of participating dogs.

Organized by China's Ministry of Public Security, the competition runs from Tuesday to Sunday, marking the return of this nationwide event after a six-year hiatus.

A total of 38 teams, comprising 255 personnel and 219 police dogs, are participating in the event.

"I bring a male Chinese Kunming dog with me this time. He's now at his prime age, almost two years old," said a handler.

"The dog with me is a bloodhound, which was first introduced to Chinese police in 2010 in Changsha City of central China's Hunan Province," said another trainer.

The event features seven major dog breeds currently used in China: the Chinese Kunming dog, German shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Labrador, English Springer Spaniel, Rottweiler and bloodhound. Additionally, the Ministry is developing three native breeds for police work, including hounds native to Linzhi City of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Taicang City of east China's Jiangsu province and southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

"The hound native to Linzhi is well-suited for high-altitude environments. Dogs from lower elevations, like humans, can experience altitude sickness when they arrive at high-altitude areas, whereas local dogs are already adapted to the climate and conditions. The Taicang breed, from a hot and humid region, is currently being trained for search operations. The Guangxi breed typically works in packs of four to eight, with well-trained dogs guiding novices to enhance their search capabilities," said Yu Yi, head of the competition section of the event and also a researcher at a police dog training base in Nanchang City of east China's Jiangxi Province.

National police dog skill competition showcases well-trained top breeds in China

Farmers across China have been reaping a bountiful harvest, with over 70 percent of the country's grain crops already collected, according to recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

Bobai County of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is known for its hybrid rice seed production. Currently, over 40,000 mu (2,667 hectares) of rice for seed production is gradually maturing. Such rice is usually collected at 80 percent maturity before getting dried and the plump grains are selected as rice seeds to ensure high germination rates.

"Our rice seed production is based on orders with seeds sold on a fixed basis. Both the prices and market outlets are stable, ensuring a reliable market," said Li Minhui, a local rice seed producer. According to the Guangxi Agricultural Department, the total rice planting area in the region has exceeded 26.58 million mu (1.77 million hectares) this year, with harvesting anticipated to finish by mid-November. Notably, the mechanization rate for rice production has increased to 85.2 percent, an improvement from last year.

Also witnessing a good harvest is Pizhuang Town in east China's Shandong Province, with 26,000 mu (1,733 hectares) of rice fields producing excellent yields.

"This year, I planted more than 50 hectares of rice. Last night, I arranged for several more harvesters to join us in order to secure every grain of rice," stated Yang Baoping, head of a local rice cooperative.

Historically known for its challenges with flooding, Pizhuang has shifted its agricultural focus from wheat toward rice cultivation, adapting to its unique landscape. This year's autumn harvest is expected to be completed by October 24.

China sees good autumn harvest with grain collection exceeding 70 percent