There are four families of dogs that have shown the ability to detect certain cancers in people by smelling their breath or feces. Two of the German Shepard breeds, the Australian Shepard and Labrador Retriever.

These dogs were trained to identify certain scents of organic compounds linked to the presence of cancers in the human body. During these trials the dogs had a success rate of over 70% in detecting cancers especially detecting cancers at their earliest beginnings. So far, man’s best friend has been able to detect the following, breast cancer, bowel cancer, colon cancer, as well as type 1 diabetes and COPD.

Researchers stated that these “sniffer” dogs are showing promise as an early detection device and that more studies are needed to develop a symptomatic screening method. So you may find in the near future your doctor having an assistant named Fido to help diagnose your symptoms.