Superstar K-9 officer set to trade in collar for chew toy

A veteran Winnipeg police officer, who has dedicated his life to cleaning up the city's streets, is hanging up his collar and leash.

After 10 years of service, Judge the star canine is getting a well-deserved break — or a long paws, in this case.

The soon-to-be 11-year-old Belgian Malinois has more than 500 arrests to his credit. He has also fathered 41 pups in four litters and nearly all are working at police agencies in Canada and the U.S.

​If those offspring are a fraction as successful as Judge, they will be impressive officers.

During one particular shift in 2009, Judge and his partner, Patrol Sgt. Scott Taylor, tracked six suspects in four separate incidents.

It was such an outstanding performance that Judge was featured in an American police K-9 magazine.

Now Taylor is preparing to say goodbye to his longtime partner, who he has raised and trained since Judge was just seven weeks old.

“You know when I started I knew this day was coming and it's here," he said. "It's come very fast, but it's here.”

While they won't be working together anymore, the pals won't be separated. Judge's next phase in his life will be as a pet for Taylor.