The community has officially named the newest member of the Guelph Police Service, with residents choosing the name Kilo for the department’s new police dog. A total of 977 votes were cast in the naming contest, with 63 percent of participants selecting Kilo.
Kilo is a one-year-old Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix who was welcomed to the force on April 9, 2026. He was selected for the role based on his intelligence, trainability, and temperament.
The name Kilo was chosen because it is part of the phonetic alphabet commonly used in aviation, policing, and military communications. The name also pairs well with the unit’s existing canine partner, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois named Echo, who has been with the service since 2022.
Kilo and his handler are currently in the middle of a 16-week training program. Once that training is finished in late July 2026, he will officially join Echo on duty to help keep the community safe. The local canine unit has a history dating back to 1998, when it first launched with a German Shepherd named Nero.
The naming process saw significant local involvement, including a letter from a local Grade 1/2 class that shared their collective vote and their excitement for the new addition. Inspector Andrew Goody praised the public for their enthusiasm and engagement throughout the naming contest.
