K-9 origins

I have seen the use of the letters K-9 on police cars that carry police dogs in various jurisdictions. I am getting pretty convinced that these days at least some of the cops involved have just gotten used to this designation without thinking about it, and don't actually know the humor associated with it. Thinking that this might be true is really making me smile.

I am old enough to remember the Looney Tunes cartoons where the Martian named his dog 'K-9' ; presumably later when I took Latin I finally got the joke. Many adults did of course, but most kids would not, which added to the appeal. In those days cartoons were designed to be shown in theaters where it was necessary for the feature to appeal to adults and children both. I think it is sad today that very few cartoons are really appropriate for both age groups... which is not to say there aren't plenty for adults.

Anyway, the main K-9 page at wikipedia claims [without citing a source] that the usage started in the military. That actually would surprise me, I really think it started with the Martian cartoon. I can say for sure the police usage came later, although maybe this is something that gets re-invented on its own. I like to think it's the cartoon, and at first the police just liked the joke. Can anyone here say they know for sure what is true?

Are you implying that there is some specific origin other than the mere fact that K-9 and canine are pronounced the same?

Next you're gonna ask, "How come in bingo halls, people tend to ask 'Before what?' after a call of B-4"....

I think it is a reasonable question. As I recall there was an agent K-9 on Get Smart, who was of course, a dog. Who was the first to make a joke about it, we'll probably never know, but it seems to me that what was once funny has become an everyday expression.

Quote: odiousgambit

I have seen the use of the letters K-9 on police cars that carry police dogs in various jurisdictions. I am getting pretty convinced that these days at least some of the cops involved have just gotten used to this designation without thinking about it, and don't actually know the humor associated with it. Thinking that this might be true is really making me smile.

I am old enough to remember the Looney Tunes cartoons where the Martian named his dog 'K-9' ; presumably later when I took Latin I finally got the joke. Many adults did of course, but most kids would not, which added to the appeal. In those days cartoons were designed to be shown in theaters where it was necessary for the feature to appeal to adults and children both. I think it is sad today that very few cartoons are really appropriate for both age groups... which is not to say there aren't plenty for adults.

Anyway, the main K-9 page at wikipedia claims [without citing a source] that the usage started in the military. That actually would surprise me, I really think it started with the Martian cartoon. I can say for sure the police usage came later, although maybe this is something that gets re-invented on its own. I like to think it's the cartoon, and at first the police just liked the joke. Can anyone here say they know for sure what is true?

Dogs were used in large numbers by the U.S. military in WWI, although no formally approved program was in place to procure, train and equip dogs and handlers. The U.S. Army formed the first "official" K-9 Corp on March 13, 1942. Prior to that "K-9 Corps" was an unofficial monniker for the "War Dog" and "Dogs for Defense" programs that were run by the Army and the American Kennel Club. The creation of the K-9 Corp moved the training of dogs for military use to a new level, as dedicated training centers were established, and full time staff assigned to this particular task.

"Haredevil Hare", the Looney Toons episode with the green dog "K-9" was produced in 1947, and released in 1948. Unfortunately, that means the name of "Marvin the Martian's" (then known as "X-2") dog was most likely inspired by the Army term, and not the other way around.

AC, you didn't leave anything left for Paco to say.

It was in use way before the 1940s. See, for example,

Quote: Hallberger's illustrated magazine, Volume 1, E. Halliberger, 1876

His card bears a bull-dog's head as a crest; and in directing letters to "Canine Castle," his correspondents have fallen in admirably with the humour of the proprietor. They delight in addressing him -- knowing that there is no fear of letters to so eminent a person being miscarried -- as Lord George, King William, General George, and so forth; and the frequenters of Spelling Bees would be amused at the various ways of rendering "Canine Castle," such as "K-nine Castle," and, better still, "K. 9. Castle" -- a feat equaling that of the stable-boy, who chalked the name of a famous racer on the stable-door as "Pot8os."

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Quote: Punch, Volumes 46-47, Various authors, 1864

THE RIGHT CONSTABLE IN THE RIGHT PLACE. -- Policeman K 9 (Canine) at the Islington Dog Show.

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Quote: Mr. Fox's Pinch for Pride, Frances Clark, 1887

On the particularly fine evening in question, a Shepherd's Dog might have been seen walking past this dangerous spot, not that he, good fellow, was at all accustomed to waste his precious time in chattering; but just at this moment he had to wait for his Master, ... This blunt and honest creature's name was "Bob ;" on his collar was K. 9. ; and though present circumstances prevented his punishing Mr Fox, he felt convinced that that wretch had killed one of his young lambs last spring, and did not feel at all inclined to be polite to him.

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im sure back then the average person didnt know how to spell the word canine let alone spell much of anything correctly at all so it was easier just writing K9.

Quote: Wizard

AC, you didn't leave anything left for Paco to say.

He could point out the martian dog is green, but not US Army olive green :)

Quote: rudeboyoi

im sure back then the average person didnt know how to spell the word canine let alone spell much of anything correctly at all so it was easier just writing K9.

I hereby nominate the above post for the 2011 Supreme Irony Award.

Quote: Wizard

AC, you didn't leave anything left for Paco to say.

Hehe, thanks, but I would be happy to be a footnote on one of Mr. Martin's bibliographies.

thanks for the facts, I couldnt find em. It has crushed my theory that the cartoon started it!