MEET

RPD Nipper

Breed of dogGerman Shepherd

Location of servitudeNorfolk and Suffolk Police

Type of serviceGeneral Purpose

ConditionEnlarged prostate

Grant amount received£700

  • Retired police dog Nipper at the beach
  • Police dog Nipper training
  • Retired police dog Nipper

MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG NIPPER

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What are the highlights from Nipper’s career?

In 2024, police were following a car which failed to stop and was found full of drugs. Nipper picked up the track of the suspects who fled the scene and located one in the middle of the woods.

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What’s Nipper’s proudest moment?

For the find (above), Nipper was awarded a commendation for good work and the suspects were prosecuted.

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What does retired life look like for Audi?

“Since retiring, Nipper loves swimming at Holkham Beach, running after his tennis balls and, most importantly, eating carrots!”

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How has Nipper’s health been?

Nipper needed scans, an operation and treatment for an enlarged prostate and suspected tumour and cyst.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG NIPPER

RPD Nipper joined Suffolk Police at the age of one, in 2017, as a general purpose dog. He then moved to Norfolk Police where he worked with a number of handlers.

When he retired in 2024, he was adopted by fellow police officers Ella and Dan who had met him while working.

Ella said: “Nipper was the biggest of his litter as a pup and his brother is also a PD within Norfolk Police.

“We met Nipper a few months before he was due to retire and fell in love with him. We knew we wanted to take him home as our own.

Police dog Nipper and Ella
Retired police dog Nipper

“An incredibly brave and once scary PD, has adapted wonderfully to his new life as a RPD, who follows his new owners everywhere, even to bed!”

In early 2025, Nipper needed treatment after being diagnosed with an enlarged prostate and a potential tumour and cyst.

Ella added: “Nipper has since been given the great news that the cyst has disappeared and the tumour was benign. His prostate is now being managed with medication to keep him comfortable.

“Nipper is wet nosed and waggy tailed as normal, and is back swimming in the sea.”

Police dog Nipper on duty

“Nipper needed multiple scans, an operation and medication; Thin Blue Paw contributed generously towards the costs.”

Ella, Nipper’s owner

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