HE has sniffed out criminals and followed up plenty of leads.

But now one of Dorset Police’s most popular dogs is hanging up his collar to retire at the grand old age of eight.

Tango, the 42 kilo German Shepherd has enjoyed a successful career with his partner in crime, PC Steve Budd.

Despite initial concerns about his suitability as a police dog, Tango has made it to retirement age.

His career highlights include tackling a knife-wielding, drunken man and tracking stolen goods.

He has also tracked offenders across heathland and made so-called “street bites” looking after PC Budd and his colleagues.

A guest appearance in Hello magazine also helped to secure his celebrity status after he took part in a dog display with TV star Martin Clunes.

Tango will continue to live with his handler, as will new canine recruit Xena.

PC Budd said: “Tango was a really small, cuddly, fluffy pup. He was a complete softie and had become a little over-socialised.

“There were concerns he wasn’t up to being a police dog but he successfully went through his training, which was a real achievement.”

PC Budd said Tango has looked after him in some “tricky situations” and said he is settling into life as a pet and getting to know Xena.

He added: “He has helped me in some very dodgy situations and it will be sad to see him go from work but now he can lie in front of the fire at home. I could never let him go after all these years.”

Dorset Police currently has 12 German Shepherd dogs, mainly used for general purpose duties, nine sniffer dogs and latest recruit Gus, a German Shepherd now five months-old.