Sometimes, your job is more important than playtime. For this professional German shepherd, that moment has arrived at the biggest stage: the Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina.
A new video, published by the official TikTok channel of the Olympics, shows a German shepherd who has received accreditation to work at the Games. Wearing his official credentials with pride, the dog confidently walks beside his handler. The caption says it all: “Coming to the park today? Can’t, I’m working at #MilanoCortina2026.”
Moving with 100 percent focus, scanning his surroundings and staying close to his partner, this dog is a perfect example of the discipline German shepherds are known for.
Other dogs might spend their day chasing tennis balls or lounging, but this German shepherd has a more important calling. He is one of the elite few to receive an official Olympics accreditation, and he wears it with pride.
Sorry, park. The Olympics are calling.
A Breed Built for Work
Working dogs like German shepherd serve crucial roles, even at the Winter Olympics. What makes this video so charming is the pairing of a very normal dog desire—going to the park—with an impressive job—working at the Olympics.
For this German shepherd, his credentials hanging from the collar grant him access to secure areas and identify him as the official member of the Olympic team. For a dog breed that thrives on having a purpose, it looks like this dog is living his best professional life.
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Ever since they were first introduced to the canine world, German shepherds have been praised for their working roles, dominating police K-9 units, border patrol operations and private security work. Now, he is living his best professional life at the Winter Olympics.
Dogs at the Olympics
Dogs have appeared in Olympic history primarily as official mascots and, in some cases, as part of demonstration sports. Waldi the dachshund is the best example. He was the first official mascot, appearing at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.
We also have to mention the 1932 Lake Placid Winter Games, when a sled dog race was included as a demonstration event.
While the Olympics have used working dogs for decades, they rarely get the spotlight they deserve. This German shepherd is changing that.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.