Police adopt first pitbull police K9 in Ohio

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Posted: May 19, 2017 10:45 PM EDT | Updated: May 19, 2017 10:47 PM EDT

Amy Montgomery

Clay Township, Ohio -- He's not your typical officer, but don't let his wagging tail fool you. Leonard is ready to work.

"Two more days and he'll be out on patrol," Chief Terry Mitchell, Clay Township Police Department, said.

Chief Mitchell says working with a dog is certainly different, but it's already proving to be a great decision. Leonard was adopted out of Union county Ohio, and his road to Clay township wasn't necessarily a smooth one.

Leonard was deemed unadoptable because of a strong will and a high "ball drive." But the director of the Union County Humane Society saw something special in the pup; something that would be perfect for law enforcement.

"He's a single purpose dog and his purpose is just finding narcotics," Chief Mitchell told 13abc.

But he isn't what you'd consider your traditional police dog. Leonard ins a pit bull, in fact, the chief says he's the only pit bull police K9 in Ohio. He admits, at first, he was a little apprehensive about the breed.

"I red up and learned about them and they're not any more vicious that any other dog. Any dog can bite. The pit bull is not any more inclined to do that than any other dog," he said.

Once the two met, it was clear it was a perfect fit.

"It just keeps getting better and better," the chief said.

WTVG