The seven year old Labrador and three year old German Shepard have been sent up from Sydney, to replace retired Mid-North Coast dog's Gov and Gilby who have served since 2012.

Detection dogs are commonly used for detecting substances such as illegal drugs during searches.

General purpose dogs can be used to search, track and detain armed offenders.

Mid North Coast Dog Unit senior constable Matthew Gates said the new paw-some pair on the block had a very interesting dynamic from previous canines.

"We're starting fresh with two new dogs and hopefully they will get us through the next few years," he said.

"Both of these dogs were trained operational police dogs already, we just do a two week routine course where they get used to me and I get used to them.

"They are like us, they all have personalities and character traits.

"Bear being seven years old has been on the road for a while.

"He's a big boof-headed lab and is a very experienced police dog, he's quite a big dog and very strong willed.

"Yankee is very different to my last GD dog because he is very protective, very fast and alert."

Senior constable Gates is required to help adhere a strict diet, weigh the dogs and make sure Bear and Yankee pass their fitness assessments.

"They are not treated as a pet dog although they do play in the backyard and sleep in the sun like all other pet dogs do," he said.

"When they get in the back of the police car they know its time for work, there's a completely different personality.

"Generally the community especially kids are quite interested in them and ask questions when they see the dog squad cars around."

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