Tango To Make Appearance On A&E's "America's Top Dog"

Cable TV Competition Airs Tonight

Edmonson Voice file photo of Deputy Jordan Jones and Tango.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Edmonson County's favorite K-9 Deputy is anxiously waiting for his return to cable TV, as Tango will be featured on A&E's brand new game show, "America's Top Dog."

Deputy Jordan Jones, who handles Tango, described the show which airs tonight at 8pm local time. 

"It's like American Ninja Warrior for dogs," he said. "The show takes as many real-world scenarios for these types of dogs and puts them into a game show-like atmosphere. It's actually one huge obstacle course."

Tango made his television debut on A&E's Live PD in 2017, when the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office was featured on two different episodes of the popular cable TV show. Tango made a positive impression with viewers, which prompted the producers of ATD to contact the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

The episodes were filmed in June of 2019, where the show flew Deputy Jones and Tango out to northern Los Angeles. Jones said Tango had his own seat on the plane.

"The plane ride made him a little sluggish which brought his drive down, but we were able to get him back up for the show," he said. "They gave us 3 hours to train on their course, which was very difficult. It was definitely the most challenging scenario I've ever faced as a K-9 handler."

Deputy Jones said Tango competed against K-9s from all over, some from the FBI, and one that had an appraised value at over $100,000.

Tango, a six-year old German Shepherd, was purchased for the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office strictly by local fundraising and donations in the amount of $10,000. He joined the Sheriff's Office in September of 2016.

Tango had no comment when we asked him his thoughts on the experience. Since he has the ability to remove a grown man's arm, we did not press him for comment.

The show airs tonight at 8pm on A&E Network.