Sergeant Jason Owen and Carl at Trentham Police Dog training centre, Wellington, in this 2006 file photo. Photo by NZPA.

Police dog Cane, hailed as a hero after he was stabbed pursuing a fleeing burglar, died yesterday, just months into his early retirement.

His owner, Rotorua dog handler Sergeant Jason Owen said Cane was unwell when he woke yesterday and died before Mr Owen could get him to a vet.

"He was my best mate and will be sorely missed."

The eight-year-old spent six years with police and gained fame after being wounded during the capture of a burglary suspect last year.

Cane and Mr Owen were chasing the occupants of a stolen car in the Murupara Forest when one of them stabbed Cane three times in the head and body.

Cane recovered well after receiving emergency surgery, but was granted an early retirement. One of the top police dogs in the country, Cane and Mr Owen took top honours in the 2005 national police dog championships.