NSW crime-fighting canine hero dies

The celebrated police hound who helped nab one of Australia's most wanted criminals has died.

NSW Police dog Chuck passed away on the weekend after an illustrious eight-year career on the force solving hundreds of cases with his handler, Acting Sergeant Luke Warburton.

His work included frontline action in the 2012 Hyde Park riots and the arrest of bush fugitive Malcolm Nader in the same year, where Chuck famously bit Naden on the leg to stop the criminal from running away.

He also played a key part in nursing Sgt Warburton back to health after the officer was shot by a patient at Nepean Hospital earlier this year.

"My fondest memory will be of Chuck visiting me in hospital after I was shot in January. Chuck was so excited to see me and me him," Sgt Warburton said in a statement on Tuesday.

NSW Police paid tribute to the "crime-fighting hero", saying his death was a loss to the force and those who worked with him.