working dog

[ wur-king dawg, dog ]

noun

1. one of any of several breeds of usually large, powerful dogs originally developed to assist people in their daily work, as draft animals, guard dogs, and guide dogs, and including the boxer, bullmastiff, Doberman pinscher, Great Dane, St. Bernard, and Siberian husky.

working dog

noun

1. a dog of suitable breed or training kept for its practical use, such as herding sheep, rather than as a pet or for showing

Word History and Origins

Origin of working dog¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

But he doesn’t want to discount the noses of working dogs before seeing additional genetic analysis.

From Science Magazine

Young saw the devastation to wildlife firsthand while doing research in Mongolia, where companion and working dogs often roam free.

From Los Angeles Times

A push in Congress to honor heroic military working dogs has refocused a spotlight on the vital role of K-9 warriors throughout U.S. history.

From Washington Times

Apart from toy breeds bred specifically as lap dogs, many breeds have backgrounds as working dogs: herding, guarding, hunting, and so on.

From National Geographic

“Last night, during a partnered U.S. and Syrian Democratic Forces helicopter raid in northeastern Syria, an explosion on target resulted in four U.S. service members and one working dog wounded,” U.S.

From Washington Times