sniffer dog

[ snif-er dawg, dog ]

noun

1. a dog trained to find illegal drugs or explosives by smell.

sniffer dog

noun

1. a police dog trained to detect drugs or explosives by smell

Word History and Origins

Origin of sniffer dog¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

As part of an ongoing screening trial, sniffer dogs in England were trained to recognize a scent produced by infected patients that is not detectable by the human nose.

From Ozy

The “entire compound is surrounded by a 4 meter high perimeter wall,” and features five guard towers as well as sniffer dogs stationed at entry and exit points, according to The Baron’s website.

From The Daily Beast