attack dog

noun

1. a dog trained to attack on command, as for protection or to aid in the apprehension of criminals.

Word History and Origins

Origin of attack dog¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

In the House, West earned a reputation as a ferocious right-wing attack dog.

From The Daily Beast

But he hurt himself with a chip-on-the-shoulder demeanor and attack-dog aggressiveness against Mitt Romney.

From The Daily Beast

Gone was Gingrich the attack dog, replaced instead by Gingrich the enthusiastic, vigorously nodding wing man.

From The Daily Beast

Think of them as a combination of a flying air-traffic-control center and a lethal attack dog.

From The Daily Beast

Get ready for new Florida Senator Marco Rubio to be playing the role of GOP attack dog come summer of 2012.

From The Daily Beast