attack dog

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of attack dog

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Previous officeholders had gone on diplomatic missions, run task forces or even served as the president’s attack dog.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 4, 2025

Their partnership and an Ashes battle may be what is needed to relight the fire inside England's Bazball attack dog in chief.

From BBC • Nov. 1, 2025

From the opening arguments, both sides have acknowledged Cohen’s central role in the charges against his former boss, for whom he was an uber-loyal fixer and attack dog.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2024

He drew occasional laughter in the courtroom with self-deprecating quips about his lack of financial acumen, in a contrast to the sharp-edged persona he has cultivated as his father's political attack dog.

From Reuters • Nov. 2, 2023

The vice president had a reputation for being President Nixon’s attack dog and skewering political opponents as “nattering nabobs of negativism,” “vicars of vacillation” and “pusillanimous pussyfooters.”

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2023