guard dog

Or guarddog

noun

1. a large, aggressive dog, as a German shepherd or Doberman pinscher, trained to guard persons or property and often to attack or restrain on command.

Word History and Origins

Origin of guard dog¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Fire Point staffers adopted some of the puppies, and two are now guard dogs in the weapons factory.

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“But you saw me. You are a very good guard dog.”

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Signs on guard walls and lampposts warn of security cameras, guard dogs and police patrols.

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"Sometimes they'd let the guard dog off its leash so that it could bite us. The cruelty was really shocking and it was constant."

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The breed “is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers,” according to the United Kennel Club.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attack dog