police dog

American  

noun

1. a dog trained to assist the police.

2. German shepherd.

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police dog British  

noun

1. a dog, often a German shepherd dog, trained to help the police, as in tracking

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Etymology

Origin of police dog

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The Thin Blue Paw estimates that adopting a retired police dog costs an average of £3,000 more a year compared with taking on an equivalent dog.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2025

"Things like joint support, special diets, hydrotherapy - all things that come with taking on a retired police dog," said Kieran Stanbridge, chairman of the charity.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2025

Authorities tied Scooby to a tree in the front yard before they led the police dog onto the property, according to court documents.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

The San José City Council unanimously voted to settle after Santa Clara County resident Anthony Paredes sued the city and others over a police dog attack.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

Five German soldiers and a police dog on a leash were looking down into the bed of the creek.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut