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rescue dog

British  

noun

  1. a dog trained to assist rescue workers See also search dog

  2. a dog that has been placed in a new home after being abused, neglected, or abandoned by its previous owner

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"By only recruiting a rescue dog, it's a win-win -- giving a dog the chance of a new life while helping our iconic koalas," Innovation for Conservation director and handler Russell Miller said.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Finnegan is a shaggy black rescue dog who, for all his good-natured goofiness, carries the guilt and shame of being abandoned by his first owner.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Mountain rescue teams accompanied by the coastguard helicopter and a search and rescue dog team were involved in searches for the 42-year-old in challenging conditions.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

The tale of Sydney, a rescue dog who provided solace and companionship for evacuees from the Eaton fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 26, 2025

“You’re lucky I’ve got the greatest rescue dog ever.”

From "Eleven" by Tom Rogers

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