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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.

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

A story for young readers about a rescue dog and a young cheetah is inspired by real-world zoo practices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The star-of-the-poster, Aggie, is a rescue dog of a breed unknown to the owners, who got her when on holiday in Greece.

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2025

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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