sniffer dog

American  

[snif-er dawg, dog] / ˈsnɪf ər ˌdɔg, ˌdɒg /

Sometimes sniff dog

noun

1. a dog trained to find illegal drugs or explosives by smell.

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sniffer dog British  

noun

1. a police dog trained to detect drugs or explosives by smell

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Etymology

Origin of sniffer dog

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

PD Bert had served with Cleveland Police as a sniffer dog for three-and-a-half years, tasked with detecting drugs, cash and firearms.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2025

Police said Friday that the coast guard, police and fire department were involved in the search, with a helicopter, drones and a police sniffer dog deployed.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 7, 2024

Military officials said the dog was the mother of Wilson, the sniffer dog who became a national hero after helping find the children.

From Washington Times • Jun. 27, 2023

Police said they were mourning two officers and a sniffer dog killed in the floods, among the worst to affect the east coast province in recorded history.

From Reuters • Apr. 18, 2022

The waiting inspection team is now likely to include a sniffer dog from a program Sawchuk developed called Conservation K9.

From National Geographic • Jan. 6, 2021