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

Crowds gather around the building and pray for good news, as rescue workers use a sniffer dog to search for signs of life.

From BBC • Sep. 12, 2023

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

The sniffer dog got separated form the search party on May 18, after he sped off into the forest following a scent.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 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