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

A sniffer dog detected bedbugs in a baseboard and between floorboards.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2023

A police sniffer dog had tracked him to a nearby street where his grandmother lives.

From BBC • Aug. 4, 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

This year a special prize was also given to 11-year-old Evie, an official festival sniffer dog, who marks her final year of service before retirement.

From Reuters • May 26, 2023

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