working dog

[wur-king dawg, dog]

noun

1. one of any of several breeds of usually large, powerful dogs originally developed to assist people in their daily work, as draft animals, guard dogs, and guide dogs, and including the boxer, bullmastiff, Doberman pinscher, Great Dane, St. Bernard, and Siberian husky.

working dog

noun

1. a dog of suitable breed or training kept for its practical use, such as herding sheep, rather than as a pet or for showing

Word History and Origins

Origin of working dog¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Researchers say the time shift is measurably unsettling for those working dogs, whose days are dictated by strict schedules.

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But he doesn’t want to discount the noses of working dogs before seeing additional genetic analysis.

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Young saw the devastation to wildlife firsthand while doing research in Mongolia, where companion and working dogs often roam free.

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A push in Congress to honor heroic military working dogs has refocused a spotlight on the vital role of K-9 warriors throughout U.S. history.

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Apart from toy breeds bred specifically as lap dogs, many breeds have backgrounds as working dogs: herding, guarding, hunting, and so on.

Read more on National Geographic