working dog

American  

[wur-king dawg, dog] / ˈwɜr kɪŋ ˌdɔg, ˌdɒg /

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.

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working dog British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of working dog

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Such an award almost certainly would have been given to Conan, the military working dog who helped chase Islamic State leader al-Baghdadi through a tunnel during the 2019 U.S.

From Washington Times • Nov. 22, 2023

“He’s a working dog and will always want to be out.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 24, 2022

“The nice thing about the working dog or an animal you work with, you’re always used to doing weird things with them and traveling with them and camping with them,” McClelland told the station.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2021

The shepherd was imported from Germany and is a highly trained working dog so it’s hard to find toys that actually entertain her.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2021

Notwithstanding this neglect, however, the average life of the working dog is longer by a year or two than that of his more beautiful cousin.

From Dogs and All about Them by Leighton, Robert