working dog

noun

Synonyms of working dognext
: a dog suitable by size, breeding, or training for useful work (such as draft or herding) especially as distinguished from one suitable primarily for pet, show, or sporting use

Examples of working dog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The command also released a video clip featuring images of military working dogs operating alongside US personnel at locations across the Middle East. — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 This is especially important for reactive dogs that can't be around other dogs and working dogs that are bred to have a job, like German shepherds, Dobermans, pit bulls, Belgian Malinois, and Australian shepherds. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 For a military stung by a damning 2026 IG investigation into treatment of military working dogs, this sort of investment is quite welcome, but a deeper glance at the contract tells another story. — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 As of September, just three active bear dogs were stationed in the state — down from seven in 2012 — with no plans to bring on any new working dogs, as of September. — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for working dog

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of working dog was in 1885

Rhymes for working dog

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Browse Nearby Words

working day
working dog
working drawing
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Cite this Entry

“Working dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/working%20dog. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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