Definition

Noun: A dog that has been specially trained to assist police officers in their duties, particularly in tracking people or detecting substances.

Usage

The term "police dog" is used to refer to the animal itself as a working partner in law enforcement. It is a countable noun. * The officer and his police dog searched the building. * Police dogs are often used at airports for security.

Examples

• The suspect was apprehended by a .
• She specializes in training for detection work.
• A well-trained is an invaluable asset to the force.

Advanced Usage

• "to work as a police dog": To perform the duties of a police dog.
  • The German Shepherd has worked as a police dog for five years.
• "police dog unit": A specialized department within a police force that handles and deploys police dogs.
  • He applied to join the police dog unit.

Variants and Related Words

• K-9 (or K9): A common synonym, derived from the homophone "canine." It is often used in official unit names (e.g., K-9 Unit).
• Canine officer: A formal term sometimes used to refer to the dog, emphasizing its official status.
• Detection dog: A dog trained to detect specific items (e.g., drugs, explosives); many police dogs serve as detection dogs.
• Patrol dog: A type of police dog trained for protection, chasing, and apprehending suspects.

Synonyms

• K-9
• Law enforcement dog

Notes

While "police dog" is a general term, it often implies training for tracking, searching, and apprehension. Dogs trained for very specific detection tasks (e.g., arson, currency) may be referred to more precisely as "detection dogs," even if they work with police. The breed is not part of the definition; common breeds include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Labrador Retrievers.

Noun

1. any dog trained to assist police especially in tracking