sniffer dog

Contraband-detecting canine

A sniffer dog is a dog trained to detect specific substances by smell—drugs, explosives, contraband, or human remains.

Police and security services use sniffer dogs at airports, border crossings, and crime scenes.

Also called a detection dog or, in drug contexts, a drug dog: The sniffer dog alerted on the passenger's luggage.

detection

scent

Airborne odor detected

trackingMonitoring location over time
noseOlfactory facial organ
alertWarning or watchfulness

trained · search · handler · K-9 · indication · contraband · narcotics · explosives · concealed · hidden

security

customs

Traditional practices or import taxes

borderOuter edge or limit
checkpointInspection station on route
airportAviation passenger facility

patrol · inspection · screening · surveillance · enforcement · immigration · port · cargo · baggage · freight

substances

cocaine

Addictive stimulant narcotic

heroinIllegal addictive opiate
marijuanaPsychoactive hemp plant
methamphetamineAddictive synthetic stimulant drug

fentanyl · MDMA · ecstasy · amphetamine · opioids · hashish · ketamine · synthetic drugs · gunpowder · TNT

specializations

drug detection

Identifying presence of narcotics

search and rescueFinding and saving people
arson investigationProbe of intentional burning
cancer detectionIdentifying malignant tumors

wildlife trafficking · truffle hunting · forensics · missing persons · disaster response · avalanche rescue

breeds

German Shepherd

Intelligent working canine breed

Belgian MalinoisBelgian herding breed
Labrador RetrieverCanadian-origin sporting breed
BeagleHistoric British survey ship

Bloodhound · hound · purebred · breeding program · temperament · drive · stamina

training

conditioning

Learned behavioral adaptation

rewardPayment for service
positive reinforcementStrengthening behavior through rewards
certificationAttestation of qualification

obedience · commands · working life · retirement · practice · discipline · repetition · treat · recertification

Categories

Manhuntfugitive, manhunt, wanted poster, most wanted, pursuit
working animalsherding, guarding, pulling, detection, workhorse
working dogsK9, K-9, search and rescue, German shepherd, sheepdog
cargo inspectionx-ray scan, visual inspection, scanner, security seal, physical exam
scent trackingscent trail, pheromones, ant trails, nose work, trailing
deminingmine detector, deminer, mine sweeper, minefield, landmine

Opposites

function/purpose

sniffer doglap dog

Small pet breed

companion dog · companion animal · house pet · family dog · toy dog

detection method

sniffer dogmetal detector

Device sensing buried conductors

body scanner · security scanner · CT scanner · surveillance camera · baggage scanner

concealment vs. detection

sniffer dogsmuggler

Illegal goods transporter

drug mule · courier · concealer · trafficker

Family

dog, sniff, sniffing, sniffed, sniffer, sniffer dogs, scent hound

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G