Definition of attack dog

The term "attack dog" originally referred to a breed of dog trained specifically for aggressive tasks, such as guarding property, hunting game, or fighting in pits for sport. These dogs, often large and powerful breeds like the mastiff, bulldog, or pitbull, were selectively bred for their strength, aggression, and loyalty, and were typically owned by wealthy individuals or organizations as a display of power and intimidation. The expression "attack dog" first appeared in the English language during the late 1800s, and was used to describe these dogs and their dangerous nature. In the modern era, the term has come to be used more broadly to refer to people or organizations that are aggressive, intimidating, or hostile towards their opponents, whether in politics, business, or other areas of society. The use of the term "attack dog" in this sense suggests that the subject is unpredictable, unreliable, and potentially dangerous, and serves as a warning to others to regard them with caution.