The phrase "vicious attack dog" refers to a dog that is trained to be aggressive and might harm or attack others when commanded to do so. Full definition
«When owners of vicious attack dogs are not home they should need to chain them up or keep them in the house they're supposed to be protecting,» Lanthorne said. (articles.orlandosentinel.com)
Anyone who has owned or known boxers will concur that this breed is especially reflective of the atmosphere in which it is reared, so it is a most delicate matter to characterize it as a «vicious attack dog.» (si.com)
After a disturbing prelude in which a boy flees his brutish father when he threatens to set his vicious attack dogs on him (expect heavy - handed canine symbolism to come), the film jumps ahead to the present - day at a racetrack where rich - girl Bénédicte (Adèle Exarchopoulos) impresses the boys with her behind - the - wheel prowess. (bostonglobe.com)