sporting dog

American  

noun

1. one of any of several breeds of usually large dogs especially suited by size and training for hunting by pointing, flushing, and retrieving game and including the pointers, setters, retrievers, and spaniels.

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Etymology

Origin of sporting dog

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sporting dog

General appearance should be that of an exquisitely pretty little sporting dog, very strong, and exceedingly smart and compact.

From A Manual of Toy Dogs How to breed, rear, and feed them by Williams, Mrs. Leslie

At last after long discussions it was agreed that the travellers should be content to take with them an excellent sporting dog belonging to Nicholl and a vigorous Newfoundland of prodigious strength.

From The Moon-Voyage by Verne, Jules

Diogenes was not a sporting dog; but when he saw a cat, or any other legitimate form of chase, he tried to cheat onlookers into believing that he was.

From Coelebs The Love Story of a Bachelor by Young, F.E. Mills

His qualifications as a sporting dog are excellent, and he makes a capital retriever, being usually under excellent control, generally light-mouthed, and taking very readily to water.

From Dogs and All about Them by Leighton, Robert

His approach was heralded by a scent which would have roused any sporting dog to frenzy.

From The Isle of Unrest by Merriman, Henry Seton