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

My master pronounces me to be a most excellent sporting dog.

From Pussy and Doggy Tales by Kemp-Welch, Lucy

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

I remember that Fanchon's father, Flush, who was a famous sporting dog, used, at the approach of the covering season, to quest in his sleep, doubtless by the same instinct that works in me.

From Yesterdays with Authors by Fields, James T.

The sporting dog called the Setter, is distinguished by his long, silky hair, and has consequently been considered as a large spaniel.

From Anecdotes of the Habits and Instinct of Animals by Weir, Harrison

He was heavy, with flopping ears and overhanging lip and a thick tail; a regular sporting dog.

From Knock, Knock, Knock and Other Stories by Garnett, Constance