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

He was a sporting dog, and trained not to bark; though he panted and his eyes bulged, he did not betray the whereabouts of his owner by even the suspicion of a yelp.

From For the School Colours by Brazil, Angela

As a sporting dog the setter had few equals, but he constantly showed his disgust when obliged to accompany a bad shot into the fields.

From Anecdotes of Dogs by Jesse, Edward

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

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

He makes an excellent sporting dog, and can be taught to do the work of the Pointer and the Setter, as well as that of the Water Spaniel and the Retriever.

From Dogs and All about Them by Leighton, Robert