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

Yes, he certainly is not happy with him; and for this reason--the Duke had a beautiful Danish sporting dog, which had run a thorn deep into its foot.

From The Banished A Swabian Historical Tale. In Three Volumes. by Wilhelm Hauff

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 F.E. Mills Young

The judges unanimously pronounced me to be the most perfect and beautiful sporting dog in the whole Show.

From Pussy and Doggy Tales by Lucy Kemp-Welch

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

From Pussy and Doggy Tales by Lucy Kemp-Welch

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 Angela Brazil