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

You have many qualities, old friend," I said, "but I don't think you are a sporting dog.

From Scally The Story of a Perfect Gentleman by Hay, Ian

He was as much out of his element in Wall Street as a sporting dog which is doomed to pass away its life sitting beside a chauffeur in an elaborate motor-car.

From The Sins of the Children A Novel by Hamilton, Cosmo

It was no mere mythical animal like the heraldic griffin, but an actual sporting dog which was accepted as a national emblem of the Emerald Isle, associated with the harp and the shamrock.

From Dogs and All about Them by Leighton, Robert

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

From Pussy and Doggy Tales by Kemp-Welch, Lucy

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