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

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

He is seldom used as a sporting dog, or for draught, but is admired on account of his stature and beauty, and the different colours with which he is often marked.

From The Dog by Youatt, William

The brain can be trained, as the hand and eye can be trained; it can be made as obedient as a sporting dog, and by similar methods.

From The Human Machine by Bennett, Arnold

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