non-sporting dog

or non·sport·ing dog

[ non-spawr-ting, -spohr- ]

noun

1. one of any of several breeds of variously sized dogs that may have been developed to hunt or work but now are usually bred for show or as a pet, including the Bichon Frise, bulldog, dalmatian, chow chow, keeshond, and poodle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of non-sporting dog¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

They were Blue Dan of Happy Valley, champion setter, owned by Dr. Arthur Allan Mitten of Philadelphia; Sealand Career, owned by Miss Viola Proctor, the best Pomeranian and best toy dog; the best greyhound, and best sporting dog Gamecock Duke of Wales, owned by George S. West; William Cornbill's Boston Terrier, Imogene V., the best non-sporting dog; and Gunar von Hollergarten, Harkness Edwards' Great Dane, best working dog; and best terrier, the fox terrier, Pendley Calling.

From Time Magazine Archive