water dog

noun

1. a dog that swims well or is trained to retrieve waterfowl in hunting.
2. Informal. a person who feels at home in or on the water.
3. waterdog.

water dog

noun

1. a dog trained to hunt in water
2. informal.
   a dog or person who enjoys going in or on the water

Word History and Origins

Origin of water dog¹

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50

Example Sentences

Bo is a neutered black male Portuguese water dog, and he—like his owner—has had to accept significant constraints on his freedom.

From The Daily Beast

There was the commander in chief jogging in his suit alongside a Portuguese water dog.

From The Daily Beast

Labrador-poodle mix or Portuguese water dog—either way: Take the plunge.

From The Daily Beast

Dalrymple started and shook himself like a water-dog, as if he would so shake off "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune."

From Project Gutenberg

And he is not at all a water-dog, as you must know, having such a lot of dogs of your own.

From Project Gutenberg

The little water dog comes from the small spaniel and the water dog.

From Project Gutenberg

The Maltese, or lap-dog, is a double mongrel, and comes from the small spaniel and little water-dog.

From Project Gutenberg

In my holiday trips I had a companion, my cousin Priscilla, who was, if the term be permissible; as great a water dog as myself.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• boater
• cadet
• diver
• marine
• pilot