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

As water dogs, the Labradors are drawn to that beachfront as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Then, if we don’t have an early game, I usually like taking the boys and the dogs — I have two dogs, a standard poodle and a Portuguese water dog — for a hike.

From Los Angeles Times

And Cha-Cha, the water dog, bustled over carrying a sloshing bucket in her mouth.

From Literature

A few weeks ago, Grace Townsend, who lives in Jersey City, New Jersey, with her boyfriend and their 7-month-old Portuguese water dog, Cheerio, went to a friend’s birthday party in Hoboken.

From Seattle Times

Then the water dogs arrived, and tranquility gave way to commotion.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• boater
• cadet
• diver
• marine
• pilot