catch dog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialised/regional)Specialised; informal; primarily used in hunting/agricultural/rural communities.
Quick answer
What does “catch dog” mean?
A dog trained or used to catch, retrieve, or hold game or other animals, often in hunting contexts or for controlling specific wildlife.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dog trained or used to catch, retrieve, or hold game or other animals, often in hunting contexts or for controlling specific wildlife.
A dog used for pursuing and seizing quarry, especially one bred for speed and tenacity, such as a lurcher or greyhound; by extension, can refer to a dog used for catching vermin or in herding to control livestock.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American English, particularly in Southern and rural contexts (e.g., for catching feral hogs). In British English, terms like 'lurcher' or 'working dog' for specific functions are more frequent, though 'catch dog' is understood in rural/hunting circles.
Connotations
In both, implies a working, utilitarian dog, not a pet. In the US, often associated with rugged, rural tasks. In the UK, may have historical or countryside connotations.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in specific American regional dialects related to hunting.
Grammar
How to Use “catch dog” in a Sentence
[verb] + catch dog (e.g., train/use/have a catch dog)catch dog + [prepositional phrase] (e.g., catch dog for boar)catch dog + [verb] (e.g., the catch dog holds)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catch dog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The lurcher will catch the hare.
American English
- The bulldog will catch the hog.
adverb
British English
- [No established adverbial use]
American English
- [No established adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The farmer looked for a good catch-dog breed.
American English
- He needed catch-dog training methods.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; potentially in niche businesses like hunting outfitters or working dog breeding.
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical, anthropological, or agricultural studies.
Everyday
Very rare; limited to individuals involved in specific hunting or farming activities.
Technical
Used in dog training, hunting, and wildlife management contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “catch dog”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “catch dog”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catch dog”
- Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'I will catch dog' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'watchdog'.
- Assuming it's a common term for any dog that catches a ball.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a functional description. Various breeds like American Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, or Catahoulas can be trained as catch dogs.
No, that would be incorrect and confusing. The term is specific to working roles in hunting or pest control.
No, it is a specialised, informal term used within specific communities.
A bay dog (like a hound) tracks and corners (bays at) the game. A catch dog is then released to physically seize and hold it.
A dog trained or used to catch, retrieve, or hold game or other animals, often in hunting contexts or for controlling specific wildlife.
Catch dog: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkætʃ ˌdɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkætʃ ˌdɔːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'catch dog'. It may appear in descriptive phrases like 'like a catch dog on a scent'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dog that doesn't just CHASE, but CATCHes. The name tells you its job: CATCH DOG.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOOL FOR A SPECIFIC TASK (The dog is conceptualised as a specialised instrument, like a tool).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'catch dog' most appropriately used?