gun dog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2specialized / technical (hunting, dog breeding)
Quick answer
What does “gun dog” mean?
A type of dog, such as a retriever or pointer, specifically bred and trained to assist hunters by finding and retrieving game, especially birds, that have been shot.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of dog, such as a retriever or pointer, specifically bred and trained to assist hunters by finding and retrieving game, especially birds, that have been shot.
Any dog trained to work closely with a hunter using a firearm, performing tasks like flushing, pointing, or retrieving game.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used and understood in both varieties, but 'bird dog' is a common American alternative, especially for pointing/flushing breeds. 'Gun dog' remains the dominant technical term in both regions.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of tradition, rural life, specific sporting disciplines, and highly trained obedience. Neutral within its field, but signals engagement with hunting culture.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language but high frequency in specialized contexts related to hunting, shooting sports, and dog field trials.
Grammar
How to Use “gun dog” in a Sentence
[Noun] is a gun dog[Noun] works as a gun dog for [Person/Group]to train [Noun] as a gun dogVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gun dog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He spends his weekends gundog training with his spaniel. (Note: 'gundog' often compounds as an adjective/modifier)
American English
- They decided to gun-dog train the puppy themselves. (Hyphenated verb phrase, rare)
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- She attended a gundog handling course.
- The gundog trials are held in Yorkshire.
American English
- He's a respected gun-dog trainer. (Often hyphenated)
- They specialize in gun dog breeds.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche businesses like kennel supplies, dog training services, or specialist magazines.
Academic
Used in ethology, animal science, or historical texts on hunting practices.
Everyday
Understood but rarely used by non-hunters. Likely only in conversations about dogs, country sports, or specific breeds.
Technical
Core term in canine sports, breeding, field trial regulations, and hunter education.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gun dog”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gun dog”
- Writing as one word 'gundog' (though this is an accepted variant, 'gun dog' is standard dictionary form).
- Using it to refer to any large dog or guard dog.
- Pronouncing 'gun' with a long vowel /ɡuːn/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Gun dog' is a specific subset of 'hunting dog'. Gun dogs work directly with a hunter using a firearm to find and retrieve shot game (mainly birds). Other hunting dogs, like hounds, often track game by scent or sight for different purposes.
The main functional types are: Retrievers (fetch shot game), Spaniels and Setters (flush or point to indicate game's location), and Pointers (stand rigidly to indicate game). Breeds like Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, and German Pointers fall into these categories.
Yes, many gun dog breeds are popular family pets due to their intelligence and temperament. However, they are typically high-energy and require significant physical and mental exercise to be happy and well-behaved in a domestic setting.
No. In its primary context, it is a neutral, technical term related to a traditional field sport and animal husbandry. It carries no connotations of criminal or military violence, but is firmly rooted in regulated hunting and countryside management.
A type of dog, such as a retriever or pointer, specifically bred and trained to assist hunters by finding and retrieving game, especially birds, that have been shot.
Gun dog is usually specialized / technical (hunting, dog breeding) in register.
Gun dog: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌn dɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌn dɔːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not commonly used idiomatically]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GUN + DOG = A DOG that works with a GUN, helping to find the birds that have been shot.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE DOG IS A SPECIALIZED TOOL/PARTNER (extending the hunter's senses and capabilities).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described as a 'gun dog'?