Designating an animal which is put to work, esp. in an agricultural context (as a draught animal, a sheepdog, etc.). Also in figurative contexts.

That flies about. Of a hound: Apt to ‘fly about’; not steady.

With reference to dogs: characterized by pointing (pointing, n.1 6b). See also pointing dog n. at compounds.

That faults. That is at fault. See fault, n. 8.

(a) Coursing of a hound or hare, running with short strides, slow in pace; (b) making short runs.

of a greyhound = short-running adj. (a).

Afraid of a gun; frightened at the report of a gun: said esp. of a sporting dog.

of fox-hounds: kept and fed by the several owners or members of the hunt, as distinguished from a pack that is kept in the hunt kennels.

of a dog: bred to compete in trials (6c).