Of a sporting dog: That may be trusted to find or follow the scent, or to mark the game; dependable.

With modifying word. Chiefly of an animal: having a sense of smell of the specified kind. Also figurative. Now somewhat rare except in keen-scented…

Not yet stimulated by tasting flesh; figurative, untried, inexperienced, new. Also absol.

(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).

Of a game dog: skilled at finding birds; excited upon encountering a game bird or its scent.