bird dog

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

A "bird dog" is primarily a gundog trained to hunt or retrieve birds. These dogs are intelligent, active, and social, and are a type of sporting dog. In field trials, bird dogs are judged on various skills like speed, range, hunting intelligence, and their ability to find game.123

The term "bird dog" has also evolved to have figurative meanings. It can refer to someone who actively seeks out something for another, such as a canvasser or talent scout. Additionally, it can describe someone who "steals another's date" or, more broadly, someone who doggedly pursues or watches someone or something.145

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

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chemoreception
Smell
When bird dogs are searching for a scent on the ground, they may sniff very rapidly, perhaps creating turbulence of the air in the nasal cavity and enhancing the likelihood that odor molecules will reach the olfactory epithelium. When these dogs run into the wind with…
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When bird dogs are searching for a scent on the ground, they may sniff very rapidly, perhaps creating turbulence of the air in the nasal cavity and enhancing the likelihood that odor molecules will reach the olfactory epithelium. When these dogs run into the wind with…
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dog
Senses
…and spaniels—are trained to scent birds and can distinguish one variety of bird from another.
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…and spaniels—are trained to scent birds and can distinguish one variety of bird from another.
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