spaniel
n. countablen. a type of dog with long, soft hair and a friendly, gentle personality. These dogs are often used for hunting birds or as loyal family pets.
n. a breed of dog characterized by long, silky hair and a typically gentle, affectionate temperament. Often used in hunting, particularly for pointing and retrieving game birds.
The golden spaniel ran through the grass to greet us.
We decided to adopt a spaniel because we wanted a dog that would be patient and kind with our young children.
While the spaniel is celebrated for its keen sense of smell and ability to track prey, it is equally valued in urban environments as a calm and loyal companion that adapts well to apartment living.
From Middle English spaynol, from Old French espaigneul (modern French épagneul), from Old Occitan espaignol, from Vulgar Latin *Hispāniolus (“Spanish”), from Hispānia (“Spain”).