nonsporting dog, classification used by breeders and kennel clubs to designate dogs that may formerly have been bred to hunt or work but that are now raised chiefly as house pets and companions. The following breeds are classified as nonsporting dogs by the American Kennel Club: Boston terrier, bulldog, chow chow, Dalmatian, French bulldog, Keeshond, Lhasa apso, poodle, and schipperke.