Meaning
The mixed-breed dog kept in the yard as a guard and companion — not a pedigree pet but a hardy 'mongrel' that lives outdoors, barks at strangers, and earns its keep watching the premises. Tough, streetwise, and loyal to its people, the yard-dog is the everyday Jamaican dog.
Examples
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Di yard-dog bark whole night at di gate.
The yard dog barked all night at the gate.
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A jus a common yard-dog, no fancy breed.
It's just a common yard dog, no fancy breed.
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Di yard-dog nuh mek nobody pass.
The yard dog lets nobody pass.
Origin
From [[yaad]] (yard) + 'dog'; the outdoor guard mongrel. See [[mongrel]], [[yaad]].
How it’s used
The outdoor mixed-breed guard dog; the everyday Jamaican dog. See [[mongrel]], [[watchie]].