Определение dog in the hunt в Английский Язык Английский Язык словарь
Something to gain depending on the outcome; a position for which to campaign or cheer
A national political party is unlikely to feel it has a particular dog in the hunt for a typical small town mayoral race; in many cases the local candidates do not even campaign with a party affiliation.
Literally, ownership of one of several canines participating in the group pursuit of game or fowl