indoor dog; house dog
Dated term for a dog kept primarily indoors, often contrasted with outdoor guard dogs. Modern Japanese more commonly uses 室内犬.
昔は番犬が多かったが、今は座敷犬が増えている。
In the past, guard dogs were common, but now indoor dogs are increasing.
Compound of 座敷 (zashiki, 'tatami room') and 犬 (inu, 'dog'), referring to a dog kept inside the house rather than outdoors.