Clydesdale terrier

9.9

A small dog with upright ears and long silky hair bred in Scotland

noun

: terrier Clydesdale

Her grandmother owned a Clydesdale terrier with a beautiful, flowing coat.

Examples

The Clydesdale terrier is known for its friendly nature.
The Clydesdale terrier was once a popular breed in 19th-century Scotland.
Many dog enthusiasts appreciate the distinctive look of the Clydesdale terrier.
Have you ever seen a Clydesdale terrier?
Her grandmother owned a Clydesdale terrier with a beautiful, flowing coat.
Many dog enthusiasts appreciate the distinctive look of the Clydesdale terrier.
The Clydesdale terrier was once a popular breed in 19th-century Scotland.

Surface Forms

Clydesdale terrier singular

Clydesdale terriers plural

Morphology

Clydesdale + terrier

The compound combines a proper name/place element 'Clydesdale' with the noun 'terrier', so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes a type/breed of terrier associated with Clydesdale or named after that place. While specific breed traits (erect ears, long silky coat) are not predictable from the name, the overall category 'a kind of terrier' is transparently derivable.

Etymology

Clydesdale terrier may come from the Clydesdale area in Scotland and the word terrier for a 'small working dog'. Breeders aimed for a Skye-type dog with erect ears and a long, silky coat, so the name helps you picture a small Scottish dog with a flowing coat.