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schipperke

schipperke

1 9.9
A small black dog with a strong body that watches over boats in Belgium and the Netherlands
  • noun
  • /ˈʃɪpərki/
: schipperke
  • Many people choose a schipperke because of its playful nature and loyalty to their families.

Examples

  • The schipperke is known for its alertness and makes an excellent watchdog on boats.

  • The family Pauline worked for, the Steenkamps, had a black Schipperke called Smiley because he had a habit of pulling his lips back and showing his teeth when he wanted to please you.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • In the Netherlands, the schipperke is often seen accompanying fishermen as a loyal companion.

How Big

schipperke
1 9.9
toy dog
3 3.2

Surface Forms

schipperke singular
schipperkes plural

Etymology

Schipperke comes from the Dutch word schipper ('skipper' or 'boatman') plus the small ending -ke meaning 'little', so it literally means 'little skipper' and is the same root as the English word 'skipper'. That's why a schipperke is a small, strong dog that served as a watchdog on boats in the Netherlands and Belgium.