- schipperke
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/skip"euhr kee, -keuh/, n.one of a Belgian breed of small dogs having erect ears and a thick, black coat, originally used as a watchdog on boats in the Netherlands and Belgium.[1885-90; < dial. D: little boatman, equiv. to schipper SKIPPER1 + -ke -KIN]
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Dog breed that originated in Flanders and was used as a guard on barges.The schipperke ("little captain") is descended from the Leauvenaar, which also gave rise to the Belgian sheepdog. A short, thickset, tailless dog with a dense black coat and a foxlike head, it stands 12–13 in. (31–33 cm) and weighs up to 18 lbs (8 kg). It has a lively, inquisitive expression and is generally hardy and energetic, an able vermin hunter, and a good watchdog.* * *
▪ breed of dogBelgian dog breed that originated in Flanders several centuries ago and was used for many years as a guard on barges. The schipperke (“little captain”) is descended from a black shepherd dog, the Leauvenaar, which also gave rise to the Belgian sheepdog. A short, thickset, tailless dog with a dense, black coat and a foxlike head, the schipperke stands 10 to 13 inches (25 to 33 cm) and weighs up to 18 pounds (8 kg). It has a characteristic lively and inquisitive expression and is generally hardy and energetic; it is an able vermin hunter and a good watchdog.* * *
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