# Turk — The Swiss Family Robinson character guide

> Turk in The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** the ferocious Turk, Mr. Turk

**First appearance:** 0002-the-swiss-family-robinson

## Snapshot

A powerful, voracious dog whose cannibal-like feast on the monkey's mother forces the family to reckon with the wild appetites they have welcomed into their camp.

## Who they are

Turk is the family's formidable hunting dog, all muscle and unbounded hunger, whose loyalty comes bundled with a savagery the Robinsons cannot fully control. When he devours the dead mother of Fritz's adopted monkey, Fritz and his father scold him like a moral agent, but Turk trots behind them with cool, perfect satisfaction, prompting Fritz to tie him up as a makeshift remedy. His brute indifference shadows the family's early attempts to impose order and conscience on a wilderness that answers only to appetite.

## Relationships

### [Ponto](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/ponto)

_friendship_

Ponto and Turk are two family dogs who work together and share a friendly, cooperative dynamic.

### [Jack](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/jack)

_friendship_

Jack has a playful and affectionate bond with Turk, often involving the dog in his adventures.

### [Fritz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/fritz)

_friendship_

Fritz works closely with Turk during hunting expeditions, valuing the dog's strength and loyalty.

### [Ernest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/ernest)

_friendship_

Ernest has a practical, task-oriented relationship with Turk, using the dog for gathering and protection.

### [Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/mother)

_friendship_

Mother appreciates Turk as a protective and helpful presence around the homestead.

## In the story

### [Voyage of Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-iii)

Accompanies the expedition; initially wary of Fritz but is fed biscuit to regain trust.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-xiv)

Carries the sack of potatoes on his back after his coat of mail is removed.

### [A Bathing, a Fishing, the Jumping Hare, and a Masquerade](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/chapters/part-i-xvi)

Remains behind at Falcon's Stream while Ponto accompanies Father and Ernest; his coat of mail is collected.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters/turk
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_swiss_family_robinson_se/characters