Schipperke

The Schipperke has a can-do attitude. He is quick-thinking and quick-moving. He is unaware of his small size, and eagerly enters into play with dogs of any kind or size.

Schipperke breed facts

The Schipperke originated in the Flemish provinces of Belgium.

Schip means boat, schipper means captain of the boat and schipperke means "little captain of the boat".The dogs were used on the canal barges to guard the boat and catch the vermin. From there the name little captain.

Schipperke's are sometimes called "the best house dog" and very fond of children.

Information you should know before owning a Schipperke

He is curious and interested in everything around him. He is reserved with strangers and ready to protect his family and property if necessary. He is an ideal watchdog and companion.

The coat is black, although when they shed the coat may take on a slightly reddish cast. The coat is straight and abundant and slightly harsh to the touch.

The Schipperke is not derived from the Spitz or Pomeranian but is really a diminutive of the black sheepdog commonly called the Leauvenaar, which used to follow the wagons along the old highways in the provinces of Belgium. In the mid-19th century some of these 40-pound sheepdogs were still herding sheep in the neighborhood of Louvain, and from these both the Schipperke and the Groenendael have descended. The Schipperke was bred down to become that "excellent and faithful" little watchdog that we know.

In 1690, a show for Schipperkes of the Guild workmen was held in the Grand Palace of Brussels. The breed was called Spits or Spitske then; the name Schipperke was given it only after the forming of the specialty club in 1888. The name is Flemish for "little captain". Though called a canalboat dog, the Schipperke was as popular with shoemakers and other workmen as it was on the canals. The legend of the Schipperke relates that the custom of cutting the tails arose in 1609. It tells the story of a shoemaker who, angered by the repeated thieving of his neighbor's dog, cut off its tail-thereby showing the improved appearance soon copied by others and continued to this day. There is no evidence that the breed was ever born tailless; in fact, it seems that more dogs are born without tails now than earlier in their history.

The first dog in America was imported in 1888. A specialty club was founded here about 1905, but died out during World War I. There was little interest until, after several years of effort by a few fanciers, the present Schipperke Club of America was founded in 1929.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Small
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	30 mins a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Medium
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	Once a week
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Flat
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	No garden

	General Appearance Small, cobby, active dog, with sharp foxy expression.
	Characteristics Intensely lively and alert.
	Temperament Amenable, intelligent and faithful.
	Eyes Dark brown, more oval than round, not full; bright, most expressive.
	Mouth Jaws strong, with perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
	Neck Strong and full, rather short, set broad on shoulders, slightly arched.
	Forequarters Shoulders muscular and sloping. Legs perfectly straight, well under the body, bone in proportion to the body.
	Body Chest broad and deep in brisket. Back short, straight and strong. Loins powerful, well drawn up from brisket.
	Hindquarters Fine compared with forequarters; muscular and well developed thighs, well rounded rump. Legs strong, muscular, hocks well let down.
	Feet Small, cat-like, and standing well on the toes.
	Tail Customarily docked or may be born tailless. Docked: Very short. Undocked: Tightly curled, carried over the back. Well covered with hair.
	Gait / Movement Small, cobby, active dog, with sharp foxy expression.
	Coat Abundant, dense and harsh; smooth on head, ears and legs; lying close on back and side; erect and thick round neck, forming a mane and frill; with good culottes on the back of thighs.
	Colour Usually black but other whole colours permissible.
	Size Weight about 5.5-7.5 kgs (12-16 lbs).