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A Schipperke (pronounced skipper-kee) is a small Belgian breed of dog that originated in the early 16th century. They are small in size, but big in character. There has been a long debate over whether this type of dog is a terrier, spitz or miniature sheepdog. more...

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Appearance

Schipperkes are most commonly all black, which is the only accepted color for show dogs in the United States and members of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. However, other colors are accepted in some countries. They have small and pointed ears that sit atop the head. Schipperkes are also double coated with a soft, fluffy undercoat that is covered by a harsher-feeling outer coat. One of the breed characteristics is a long ruff that surrounds the neck and then trails down towards the rear of the dog. They usually do not weigh more than 18 lbs and their tails are often docked shortly after birth.

History

Schipperkes were first formed as a breed in the 1880s, their standard being written in 1889. Much of what is known of their origins and early history comes from Chasse et Pêche (French for "Hunting and Fishing") magazine, articles of which were translated into English and published by the English magazine The Stockkeeper.

The breed name of "Schipperke," officially taken in 1888, is traditionally thought to mean "little captain". Beginning in the 1920s, however, it became popular in Belgium to believe that the name was actually a corruption of the Flemish word "Shapocke" or "Scheperke", meaning "little shepherd". It has been suggested that the idea of "little captain" was an invention of the English, who mistook the Schipperke for a Dutch barge dog.

Before the name "Schipperke" was officially taken, the breed was also known colloquially as "Spitzke". It is thought that the name change was to distinguish it from the German Spitz.

Correctly or not, Schipperkes are widely known as "Belgian barge dogs." Some reports say they were found frequently as working dogs aboard barges in the canals of Belgium, with three jobs onboard: security (barking vigorously when anyone approached the barge), keeping the barges free of vermin, and nipping at the towing horses' heels to get them moving to tow the barge. To this day, Schipperkes are known as excellent boat dogs and are often found cruising the world aboard sailing yachts and powerboats. They are not prone to seasickness.

"Schipperke" is actually a Dutch word; "schipper" (pronounced with the throat-clearing sound of the typical Dutch "hard g") means skipper (not captain, which is "kapitein"). Adding "-ke" (or "-je") to pretty much any Dutch noun means it's a smaller version, or is used as a term of endearment.

Temperament

A Schipperke is an all-around dog: it has strong Kerding, hunting, and watching instincts. They are fearless and independent, smart and willful. They are a high-energy dog with an intense curiosity about everything and therefore require a great deal of attention and stimulation. Consistent, positive training is a must or life can become a contest of wills. Schipperkes, like many small breeds, seem not to realize that they are small dogs and behave as if they are much larger than they actually are. They also often act as though they are high in authority in whatever society they live. They also have the nickname little nurse and can be quiet bedside companions to a sick family member. If socialized as a young dog, it also is very friendly to others.

Read more at Wikipedia.org