Schipperke

Notes

The Schipperke originates from miniature pups born in the litters of a herding dog called 'Leuvenaar'. Until the 1880's, it was the most common type of dog in Belgium. It has been mentioned in literature from the 1400s, then mainly kept as a farmdog, ratter, and watchdog, but also by shippers. The breed's name means 'little shipper', but it was also known as 'Spitzke', which means spitz, and is still classified as a herding dog in Belgium.

Queen Marie Henrinette fell for the breed in 1885, and that's the reason the breed became a fashionable dog, and many dogs were exported to Britain for high costs. Over time, there were less and less schipperkes left, and it almost disappeared during WWI.

The Schipperke is a small, almost square-shaped dog, lively and agile. The head is fox-like with rather short muzzle and slight stop. The eyes have an alert and sharp expression. The ears are set high, small and triangular. The neck is powerful and carried proudly. The body is short and compact, with straight back and slight tuck up. Straight frontlegs with broad hind legs. The tail can be bobbed, docked or natural. A natural tail tends to curve or curl over the back. The coat is hard in texture, longe ron the neck and backside of hind legs.

Breed Files