The Schipperke: The Barge Guardian

The Schipperke is a Belgian breed, bred down fromthe dog of choice for guarding the canal barges in
the Belgian Sheepdog. Both of these dogs descendedBrussels and Antwerp. Thus it is a territorial breed with
from a very old breed called the Leauvenaar, whicha strong sense of loyalty. This is not a dog for
herded sheep in the region of Louvain. The Schipperkeeveryone as it can be quite stubborn and has a strong
has the stand off coat of a northern Spitz type,sense of independence. If introduced early to its family
however this is the only resemblance, there is noit will develop fierce loyalties and be affectionate and
indication that there is any intermixing of this type in theloving, especially to the children, as it is playful and
genetic origins of the little dog. The coat does well withactive. This is a dog that extends its loyalty to its family
a regular brushing and an occasional bath during themembers and does not do well if uprooted. Obedience
shedding season. The A.K.C. requires a definite patterntraining is important as the Schipperke often wants to
of growth which is part of the standard of the breed,assert himself as the authority, rather than the human
involving a "cape" around the neck, and a "ruff" on theMaster!Along with the duties of guard dog, the
chest, consisting of various lengths of the hair, this is aSchipperke took it upon himself to be the head ratter
characteristic which may not be trimmed and must beand vermin chaser on the boats, and is skilful as a
a natural part of the appearance of the breed.The littlehunter. The little dog is curious and will give chase, so it
dog has not been changed in this respect and theis best to provide a fenced area or keep the dog
"look" that this growth pattern makes is quite differentleashed or under control when outside.The Schipperke
than that of any other breed. It has prick ears and ifis small, standing 11 to 13 inches at the shoulder, and
there is a tail it may be tightly curled. For many yearsfolks who live in apartments and city homes find that
the tail was docked and it is becoming more commonthe little dog adapts well to city life, not needing an
that the dog is being born with no tail. In the head inexcessive amount of room and being easy to care
particular and the set of the shoulders and the front,for. Breeders have been particularly careful to protect
one can see a resemblance to the larger Belgianand cherish the inherited health of the dog also . It is a
Sheepdog, especially in the length of muzzle and topvery healthy little dog, often living as long as sixteen
of skull. The ears are not prone to infection, beingyears.Because of its size and adaptability the
upright. The face of the Schipperke is "foxy" in looks,Schipperke has become a popular pet . Thankfully, it
with an intelligent expression and an alerthas not been spoiled from overbreeding as is the case
demeanor.The Schipperke has strong guardingwith so many of the smaller dogs.
tendencies. For hundreds of years this little dog was