| The Schipperke is a Belgian breed, bred down from | | | | the dog of choice for guarding the canal barges in |
| the Belgian Sheepdog. Both of these dogs descended | | | | Brussels and Antwerp. Thus it is a territorial breed with |
| from a very old breed called the Leauvenaar, which | | | | a strong sense of loyalty. This is not a dog for |
| herded sheep in the region of Louvain. The Schipperke | | | | everyone 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 no | | | | it will develop fierce loyalties and be affectionate and |
| indication that there is any intermixing of this type in the | | | | loving, especially to the children, as it is playful and |
| genetic origins of the little dog. The coat does well with | | | | active. This is a dog that extends its loyalty to its family |
| a regular brushing and an occasional bath during the | | | | members and does not do well if uprooted. Obedience |
| shedding season. The A.K.C. requires a definite pattern | | | | training 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 the | | | | Master!Along with the duties of guard dog, the |
| chest, consisting of various lengths of the hair, this is a | | | | Schipperke took it upon himself to be the head ratter |
| characteristic which may not be trimmed and must be | | | | and vermin chaser on the boats, and is skilful as a |
| a natural part of the appearance of the breed.The little | | | | hunter. The little dog is curious and will give chase, so it |
| dog has not been changed in this respect and the | | | | is best to provide a fenced area or keep the dog |
| "look" that this growth pattern makes is quite different | | | | leashed or under control when outside.The Schipperke |
| than that of any other breed. It has prick ears and if | | | | is small, standing 11 to 13 inches at the shoulder, and |
| there is a tail it may be tightly curled. For many years | | | | folks who live in apartments and city homes find that |
| the tail was docked and it is becoming more common | | | | the little dog adapts well to city life, not needing an |
| that the dog is being born with no tail. In the head in | | | | excessive 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 Belgian | | | | and cherish the inherited health of the dog also . It is a |
| Sheepdog, especially in the length of muzzle and top | | | | very healthy little dog, often living as long as sixteen |
| of skull. The ears are not prone to infection, being | | | | years.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 alert | | | | has not been spoiled from overbreeding as is the case |
| demeanor.The Schipperke has strong guarding | | | | with so many of the smaller dogs. |
| tendencies. For hundreds of years this little dog was | | | | |