<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> Thought to be descended from the same sheep-herding stock as the black Belgian Sheepdog, the Schipperke was bred smaller and smaller, and eventually became a different breed entirely. The Schipperke became a favorite choice to guard canal barges in Belgium, hence the name, which in Flemish means "little captain". The Schipperke was also used as a ratter. The breed became very popular in Belgian households by the late 1800's and was elevated to royal status when Queen Marie Henriette purchased one in 1885. The Schipperke was first shown in 1880. Today he serves primarily as a companion dog.
<b>Description:</> A small, thickset, tailless black dog with a thick double coat and a ruff around his neck. The body is short and compact and should look square when viewed from the side. When viewed in silhouette, the topline appears to slope gently down from the withers. The chest should be wide and should reach to the elbows. The head is shaped like a fox's, a wedge with a pointed muzzle. The small oval eyes are dark brown with a mischievous, questioning and alert expression. The small, erect ears are triangular in shape. If born with a tail, the tail is docked. The nose is always black. The teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite. Dewclaws should be removed from the front legs and must be removed from the hind legs if you wish to show the dog.
<b>Notes:</> Hardy and healthy. Prone to no serious health problems. Can be difficult to housebreak. Don't overfeed. Likes to howl.
<b>Personality:</> Hot-tempered and protective. Wary of strangers. May seem somewhat aloof, but is actually very devoted and loyal, especially with children. Smart, very curious and mischievous. Energetic and agile. A big dog in a little dog's body. Can be willful, but eventually responds to consistent training.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Best with older, considerate children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Moderately protective.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Very independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Moderate.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Friendly with other dogs.
<C>Noise:</C> Likes to bark.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> A little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Medium coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Average shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The tail is customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Very little exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> Small, but a pretty good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Very active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Good for apartment living.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Does all right without a yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Long (15 or more years).
<b>Talents:</> watchdog, and guarding.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> SCHIPPERKE
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
