The native Belgian breeds of dog appear to be mostly either quite large or quite small. This is rather unusual, for most other countries have a wealth of medium sized types with but few miniature or outsize breeds. However, in contrast to the tall Groenendael, Tervuren and Malinois Sheepdogs the Schipperke is indeed a fascinating little dog.
It does not appear readily to fit into any particular cynological group, and yet on probing into its construction it becomes apparent that it possesses so many of the characteristics peculiar to the Spitz group that on close examination it can hardly be classified in any other group. It is true that this rather insignificant little dog does not readily suggest the romantic and adventurous atmosphere of the Polar expeditions in which so many handsome and virile Huskies have played an important part, but, nevertheless, the breed has retained much of the original form and almost all the character of the northern dogs.
The Schipperke has been mainly used as a guard dog on the barges that have for centuries plied their ways along the Flemish waterways. In view of the restricted quarters on board these vehicles and the agility required in dodging the kicks of the horses when the dog is working on the tow paths it has been bred fairly small and compact. For centuries the Schipperke, or Belgian Barge Dog, has been bred mainly by the bargees of the Belgian Lowlands, without attention to written pedigree perhaps but nevertheless according to the ideals generally accepted by those with whom the dog lived and worked.
The Schipperke appeared on the exhibition bench rather early, and after the Queen of the Belgians gave a royal fillip to the breed in 1885 it fairly leaped into prominence. In Britain it attracted considerable attention too, and before the end of the last century it had its own breed Club here. Today its little black body is much easier to find than to photograph, and the breed though eclipsed by many others still enjoys substantial support in Britain.
Description. The head is of quite a foxy appearance, fairly broad and tapering to a sharp muzzle through a well defined stop; the eye are relatively small, oval in shape and dark and lively in expression; the ears are short to medium, set high, erect and pointed slightly to the front; the muzzle is moderately long, sharp, and with good level teeth.
The body is compact and exceedingly muscular for the small size of the dog, with a fairly short level back, deep chest and strong couplings; the legs are straight and firm, well boned and muscled, with small feet; the tail iis either entirely absent or is docked very short.
The coal is short and smooth generally, but rather harsh and longer on the frill around the neck, and with slight featherings on the legs and hindquarters.
The height is approximately 12 – 13 inches and the weight some 15 pounds.
In general appearance the Schipperke is a tidy little dog of Spitz form but not long-coated. A lively creature, it displays remarkable intelligence and curiosity.