About Schipperkes

History of the Breed

The Schipperke breed has been known in Belgium for hundreds of years, possibly developed from the native black sheepdog of that area. Apparently, smaller specimens of this sheepdog were selectively bred to produce a small companion dog for guarding the house and ridding the property of rats, mice, and small snakes. The known history of the breed begins about 1690 when the shoemakers of Brussels began to organize competitive exhibitions of their Schipperkes on designated Sundays. They showed off their dogs with fancy brass collars specially made to protect the dog’s ruff. At that time, the breed was more commonly called “Spitz” or “Spitzke.”

The modern name of this breed (pronounced “Skipper-kee”) is actually a Flemish word meaning “Little Captain.” It is said that the breed got its name from its popularity among the boatmen in Belgium. People would see this little black dog on the deck of a canal boat, guarding “his” boat, inspecting everything and everyone that came aboard, and barking with such authority that they would invariably remark that the dog seemed to think HE was the captain.

Temperament and Personality

The story about the boatmen may or may not be true, but it certainly gives a true picture of the Schipperke character. They are alert, active, curious, intelligent, protective and loyal – in short, all the qualities which make up the perfect watch dog. Having been bred for centuries as watchdogs and ratters – jobs requiring independent action on the dog’s part – Schipperkes have a will of their own and are inclined to be headstrong and stubborn. They are highly intelligent and very trainable – when intelligently trained. Schipperkes respond to kindness and positive training methods better than harsh ones, although that doesn’t mean they should be spoiled. They are also very clever, sometimes clever enough to outwit the owner. And since they learn quickly, they sometimes become bored by repetition. In spite of this however, Schipperkes make an excellent showing in the obedience ring, earning high scores and doing very well even in the advanced exercises.

Physical Traits

The typical Schipperke is 11-13 inches (males), and 10 – 12 inches (females) at the shoulder when full grown. According to the standard, they can weigh up to 18 pounds. This makes for a dog of convenient size, small enough to “pack around,” but not so small as to be frail and delicate. As a breed, they are very robust and healthy and usually live about 14 – 16 years.

One of the most common questions about the Schipperke concerns the dog’s tail-or more precisely, its lack of a tail. Most Schipperkes are born with a tail which is removed soon after birth. Occasionally a dog is born with no tail or with a short stubby one, but this is rare. Some countries in Europe have banned tail-docking, but most breeders in the US prefer the unique tail-less look of the traditional Schipperke.

The American Kennel Club and the Schipperke Club of America are following the official Belgian standard of breeding only black Schipperkes. Solid black is the only allowed color for Schipperkes. Occasionally a colored Schip will appear in an otherwise black litter because of a recessive gene, but a reputable breeder will always have these dogs spayed or neutered and not allow them to reproduce.

Colored Schips are rare because dedicated breeders respect the Belgian’s desire to keep their famous black Schipperke black, and diligently eliminate color from their lines

General Care

Schipperkes need to be kept in a fenced escape-proof enclosure. They are notorious for exploring on their own, oblivious to property lines, oncoming cars, and their owners’ frantic orders to “Come back!” A Schipperke that is allowed to roam, will not roam safely for long! Confinement, whether in a fenced yard, or walking on a leash, is NOT cruel. It is the sign of a responsible owner who wants to see his dog live a long healthy life.

The Schipperke does not require much in the way of special grooming. There are no frequent baths and fancy trimming as there are with some breeds. The coat looks neat and attractive with a minimum of brushing. However, when the Schip sheds (usually twice a year) the hair comes out in handfuls so it’s a good idea to brush the shedding Schipperke often. This will keep your house clean and the dog neat and comfortable. Toenails should be trimmed at least every two to three weeks to keep the feet compact and the toes strong. Ears should be inspected periodically and cleaned if necessary. Check your Schip’s teeth regularly. Tartar can cause unnecessary loss of teeth, as well as bad breath.

Fleas should not be allowed to live on or near your dog. Never think that fleas are normal! If you find that your dog has fleas, you must take aggressive action. You can discuss flea control with your vet. Your vet can also spot any problems your Schip may have with internal parasites like hookworms, and then prescribe the proper medication.

The Schipperke should be fed a quality dog food. This is one area where it doesn’t pay to bargain hunt. A quality food means easier digestion and better nutrition. The result is a healthier and happier dog. It will also result in less stool volume for you to pick up. Lastly, always be sure your Schip has access to fresh drinking water

Advantages and Disadvantages

Schipperkes are extremely hardy, long-lived, compact (can go and fit anywhere), easy to care for, and adaptable to different situations. They are often described as a “big dog in a small package.” They are very intelligent and make great obedience dogs but they can also be very stubborn and a bit domineering if allowed to grow up without some training or at least some limits. They need to be well socialized and exposed to all kinds of situations or they can become overly protective and snappish. Schipperkes can be yappy. Try to discourage extraneous barking early on. That cute bark from a tiny puppy can grow into a round of barking each time a leaf falls, making your dog a neighborhood nuisance. Schipperkes need a fenced yard and cannot be allowed to roam at will. They are as busy as a well-rested two-year old baby and as curious as a cat so they require some supervision to keep them out of trouble. For instance, they love to dig holes, something which gardeners should be aware of.

On the other hand, it is this same exuberance and sense of mischief that appeals to devoted Schipperke fans. They are not little lap dogs, content to lie in the corner and let life pass them by. With their curiosity, intelligence, and endless source of energy they seize on every new game you come up with – or invent their own! One of their most endearing traits is their habit of “pattycaking” to get your attention. They want to be involved in your life – to go places, to see things, to explore. Schips think that they are the smartest and cutest dog alive. Whether you agree with them or not depends on what you want from a dog!

The Schipperke Club of America is the national organization for Schipperke fanciers – the Parent Club formed for the protection of the breed in 1929. It was the SCA which wrote the Schipperke Standard and any changes to the wording of the standard can only be made by SCA members through formal procedures of the club. Once a year the SCA holds a National Specialty, which includes a Conformation Show, an Obedience Trial, an Annual Club Meeting, and Awards Banquet, and sometimes an Educational Seminar or two. This event draws fanciers from all over the Untied States and Canada. The club also publishes its own magazine called “The Bulletin”, four times a year. It is available by subscription to both members and non-members. To become a member of the SCA, an applicant must submit detailed information on his or her dogs, must agree to abide by the club’s Code of Ethics, and must be sponsored by a member in good standing.