Excellent and faithfull little guard dog, wary of
strangers. Active, agile, tireless, always busy with what goes on around him, very
protective of objects given to him to guard, very kind with children, knows the ways of
the household, always curious to know what goes on behind a door or an object which is
going to be moved, betraying his impressions by his sharp bark and upstanding ruff; seeks
the company of horses, hunts moles and other vermins; can be used to hunt, indicates
rabbit warrens, chases these and the hare in the copse.
Characteristics
The Schipperke is an excellent and faithful little watchdog; is suspicious of
strangers. The breed is conscientious in guarding property and personal
items. They are a family dog; especially good with children. It is an active,
agile and untiring breed, being continually occupied with what is going on
around it; curious, wants to know what is going on behind closed doors and
about any object that has been moved. It betrays its impressions by a sharp
bark and with an upstanding ruff. The breed seeks the company of horses; is
used to hunt vermin; is a good rabbit dog.
The Schipperke has a short, thick-set, cobby body. The hindquarters are
slightly lighter than the forequarters. It has a foxlike head, with a lively,
questioning expression.
Temperament
The Schipperke is curious, interested in everything around him, and is an excellent and
faithful little watchdog. He is reserved with strangers and ready to protect his family and
property if necessary. He displays a confident and independent personality, reflecting the
breed's original purpose as watchdog and hunter of vermin.
History
Various theories exist regarding the ancestry of the breed. A Belgian barge
fleet operator named Reussens is considered to be the father of the breed in
recognition of his efforts in getting the breed registered in Belgium.
The breed name is said to be derived from the Flemish word for "boat," which
is "schip." Schipperke means "little boatman."
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