Schipperke
A Belgian barge dog whose name means little captain, and it patrolled boats for rats. Black, sharp faced, with a ruff that lifts when something is wrong.
Photo by Svenska Mässan, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Schipperke is a small black Belgian dog that patrolled canal barges for rats and guarded them, and the name is Flemish, most likely meaning little shepherd rather than little captain as is often claimed.
It has a distinctive silhouette: a foxy face, a thick ruff around the neck and shoulders, and a sloping back, and many are born with a natural bobtail.
Temperament
Bold, curious and relentlessly busy. Schipperkes are affectionate with their families, wary of strangers, and they are enthusiastic and vocal watchdogs.
They are intensely inquisitive, which means they investigate everything and get into everything. They are clever, independent and stubborn, and the prey drive is real. The barking is a genuine consideration in close housing.
Care and grooming
A thick black double coat that needs weekly brushing and daily attention during the two heavy moults, which are dramatic.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB, a fatal neurological storage disease, has a DNA test and is specific to this breed. Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and epilepsy also occur. Twelve to fourteen years.
Living and exercise
An hour a day plus mental work. They are far more energetic than their size suggests.
A secure fence, because they will find any gap and they are excellent climbers. They suit an owner who finds a busy opinionated small dog entertaining.
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