There are many stories on the history of the Schipperke. There is a story that middle-class families wanted a vermin hunter and a watchdog. It was said that the breed may have been produced from a larger Belgian sheepdog, Scheper, which means shepherd thus the name Schipperke. Another story is that it was a boat dog by seamen who were travelling between Brussels and Antwerp. It was said to be bred in Flanders by Rensses, a canal boat captain. In Flemish, Schipperke means Little Skipper or Little Captain. This is because the dogs played an important role in maintaining the canal bridge as the “ratters”. In 1690, a group of shoemakers began competing their Schipperkes in dog shows. The Belgium population, however, referred to the dogs as the spitz and described it as small, black, tailless dogs. By the 19th century, the Schipperke became known as Belgium’s national dog and was the only breed of household dog. When Queen Marie Henriette had a Schipperke, the breed became even more popular. Every class owned what was before only a workingman’s dog. Many dogs were then exported. In the 1880s, a group organized to save the breed because of its decreasing number.

Schipperkes are alert, intelligent, stubborn and independent. They are known to be protective and loyal to their master. The dog also has boundless energy and is a curious breed. It is best in guarding its territory. It always alerts its master on potential intruders. Its lifespan is 13 to 15 years. Its weight is up to 18 pounds. It has a thick neck and body, short and muscular legs, round face covered with a large mane of fluffy fur, a long and narrow muzzle which ends in a small black nose, proportional and triangular dark brown eyes, ears that are large and triangular-shaped, and a solid black coat. Some have very short tails and some don’t have a tail all. Schipperkes are common to have some genetic problems such as Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Mucopolysaccharidosis type 111B (MPS 111B), Legg-Calves-Perthes, epilepsy, cataract, and hyperthyroidism. These though might be prevented by finding a highly regarded or trustworthy breeder.