Schip
Breed Description

The Schipperke takes its name from the Flemish language spoken in its Belgian homeland, with the word traditionally interpreted as meaning little boatman or little captain in reference to the breed's history as a companion and watchdog aboard canal barges. This maritime connection earned the breed nicknames including Little Captain, Little Skipper, and Belgian Canal Barge Dog among English speakers who associated the breed primarily with its nautical heritage.

However, linguistic research has revealed that the name more accurately derives from the Flemish word for shepherd, making Schipperke more properly translated as little shepherd in reference to the breed's descent from the now-extinct Leuvenaar, a medium-sized black sheepdog. This pastoral connection aligns with the FCI's classification of the breed as a shepherd dog rather than a companion or northern breed, though debates about proper classification continue among breed historians and registry organizations.

Before the name Schipperke was officially adopted in 1880 at the international dog exhibition in Brussels, the breed was known by various designations. Historical documents reference the breed as Spits or Spitzke, acknowledging the spitz-type characteristics evident in its pointed ears and foxy face. The name Moorke, meaning little black animal, also appears in historical literature, describing the breed's characteristically dark coloring that made it appear like a small black shadow.

The breed's nickname Little Black Devil reflects both its dark coloring and its fearless, sometimes mischievous temperament. This sobriquet likely originated among those who encountered the breed's defensive capabilities, as a Schipperke protecting its territory could deliver a surprisingly powerful bite that left lasting impressions on would-be intruders. The devilish reference also acknowledges the breed's clever, cunning nature that made them effective ratters and watchdogs.

Americans commonly abbreviate the breed name to Schip, pronounced skip, as a convenient shortened form that has become widely accepted among enthusiasts. The full name is properly pronounced SHEEP-er-ker in its original Flemish but has been Americanized to SKIP-er-kee in the United States. Both pronunciations are considered acceptable depending on regional preference and linguistic background.

The breed has been recognized by major kennel clubs worldwide under its official name Schipperke, establishing consistent nomenclature across international boundaries. The American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, Fédération Cynologique Internationale, The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom, and numerous other registries all use this designation, though group classification varies among organizations reflecting ongoing debates about the breed's proper categorization.

The Schip achieved formal breed recognition through the establishment of the Belgium Schipperke Breed Club in 1888, which implemented the first written breed standard and began systematic efforts to preserve and promote this distinctive Belgian dog. This early organization helped transition the breed from its working-class origins as a shop and boat dog to recognized status in the developing world of purebred dog fancy.

The American Kennel Club recognized the Schip in 1904, placing the breed in the Non-Sporting Group despite its historical working functions as a ratter and watchdog. The first Schip arrived in the United States in 1888, and interest grew steadily until World War I interrupted development of the American population. The Schipperke Club of America was founded in 1929 and continues to serve as the AKC parent club, promoting responsible breeding and providing education about this unique Belgian breed.

The AKC standard describes the Schip as an agile, active watchdog and hunter of vermin, appearing as a small, thickset, cobby, black, tailless dog with a fox-like face. The standard emphasizes the distinctive silhouette created by the coat pattern, which includes a stand-out ruff, cape, and culottes that create the appearance of sloping from shoulders to croup. Under AKC guidelines, only black dogs are acceptable, with any other color constituting a disqualification.

The United Kennel Club recognized the Schip and provides a more inclusive standard that accepts blonde and brown colors alongside the traditional black. The UKC standard notes that the breed is naturally tailed, with some dogs born tailless or with short tails, and accepts docked or natural tails equally. This broader approach to color and tail reflects historical variation within the breed population.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies the Schip in Group 1, Section 1, designating it as a Sheepdog alongside the Belgian Shepherd varieties with which it shares ancestry. This classification acknowledges the breed's descent from the Leuvenaar sheepdog and its historical connection to Belgian pastoral traditions. Belgium is recognized as the breed's country of origin under FCI guidelines.

The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom places the Schip in the Utility Group and maintains a standard consistent with FCI guidelines while reflecting British breed tradition. The breed has maintained a presence in Britain since the late nineteenth century, when English fanciers began importing dogs from Belgium following the breed's rising popularity on the continent.

Genetic research has revealed that the Schip is closely related to the Papillon, Brussels Griffon, Pug, Pomeranian, and American Eskimo Dog rather than the Belgian Sheepdogs with which it was historically associated. This genomic analysis has prompted some breed enthusiasts to advocate for reclassification, suggesting the breed would be more appropriately placed with Northern Breeds or Companion Dogs based on genetic kinship.

Breed standards across all registries emphasize the distinctive coat pattern as an essential breed characteristic. The coat should display clearly differentiated lengths, with a stand-out ruff around the neck, a cape across the shoulders and chest, shorter hair down the middle of the back, and culottes on the hindquarters. Lack of this characteristic pattern is heavily penalized, as it fundamentally alters the silhouette that defines breed type.

The Schipperke Club of America works to promote responsible breeding, support health research, and educate judges and the public about breed characteristics. Club activities include specialty shows, educational seminars, and health initiatives addressing conditions that affect the breed. The club maintains a code of ethics for breeders and provides resources for those seeking well-bred puppies.

The Schip presents a distinctive silhouette that sets it apart from all other breeds, combining a compact, thickset body with a unique coat pattern that creates the appearance of sloping from shoulders to croup. Standing ten to thirteen inches at the shoulder and weighing ten to sixteen pounds, this small but substantial dog appears larger than its measurements suggest due to the profuse coat that frames and defines its outline. The overall impression should be of a small but powerful dog capable of the ratting and watchdog duties for which it was developed.

The head of the Schip is distinctive and contributes significantly to the breed's fox-like appearance. The skull is fairly wide and narrows toward the muzzle, creating a wedge shape when viewed from above. The toplines of skull and muzzle are parallel, with a moderate but definite stop. The muzzle is shorter than the skull, tapering toward the nose without appearing snipy or weak. The expression should be questioning, impudent, and mischievous, reflecting the breed's alert and curious temperament.

The eyes are small, oval-shaped, and dark brown, set forward on the head facing directly ahead. The expression they convey is essential to breed type, suggesting the keen intelligence and alertness that characterize this watchful breed. Eye rims are black and tightly fitted. The ears are small, triangular, and set high on the head, carried erect and facing forward. They are extremely mobile, moving to catch sounds and contributing to the breed's alert, attentive appearance.

The body structure emphasizes the thickset, cobby build specified in breed standards. The term cobby refers to a compact, squarish build with substantial body relative to leg length. The chest is broad and deep, reaching to the elbows and providing ample capacity for heart and lungs. The ribs are well-sprung but not barrel-shaped, allowing for efficient movement. The back is short and straight, leading to a slightly sloping or level topline depending on individual conformation.

The Schip may be born with or without a tail, and where naturally tailed dogs exist, tail length and carriage vary considerably. Historically, the breed was routinely docked where legal, with the customary length being no more than one inch. Where docking is prohibited or not performed, natural tails may be straight or curled and carried in various positions. The AKC standard describes the breed as tailless, while the UKC standard accepts all tail types equally.

The distinctive coat is among the Schip's most essential characteristics and follows a specific pattern that creates the breed's unique silhouette. The coat is double, with a soft, dense undercoat covered by a harsh, straight outer coat that stands slightly away from the body. The ruff around the neck and shoulders is particularly abundant, making the neck appear thick and creating a mane-like effect that is more pronounced in males than females.

The cape extends from the back of the neck across the shoulders, blending into the jabot that covers the chest and extends between the front legs. The culottes on the hindquarters create profuse feathering on the back of the thighs, adding to the distinctive outline. Hair on the face, ears, front of forelegs, and hocks is shorter and smoother. Down the middle of the back, starting behind the cape and continuing over the rump, the coat lies flat and is shorter than the cape but longer than the sides.

Color under the AKC standard must be solid black, with any other color constituting a disqualification. The undercoat may be slightly lighter but should not be so pale as to detract from the overall black appearance. During shedding periods, a transitory reddish cast may appear and should be penalized to the degree it affects the black appearance. The UKC accepts blonde colors ranging from platinum to strawberry and brown colors ranging from light mocha to dark chocolate in addition to black.

Movement in the Schip should be smooth and efficient, with a firm, supple gait demonstrating reasonable reach and drive. The topline remains level during movement, and legs converge toward the centerline as speed increases. The characteristic quick, bouncy movement reflects the breed's energetic nature while demonstrating sound structure. Movement that appears labored, stilted, or inefficient indicates structural faults that would impair working ability.

The Schip traces its origins to the Flanders region of Belgium, where historical evidence suggests dogs of this type have existed since at least the seventeenth century. The breed developed from the Leuvenaar, a medium-sized black sheepdog found in the Louvain region of Belgium that served as the foundation for both the smaller Schipperke and the larger Belgian Sheepdogs. This shared ancestry connects the breed to Belgium's pastoral traditions, though the Schip's development took it in a distinctly different direction from its shepherd relatives.

The smaller dogs bred down from the Leuvenaar found favor among the working classes of Belgium, who valued them as versatile dogs capable of guarding property, eliminating vermin, and providing companionship. Size restrictions on dogs that commoners could own may have contributed to the selective breeding toward smaller size, as these compact but capable dogs could accompany their owners to more areas and fulfill their duties without the expense of feeding a larger animal.

By the late seventeenth century, the dogs that would become known as Schipperkes had established themselves in the urban areas of Brussels and Antwerp, where they served as watchdogs for shops and businesses. Guild members, particularly shoemakers and cobblers, prized these alert little dogs for their ability to guard workshops during the night and eliminate the rats that threatened stored leather and supplies. A dog show specifically for these dogs, possibly the first specialty show in history, was held in Brussels in 1690.

The breed's association with canal barges developed as merchants discovered that the same qualities making them excellent shop dogs also suited them to life aboard the narrow boats that traveled Belgium's extensive canal system. Schipperkes guarded cargo, eliminated rats that could damage goods, and provided companionship to captains during long voyages. Their compact size suited the confined spaces of canal boats, and their fearlessness made them effective guardians despite their small stature.

The nickname Little Captain emerged from this maritime association, and the breed became synonymous with canal life in the public imagination. Schipperkes reportedly would nip at the heels of horses pulling barges along towpaths, demonstrating the herding instincts inherited from their sheepdog ancestors. Their loud, persistent bark provided early warning of any threat to cargo or crew.

Formal recognition came relatively late despite the breed's long history. The name Schipperke was officially adopted at an international dog exhibition in Brussels in 1880, when Count de Beauffort created a class specifically for these dogs. Before this standardization, the dogs were known by various names including Spits, Spitzke, and Moorke. The Belgium Schipperke Breed Club formed in 1888 and established the first written breed standard.

Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium acquired a prized Schipperke in 1885, sparking a fashion for the breed among Belgian society. This royal patronage elevated the breed's status from working-class companion to fashionable pet, though the dogs retained their practical abilities regardless of their owners' social position. The queen's interest brought international attention to this distinctly Belgian breed.

Export to other countries began in the late nineteenth century, with English fanciers importing dogs from Belgium and establishing the breed in Britain. The first Schipperke arrived in the United States in 1888, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1904. A specialty club formed but did not survive World War I, and the current Schipperke Club of America was established in 1929.

During World War II, the Schip played a remarkable role in the Belgian Resistance. The dogs' intelligence, loyalty, and inconspicuous appearance made them ideal for carrying messages between resistance hideouts without arousing suspicion from Nazi occupiers. This wartime service represents perhaps the most dramatic example of the breed's versatility and devotion to their people.

Genetic research in recent decades has revealed that the Schip is more closely related to companion and toy breeds than to the Belgian Sheepdogs with which it shares historical ancestry. DNA analysis shows close kinship with the Papillon, Brussels Griffon, Pug, Pomeranian, and American Eskimo Dog, suggesting that the breed's development diverged from pastoral dogs earlier than physical similarities might suggest.

The Schip possesses a temperament that combines fearless confidence, keen intelligence, and boundless curiosity in a compact package that has earned the breed its reputation as a big dog in a small body. These dogs approach life with enthusiasm and intensity, investigating everything in their environment and taking their self-appointed guardian duties seriously despite their diminutive size. Understanding and appreciating this complex temperament is essential for anyone considering this distinctly Belgian breed.

Curiosity drives much of the Schip's behavior, manifesting as tireless interest in everything happening around them. These dogs must investigate any new sight, sound, or smell, and their alert nature means little escapes their notice. This curiosity makes them entertaining companions who find fascination in everyday occurrences, though it can also lead them into mischief if not appropriately channeled. Owners frequently describe their Schips as getting into everything with a persistence that can be both endearing and exasperating.

The watchdog instincts bred into the Schip for centuries remain strong in modern dogs. They take guarding duties seriously, alerting to any perceived threat with a bark that belies their small size. Historically valued for their ability to defend shops, boats, and homes, today's Schips maintain the same vigilance toward their territory and family. This protective nature makes them effective watchdogs but requires management to prevent excessive barking or inappropriate guarding behaviors.

Confidence characterizes the Schip's interactions with the world, as these dogs rarely seem to recognize their small size. They may challenge much larger dogs, confront perceived threats without hesitation, and generally conduct themselves as though they were considerably more substantial than their ten to sixteen pounds. This fearless attitude served them well when facing rats nearly their own size but requires owner awareness to prevent confrontations that could result in injury.

The breed's independence reflects their historical function as working dogs who made decisions without constant direction. Schips think for themselves and may not automatically defer to human wishes, particularly when their own assessment of a situation differs from their owner's. This independent streak makes them less predictable in their responses to commands and requires training approaches that engage their willing cooperation rather than demanding blind obedience.

Reserve toward strangers is characteristic of the Schip, who may require considerable time to warm up to unfamiliar people. This aloofness represents appropriate wariness rather than fearfulness, and well-socialized dogs should observe strangers calmly rather than reacting with aggression or panic. Consistent socialization helps ensure that natural reserve does not develop into problematic suspicion or anxiety.

Mischief forms an integral part of the Schip personality, earning them the nickname Little Black Devil among those who know the breed well. Their intelligence and curiosity combine to produce dogs who actively seek entertainment and may create their own if adequate stimulation is not provided. Owners must stay several steps ahead to prevent the creative troublemaking that idle Schips inevitably devise.

Devotion to family balances the Schip's independent nature, as these dogs form strong bonds with their people despite their self-reliant tendencies. They want to be involved in household activities and may follow their favorite humans from room to room. This attachment can lead to separation anxiety in dogs whose bonds become unhealthily dependent, making early training for alone time important.

The Schip's prey drive remains strong, reflecting centuries of selection for ratting ability. Modern dogs may enthusiastically pursue squirrels, rabbits, cats, and other small animals with intensity that can be difficult to redirect. This instinct requires secure containment and careful management around small pets that might trigger chase responses.

The Schip adapts well to various living situations provided their needs for exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship are met. These versatile dogs can thrive in apartments, suburban homes, or rural properties, though certain considerations help ensure successful integration into family life. Understanding what the breed requires allows families to determine whether a Schip is the right match for their lifestyle and circumstances.

Apartment living is feasible with a Schip, as their small size requires less space than larger breeds. However, their vocal nature may create challenges in multi-unit housing where noise travels easily between units. Training to control excessive barking is essential for apartment dwellers, as Schips will readily alert to sounds from neighboring units that they interpret as potential threats. Sufficient exercise and mental stimulation help reduce the boredom that often triggers inappropriate barking.

Families with children often find the Schip to be a playful, entertaining companion, though the breed generally does better with older children who understand how to interact appropriately with small dogs. Schips may not tolerate the rough handling that very young children sometimes inflict, and their quick movements and small size make them vulnerable to accidental injury. Teaching children to respect the dog's space and signals helps prevent misunderstandings that could lead to defensive responses.

The Schip's exercise requirements are moderate but consistent. These energetic dogs need daily activity including walks, play sessions, and opportunities for mental stimulation. Their intelligence demands engagement beyond simple physical exercise, and puzzle toys, training games, and interactive activities help satisfy their active minds. Under-exercised or under-stimulated Schips typically develop behavioral problems including excessive barking, destructive behaviors, and hyperactive restlessness.

Secure fencing is essential for homes with yards, as the Schip's curiosity and prey drive may lead them to attempt escape when interesting distractions present themselves. Fencing should extend below ground to prevent digging escapes, and gates must close securely to prevent opportunistic exits. Their small size allows them to fit through gaps that would contain larger breeds, requiring attention to potential escape routes.

Multi-pet households require careful consideration before adding a Schip. Their strong prey drive means cats, rabbits, hamsters, and other small animals may be viewed as targets rather than housemates. Early socialization with cats raised alongside the Schip can promote peaceful coexistence, but introductions to small pets should be carefully managed. Some individuals never fully accept small animal housemates regardless of training efforts.

Relationships with other dogs vary by individual. Some Schips coexist peacefully with canine companions, particularly when raised together from puppyhood. Others display dominance behaviors that can create conflicts, especially with dogs of similar size who do not readily defer. The breed's confidence means they may challenge larger dogs inappropriately, risking injury from confrontations they cannot win.

The breed's attachment to family makes them unsuited for outdoor-only living despite their hardy constitution. Schips need to live as indoor family members with full access to household activities. Relegating them to kennel or yard existence typically produces behavioral problems and unhappy dogs whose social needs go unmet.

Travel and boat life suit the Schip well, reflecting their historical association with canal barges. These adaptable dogs often enjoy accompanying their families on adventures and typically adjust well to travel routines. Their compact size makes them easy to transport, and their alertness provides security wherever they go. Many Schip owners discover their dogs become enthusiastic boating companions, maintaining the nautical tradition that gave the breed its Little Captain nickname.

Training a Schip requires understanding and working with the breed's distinctive combination of intelligence, independence, and curiosity. These clever dogs are fully capable of learning virtually anything but approach training on their own terms, evaluating whether compliance serves their interests before deciding to cooperate. Success comes from making training engaging and rewarding while establishing clear boundaries that the dog understands and accepts.

Early socialization is critically important for developing a well-adjusted Schip. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, sounds, and experiences during their developmental period to build confidence and appropriate responses to novel situations. Given the breed's natural wariness around strangers, extensive socialization helps ensure that reserve does not develop into fearfulness or inappropriate suspicion that could manifest as defensive aggression.

Positive reinforcement methods work exceptionally well with this intelligent, curious breed. Schips respond enthusiastically to treat rewards and praise, quickly connecting their behaviors with positive consequences. Training sessions should be kept short and varied to maintain interest, as repetitive drills bore these quick-minded dogs and may result in deliberate non-compliance or creative avoidance strategies.

The Schip's independent nature can manifest as selective hearing when commands seem inconvenient or uninteresting. Rather than interpreting this as defiance, owners should recognize it as the breed's natural tendency to evaluate requests before complying. Making training feel like games that engage their curiosity increases cooperation, while confrontational approaches typically produce resistance and damaged trust.

Housetraining can be challenging with this breed, as some individuals are more difficult to housebreak than others. Consistency, frequent opportunities for elimination in appropriate areas, and patience are essential. Crate training often helps establish good habits while preventing accidents during the learning period. Some owners find that their Schips prefer specific surfaces or locations, and working with rather than against these preferences speeds the process.

Bark control training deserves attention given the breed's vocal nature. Schips use their impressive voices freely to alert to perceived threats, express opinions, demand attention, or simply communicate their presence. Teaching a quiet command and rewarding appropriate barking while interrupting excessive vocalization helps families manage noise levels that might otherwise become problematic.

Recall training requires particular attention, as the breed's strong prey drive and independent nature can override response to calls when interesting distractions appear. Building a strong recall through extensive positive reinforcement increases safety, though many owners wisely maintain secure containment rather than relying solely on recall in unfenced areas. The Schip who spots a squirrel may not hear anything else until the chase concludes.

The Schip's exercise needs are moderate but consistent, requiring daily activity to maintain physical health and mental equilibrium. Walks provide physical exercise and environmental enrichment through exposure to various sights, sounds, and smells. Play sessions engage their natural athleticism and provide bonding opportunities. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys, training games, and interactive activities challenges their intelligence and prevents boredom.

Dog sports provide excellent outlets for the Schip's energy and intelligence. Agility appeals to their quick, athletic nature and love of activity. Rally and obedience competition channel their intelligence into structured challenges. Barn hunt allows them to use their ratting instincts in appropriate contexts. These activities strengthen the bond between dog and handler while providing physical and mental exercise.

The breed excels at learning tricks and enjoys performing for appreciative audiences. Their intelligence and desire for attention make them natural showoffs who willingly learn elaborate trick sequences. Teaching tricks provides mental stimulation while strengthening the training relationship and giving the dog appropriate ways to earn the attention they crave.

The Schip is generally a robust, long-lived breed with many individuals remaining active and healthy well into their teens. Typical lifespan ranges from thirteen to fifteen years, with some dogs living even longer with proper care. This longevity reflects the breed's generally sound constitution, though certain health conditions warrant awareness from owners and breeders working to maintain the breed's overall health. Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB, commonly abbreviated as MPS IIIB, is a genetic condition found exclusively in Schipperkes and humans.

With attentive care, appropriate nutrition, regular veterinary monitoring, and responsible breeding practices, the Schip can enjoy a long, healthy life as a devoted companion. The breed's robust constitution and impressive longevity make them rewarding companions for those who appreciate their distinctive personality and appearance.

The Schip's distinctive coat requires regular maintenance to remain healthy and display the characteristic pattern that defines breed type. The double coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat covered by a harsh, straight outer coat that grows in specific lengths creating the ruff, cape, and culottes essential to the breed's silhouette. Understanding proper coat care helps owners maintain their dogs' appearance while avoiding practices that could damage the coat's texture or pattern.

Regular brushing forms the foundation of Schip coat care, with frequency depending on the coat's current condition. During normal periods, brushing two to three times weekly removes loose hair, distributes natural oils, and prevents mat formation. A slicker brush effectively works through the outer coat, while an undercoat rake removes loose undercoat without damaging the longer guard hairs. Attention to areas prone to tangling, including behind the ears and under the legs, prevents mats that could cause discomfort.

Seasonal coat blowing occurs once or twice yearly, typically in spring and fall, when the undercoat sheds dramatically over several weeks. During these periods, daily brushing becomes necessary to manage the tremendous volume of loose hair. High-velocity dryers can help blow out loose coat, significantly reducing the duration and mess of shedding periods. Professional grooming during coat blows may be helpful for owners overwhelmed by the volume of hair production.

The natural coat pattern should be maintained without excessive trimming or shaping. Breed standards specify that only trimming of whiskers and hair between foot pads is optional, with any other trimming prohibited. The distinctive silhouette created by the coat pattern is essential to breed type, and excessive grooming that alters this appearance detracts from the dog's proper presentation. Show dogs and pets alike should display the natural coat pattern.

Bathing should occur as needed rather than on a fixed schedule, typically every four to eight weeks depending on the dog's activities and coat condition. The harsh outer coat naturally repels dirt, reducing bathing frequency compared to softer-coated breeds. Thorough rinsing removes all shampoo residue that could cause skin irritation or coat damage. Equally important is thorough drying, as moisture trapped in the dense undercoat can lead to skin problems.

Nail care requires attention every two to four weeks depending on how much natural wear occurs through activity. The small, compact feet of the Schip may not wear nails down adequately through normal activity, particularly for dogs who exercise primarily on soft surfaces. Overgrown nails affect gait and can cause discomfort. Early desensitization to nail handling makes this routine maintenance easier throughout the dog's life.

Dental care is essential for maintaining oral health, as the breed can be prone to dental problems. Daily tooth brushing with dog-appropriate toothpaste provides the best protection against periodontal disease that can affect overall health. The small mouth can make brushing challenging, but consistent effort prevents the tartar accumulation that leads to serious dental issues. Professional cleanings as recommended by a veterinarian address buildup that home care cannot remove.

Ear cleaning should occur weekly to prevent wax buildup and detect potential problems early. The erect ears provide good air circulation that helps prevent moisture-related infections common in drop-eared breeds, but regular inspection remains important. Gentle cleaning with appropriate ear cleanser maintains ear health.

The coat naturally repels dirt and debris, but dogs who enjoy digging or rolling may require spot cleaning between baths. A damp cloth can remove surface dirt without necessitating full baths. The harsh texture of properly conditioned coat sheds dirt readily when dry, often requiring only brushing to restore cleanliness.