⚓ ⚓ Schipperke Name Generator Schipperke

The Schipperke (pronounced roughly "SKIP-er-kee") is a small black barge dog from Flanders, the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium. The AKC describes it as Belgium's "little captain," the traditional barge dog of the Low Countries, and the name is commonly explained as Flemish for "little skipper" or "little boatman." Boat families are said to have kept these dogs as ratters and watchdogs on canal barges, and the breed was also a favorite of craftsmen in Brussels. Its fame grew in the 1800s, with Belgian royalty, and Queen Marie Henriette in particular, often credited with boosting its popularity, and a Belgian breed club and standard followed in the late 1880s. The breed reached the United States in the late 1800s, and the AKC recognized it in 1904 in the Non-Sporting Group. Source: AKC Schipperke breed page.

About 10–13 inches tall and roughly 10–16 lbs, with a compact, sturdy, fox-faced look. The thick, harsh double coat is solid black in the AKC standard, with a dramatic ruff, or mane, around the neck, a cape over the shoulders and fuller "culotte" fur on the hindquarters. The ears are small, pointed and always erect, and the eyes are dark and oval. Many are born tailless or with a short natural bobtail, and some tails are docked where the practice is allowed. The coat is easy to keep tidy with regular brushing, but Schipperkes shed heavily once or twice a year when they "blow" their undercoat.

Curious, lively, intense and mischievous, with a bold, confident and bossy streak. Schipperkes are loyal and affectionate with their own family, watchful with strangers and quick to sound the alarm with a sharp bark. They are fast, agile and endlessly busy, so they investigate everything, climb and dig, and can slip out through gaps in a fence. They need daily exercise, mental jobs, early socialization and patient, consistent, positive training. They may chase small animals and can be pushy with other dogs.