Dog walking harness for Schipperke
Source: http://www.animalplanet.com/breed-selector/dog-breeds/non-sporting/schipperke.html
Dog information
- small dog
- black double coat
- fox-like face
Dog characteristics
- independent
- adventurous
- energetic
- friendly
Schipperke dog names
Tucker
Overview - Schipperke
The Schipperke is an agile, active watchdog and vermin-hunter. It is a small, tailless dog, with a fox-like face and is characterized by its silhouette, which slopes downward from head to rump. And though its origins remain a mystery, the Schipperke continues to be a unique selection for dog lovers seeking an alert watchdog or a friendly house pet.
History of Schipperke
There are different theories regarding the Schipperke’s origin. One credible theory states that this dog originally belonged to boatmen, who traversed from Brussels to Antwerp. In fact, a "schip" is a boat in the Flemish language and Schipperke means a small boatman. However, Belgian townspeople did not refer to the breed as Schipperke but as a spitz.
The other possible theory is that the Schipperke was a dog in middle-class households and trade guilds, where it was a ratter and small watchdog. As the breed looked like a miniature Belgian Sheepdog, the name Schipperke may have been derived from "scheper," a word for shepherd.
There was also mention of a small, tailless black dog of intermediate size in 15th and 16th century Belgian writings, but evidence of the actual breed would not be recorded until 1690. A group of shoemakers in Brussels arranged regular competitions for Schipperkes, taking pride in decorating their dogs with beautiful brass collars. By the 1800s, the breed became so popular it was one of the few pet dogs available locally; it would later become recognized as the national dog.
For more information please visit http://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_schipperke
Related dog breeds: Pug, Doxle, Boston Terrier, West Highland White, Border Terrier, Pomeranian, French Bulldog, Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, Havanese, Cairn Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Jack Russell Terrier, Schipperke, Japanise Spitz, Bolognese Dog
