The Schipperke, pronounced “skip-er-kee,” is a small but feisty Belgian breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers for centuries with its foxlike looks, bright expression, and lots of energy. Often recognized as the “little black devil” for its impish behavior and coal-black coat, this breed has a long history of several centuries. The Schipperke is small but with a spirit as big as their purpose-bred them to be. In this feature guide, we will explore the intriguing history of the Schipperke

A noble heritage of the Schipperke

The Schipperke's ancestry stretches back further than one would think, all the way back to prehistoric spitz-type dogs. These primitive doggies had upright ears, dense double coats, and curly tails—traits that have survived into the modern-day Schipperke. Ancient evidence shows spitz-type dogs were in Europe as early as the Stone Age as they adapted to the cold northern climates with their double coats for insulation. These early dogs probably were critical companions to human settlements, working as hunters, murderers, and partners. As human civilization progressed, these multifaceted canines continued to develop in concert with particular communities, eventually resulting in individual breeds—including the forbears of the Schipperke.

The Schipperke developed in Belgium from a variety of small spitz-type dogs that were bred selectively throughout the country for certain roles. Genetics strongly link the Schipperke with other Belgian breeds challenging imaginative relationships between today size breeds.

Earliest Known Ancestors

The Schipperke’s direct ancestors were probably medium-sized black sheepdogs known as Leauvenaar that lived in Belgium’s central provinces. These were versatile working dogs, prized for their herding and protective instincts. Over the years the smaller versions of these dogs were created, either through the specific breeding of smaller individuals or through crosses with other smaller breeds. The Schipperke is also believed by some historians to be descended from the now-extinct Hogenaar, a small black herding dog prized for its intelligence and work ethic. Although they eventually became associated most widely with barges and boats, this connection remained to their deep heritage in the working dog culture of Belgium.

The Origin of Schipperkes Is Belgian

The Schipperke is undoubtedly Belgium’s homegrown breed, a country famous for creating certain exceptional dog breeds. The breed's development is specifically credited to certain Flemish regions of Belgium, most notably around Brussels, Antwerp, and Louvain. This geography forged not just the breed's looks, it also molded its temperament and its working tasks. Belgium’s Flemish provinces contain a web of canals and waterways that have historically been important for trade and transport. These canals surrounded by dirt roads set the stage for the evolution of the Schipperke as a multiskilled workent hound suited for land and barge life. The breed developed in a milieu where commerce, agriculture, and maritime activity coexisted, necessitating dogs with adaptable skills and an understanding of territorial instincts.

Crossing the Culture in Belgium

The Schipperke had an important role in Belgian culture as a working partner and companion in the home. Among the working class, especially canal workers and shopkeepers, the dogs were prized for their watchfulness and ability to catch rats. Also, their small size suited well in the cramped quarters of the canal barges, and their keen nature made them good watchdogs.

The Schipperke had become a part of everyday life in Belgium by the 17th century, especially in the cities and along canal systems. Towned in Holland, Schipperkes were a very popular dog breed not only amongst working families but within the aristocracy too, as an attractive companion that is driven but possesses an endearing character.

The breed's role in Belgian culture is reflected in the art and literature of the country from different periods. Paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries show small black dogs that bear the characteristics of what we now call Schipperkes, indicating their place in domestic life in all classes.

The Transformation of the Schipperke's Role

Schipperke's development was closely linked to its working functions, which changed over the years to adapt to the changing needs of Belgian society. Each of these functions contributes to the physical and behavioral traits of the breed that we recognize today.

Original Working Roles

The main historical purposes of the Schipperke were:

1. Barge dogs — The most famous role, Schipperkes worked as watchdogs, ratters, and companions aboard Belgian canal barges. The name comes from this function, as "schip" means "boat" in Flemish.
2. Ratters and vermin controllers — With their quick reflexes and predatory instincts, Schipperkes was adept at controlling rats and mice on boats, in shops, and in homes.
3. Watchdogs — Schipperkes were small in size but made up for it with a loud bark and territorial instinct that made them effective sentinels.
4. Herding assistants — Smaller black sheepdogs likely did limited herding work before their relationship with barges, primarily with small livestock.
5. Shop guards — In cities, Schipperkes guarded shops and workshops from visitors and thieves.

The versatility of the Schipperke made it especially valuable in a society where the majority of families required working dogs who could take on multiple tasks. Their ability to adapt from farm to barge to city dwelling speaks to the intelligence and adaptability that remain hallmarks of the breed today.

The Barge Dog Connection

The most pervasive image of the Schipperke is as the "little skipper" patrolling the decks of Belgian canal barges in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This role played to a few of the breed's natural traits:

• They were small enough to be well-suited for the cramped quarters of canal boats
• Their alert nature and territorial instinct made them wonderful watchdogs
• Their ratting skills kept the ships vermin-free
• Their independent but loyal temperament was a perfect match for barge workers' lifestyle

Life aboard Belgium's canal system was active and communal, with barges regularly arriving and departing in clusters at commercial centers. Schipperkes on nearby boats would socialize, forming a unique community of these dogs along the waterways. This concentration may have helped them preserve breed type and attributes for generations.

Schipperkes were a popular breed on the canals, and barge captains often took great pride in their dogs, dressing them in decorated brass collars, which became a traditional accessory for the breed. Besides their decorative purpose, these collars made the dogs more visible as they ran along dark barges, marking them as working dogs of worth, not just strays.

When and Where the Schipperke Was Developed

The exact chronology of Schipperke's development is rather vague but thanks to historical documents we can trace some of the main milestones in this process.

History of the Schipperke Timeline

• 13th-14th centuries: Early recorded mention of small black dogs from Belgium that may be their earliest forms or similar types of Schipperke.
• 16th-17th centuries: More detailed descriptions of little black dogs with pointed ears working on Belgian canal boats
• Late 17th century: Breed type is considered more established and recognized as distinct from other Belgian dogs
• 1690: Often referenced as the year of the first recorded use of the breed name "Schipperke" in guild records
• 18th-19th centuries: The breed's popularity extends beyond the canals; they become fashionable in Brussels and other Belgian cities
• 1882: The Schipperke breed standard is written.
• 1887: Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium takes an interest in the breed, raising its profile
• 1888: The first Schipperkes are exported to the United States and England, receiving international recognition

Aesthetics played little role in the development of the Schipperke; the breed's formation was primarily practical. The breed developed through selective breeding that rewarded alert, intelligent, small dogs with the stamina and temperament to carry out its various functions.

Breeding Standardisation Work

The Schipperke had a watershed moment in the late 19th century when Belgium—like many countries in Europe—embarked on more formalized systems of dog breeding and classification. The initial breed club for Schipperkes was founded in Brussels in 1888, which aimed to organize breeding activities and make efforts to standardize the breed's appearance.

The original breed standard described a small, cobby, all-black dog with a fox-shaped face, pointed ears, and the distinctive "ruff" of longer hair around the neck. The Schipperke was required by the standard to be naturally tailless or to have its tail docked, in line with both tradition and a practical aspect that minimized the potential for injury to their tails while working.

As this was the time of standardization, some discussions took place regarding specific physical characteristics, like:

• The breed's sizable proportion
• Range of the ruff and coat characteristics
• Whether a naturally tailless condition should be favored over docking

These debates reflect the evolution of the Schipperke from a purely functionally useful working dog to a breed also appreciated for uniformity of appearance and show qualities.

What Does the Name Mean? The Name of the Schipperke

The name Schipperke says a lot about the breed's history and function. It comes from words in the Flemish language, which have cultural meanings tied to work relevant to how the breed was used.

Etymology and Language Origins

The most common etymological explanation of the term "Schipperke" would be from the word "schipper" in Flemish, (boatman/ skipper) and the suffix "-ke" as a sort of short-form. So the word "Schipperke" literally means "little boatman," or "little skipper" — a direct nod to the breed's association with canal barges and their boatmen. This name was formalized in the late 17th century, but theories about the name's origin vary:

• Some say it might come from "scheper-ke," meaning "little shepherd," referring to the breed's original role as a herding dog
• Others suggest links to words that mean "little black devil," or such phrases as ones that bring out the breed's energetic and at times devil-may-care personality.

The pronunciation of "Schipperke" (skip-er-kee) has stayed pretty much the same in its native Belgium, though anglicized variations have sometimes adjusted this slightly.

Cultural Naming Convention

The small suffix "-ke" in the breed's name reflects a common linguistic pattern in Flemish of using an affectionate diminutive to refer to something. This convention is seen in other breeds from Belgium, reflecting cultural attitudes towards dogs that recognized their close association with humans while also respecting their working role. Though the Schipperke's name does follow in the broad tradition of European dogs being named after what they do (as opposed to what they look like or where they're from), it is notable for being one of these breeds to reference their job with their name rather than their appearance or origin. This practical naming reflects the close relationship between a breed's development and working purpose — a relationship that characterized the breed for much of its history.

The Schipperke's First Mentions

The Acts of the Schipperke: The Origins and Preservation of the Breed

The Early Historical References

Although small black dogs have been present in Belgium for hundreds of thousands of years, we see records of dogs that we can identify as Schipperkes start showing up more in the 17th century. Key early references include:

• 1690: There is a mention in the records of the Brussels shoemakers' guild of small black dogs known as "Schipperkes" kept by shopkeepers and craftsmen
• 1690s-1700s: Small black dogs referred to sporadically in shipping and commerce records as working dogs on the canals
• 1739: First mention of kind of dog show in Belgium, with groups of small black dogs that looked like Schipperkes shown by members of the local guild
• Late 18th century: Increasingly common written descriptions of the characteristic small black dogs of Brussels and Antwerp, which mentioned their utility and popularity

Now, by the late 1600s, the Schipperke had become a well-known type of dog, with consistent traits and a set role in Belgian society, as the references above indicate.

Limitations in Historical Knowledge

Despite these references, there are significant gaps in our knowledge of Schipperke's early development. Due to the relative scarcity of detailed written records specific to dogs during this 16th-18th century era, questions are left about:

• The individual dogs chosen and the specific process of selection resulted in what we consider a modern Schipperke
• If there were distinct regional variations before standardization in Belgium
• How much more crossbreeding with other types happened during development
• The exact date of the move from subsistence sheepdog types to the developed barge dog

Such gaps in knowledge are the focus of ongoing research by breed historians who are still combing through Belgian archives and historical documents for more information on Schipperke's development.

Purpose and Function: What Schipperkes Were Bred For

The initial breeding goals that created the Schipperke mirror the practical requirements of both working Belgians in various contexts. Knowing these purposes makes sense of the breed's unique characteristics and behaviors.

Ecosystem functions as breeding objectives

The Schipperke was bred for a few important traits:

Awareness and vigilance — Necessary for guards in bars and shops Small dimensions — Convenient, for confined area on canals ships, and in metropolitan living Intelligence and trainability — Important for adjusting to multiple working jobs Vermin-hunting ability — Vital for keeping rats and mice off boats and out of storehouses Hardiness and endurance — Necessary for the physically grueling life of a working dog Independence - Crucial for patrol and vermin control during self-directed work

These breeding goals created a smallish, seemingly unbreakable dog with a unique look and personality traits. The thick, double coat that covers the Schipperke's body offers protection from the elements for long hours spent outdoors, and its penetrating expression and happy, upright posture reflect its watchful, alert nature.

Working Functions — How They Evolved

Schipperke's role also gradually morphed as Belgian society progressed through the 18th and 19th centuries. Though it retained its working capabilities, versatility propelled the breed into homes as family companions in growing numbers, especially in urban landscapes. (Homework: this transition was hastened by a few things:)

1. The industrialization of transportation gradually diminished the role of canal barges
2. The burgeoning middle class of Belgian cities wanted unique pets with personalities
3. An expansion in the interest of dog breeding as a structured activity
4. The breed's innate ability to make itself at home

But, by the late 1800s, the Schipperke already had a dual identity, both as a working dog and a companion animal — flexibility that would prove beneficial as the breed started to gain traction internationally.

How the Schipperke Came to America and Spread the Globe

The discovery of the Schipperke beyond the borders of Belgium marks a significant phase in the breed's story, as it transitioned from a regional working dog to a globally cherished breed.

The Arrival of Schipperkes in America

Compared to many European breeds, the Schipperke came to the United States relatively late. Important landmarks in the breed's American history include:

1888: First recorded Schipperkes come to the United States 1891: The American Kennel Club recognizes the breed. 1905: The Schipperke Club of America is established to preserve and protect the breed 1900s: The breed becomes moderately popular with American dog fanciers World War I and II years: Various European breeds, including the Schipperke, suffer during wartime with disrupted breeding programs Post-WWII era: Renewed interest in the breed and establishment of American breeding programs 1970s-today: Recognition and appreciation for the breed continued to grow steadily, though they remain relatively uncommon compared to some of the more widely known breeds

While the American Schipperke community has maintained relatively close adherence to the breed's Belgian roots and its standards, slightly different styles and types have emerged between European and American lines over generations.

Global Recognition and Expansion

Outside of America, the Schipperke got established around the world with differing calendars of introduction:

• 1887 Schipperkes are first exported to England
• 1889: The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom recognized the breed
• Late 1800s: Expansion to other European countries
• 1900s: Introduction of the breed in Australia and New Zealand
• Mid-20th century: Opening of branches throughout Asia

In each new location, the breed typically found a niche among enthusiasts who valued its distinctive appearance, spirited character, and manageable size. Yet the Schipperke has generally stayed a relatively rare breed outside of its native home, which has served to retain much of its original character and instinct for work.

The Schipperke Across Eras

Examining the Schipperke through different historical lenses helps to make sense of how external influences affected the development and dissemination of the breed.

Influence of the Victorian Era

The late 1800s, the time of the Victorian era, was a major turning point for many dog breeds, Schipperkes not excluded. During this period:

• Dog shows became more and more popular around Europe and North America
• Pressure for breed standardization increased
• Purebred dogs became a symbol of status
• A new class of dog owners embraced these dogs as status symbols and companions, with aristocracy no longer the only segment of the population keeping dogs

For the Schipperke, this period brought a formalization in the following:

1. Formation of the first breed club in Brussels (1888)
2. The first official breed standard is created
3. Has been organized into international exhibitions at big dog shows
4. Royal and Aristocratic Houses, including Belgium's royal family

The status of the Schipperke escalated significantly due to the interest of Queen Marie Henriette of Belgium in them in the 1880s, changing them from mainly a working-class dog to one that crossed social strata. Such royal attention guaranteed the future of the breed at a time when many working breeds were becoming obsolete due to industrialization.

Impact of the World Wars

The two World Wars took a heavy toll on many European dog breeds, and the Schipperke was no exception:

• World War I (1914-1918): The conflict was particularly devastating in Belgium, where breeding programs were shut down and many dogs went unaccounted for. The Schipperke's use as a watchdog and ratter helped keep numbers of the breed high despite hard times.
• Interwar period: Limited recovery of the breeding programs and revival of international interest.
• World War II (1939-1945): This inflicted even worse problems on the practices of European dog breeding. Food shortages made it hard to keep dogs, and many breeding records were lost in the fighting.

The endurance displayed by the breed during these trying times reflects not only its resilience but the commitment of enthusiasts who strove to include the Schipperke among wartime woes.

The Physical Evolution of the Schipperke

Schipperkes have not changed much physically over the ages — although selective breeding and standardization have introduced some refinements.

How they looked historically vs modern standards

Historical accounts and early photos of schipperkes from the late 1890s show a breed that would be recognizable to any schipperke enthusiast today. Physical characteristics that have remained unchanged are:

• Pointed muzzle (fox-like facial features)
• Erect, triangular ears
• The unique ruff of longer hair encircling the neck and shoulders
• The cobby, square body structure
• Lack of visible tail (by natural bobtail genetics or docking)
• The alert, upright carriage

However, a few differences can be observed between historical Schipperkes and the current breed standard:

1. Variation in size: Early Schipperkes were more varied in size, with some slightly larger than the modern standard
2. Coat texture: Working Schipperkes tend to have slightly harsher coats than the slightly softer one which does tend to be seen among some show lines today.
3. Structural refinement: Selective breeding has resulted in more consistent angulation and head proportions in modern-day dogs

It's a shift from a post-war tradition where aesthetics were all but neglected to one where you both had to achieve breed function and be in temper with a breed standard.

The Historical Legacy And Impact Of The Schipperke

In addition to being a working dog and a companion, the Schipperke has also made its mark on canine history and Belgian culture.

Cultural and Historical Importance

The Schipperke Matters More Than Its Practical Roles

• Preserving a piece of maritime history: The Schipperke is one of the rare breeds tied specifically to canal and river transport, making it a living vestige of Belgium's maritime history
• Belgian breeding expertise in action: Other Belgian breeds, including the Malinois and Tervuren, showcase the strong culture of purpose-bred working dogs found in Belgium that the Schipperke also embodies
• Symbol of resilience: The breed has survived the throes of war and major social changes, which signifies the continuity of certain cultural traditions, even in the face of historical impediments

Schipperkes are considered a part of the cultural heritage in Belgium, and there is some historical evidence of the breed appearing in maritime museums and cultural centers.

Influence on Today's Dog Breeding

Not one of the world's most populous breeds, the Schipperke has nonetheless had an impact on modern dog breeding in a few distinctive ways:

• Contributing to a knowledge of genetics underlying natural bobtails in dogs
• Replicating the successful retention of working characteristics in a companion breed
• A model for size stability in small breeds without fitness loss
• Excellent representation of the evolution of working dog functions to dual role (of companion and performance dog)

The Schipperke is still studied by breed historians and canine geneticists who try to determine how a breed can maintain health and function across dozens of generations of selective breeding.

Key Historical Highlights of Schipperkes

The following timeline of significant events illustrates the Schipperke's evolution from a locally popular working dog to an internationally recognized breed:

1. 1690s: Initial mentions of "Schipperkes" found in Belgian records
2. 1739: Dogs of the small black variety similar to Schipperkes were shown for the first time at an exhibition in Brussels
3. Early 1800s: Gaining popularity with canal workers and shopkeepers in cities
4. 1882: The first written breed standard is developed
5. 1888: The first Schipperke club is formed in Brussels
6. 1887-1888: Set to ship to England and the United States
7. 1891: American Kennel Club acknowledgment
8. 1905: Schipperke Club of America formed
9. 1920s: Recovery of European breeding programs after WWI
10. 1940s-1950s: Post-WWII rebuilding of breeding programs
11. 1988: 100th birthday of the breed's official international recognition
12. 21st century: Ongoing preservation efforts and a revival of interest in the breed's working legacy

Each of these milestones documents how the Schipperke evolved from a local working breed to a global companion with a unique history and personality.

The Schipperke Today: Maintaining Historical Type

Modern breed preservation efforts balance historical characteristics to ensure the working abilities of the breed, with adaptability to new companion roles.

Conservation Breeding Strategies

Modern Schipperke breeding programs typically focus on:

• Keeping with historical type: Retaining the trademark silhouette, the fox-like expression, and the "racy" look that have set the breed apart for hundreds of years
• Temperament consistency: Breeding for the alert, intelligent, and spirited temperament that has allowed the Schipperke to excel in its working roles
• Diversity: A requirement that confers the benefits of careful breeding to many purebred types
• Health testing: Using current veterinary screening to take breed-specific health factors into account

Breeds such as the Schipperke Club of America, as well as breed clubs in countries around the world, are keeping the standard with consideration to type historically, but with regard to contemporary education on canine health and wellbeing.

Roles and Activities in Modern Times

Today's Schipperkes engage in a number of pursuits, often echoing their historical duties:

• Companion dogs: For most of its contemporary Schipperke owners
• Sports on four legs: Competing in agility, obedience, rally, and barn hunt
• Therapy work: Using their size and brains in hospitals and schools
• Scent detection: Using their superior sense of smell in play and work
• Limited farm help: A few even continue their traditional jobs on small farms and rural properties

All of these diverse activities illustrate Schipperke's ongoing versatility and the success of preserving the working intelligence and physical abilities that have defined the breed throughout the ages.

Schipperke History Fun Facts and Myths

In addition to recorded history, the Schipperke has also amassed compelling folklore and lesser-known information that add context to the breed's story.

Folklore and Legends

There are a number of colorful stories concerning the Schipperke's history:

• The shoemaker shows,: A beloved legend states that in 1690, a shoemaker's apprentice carved a wooden Schipperke to hang as a sign outside the guild hall, highlighting the breed's connection to tradespeople, which was already secure.
• The name "black devil": Legend has it Schipperkes got this reputation not only for their looks but for nipping at the heels of horses who pulled competing canal boats
• Smuggler's tales: Some folklore has it that some Schipperkes were trained to help smuggle things across the Belgian borders, carrying small things, or even acting as distractions.
• The Kaiser's directive: An unsubstantiated story says that during the WWI occupation, German troops ordered all Schipperkes seized because of their tendency to bark alert, and their barking always gave away German troop movements

Though many of these stories cannot be verified by historians, they illustrate the cultural importance of the breed and its entwining with Belgian life and history.

Historical Facts You Probably Never Knew

Some items of Schipperke's history that have been documented but are less commonly noted are:

• Before the name was standardized, the breed was sometimes known as the "Spitske" or "Spits" in some of Belgium
• Some Schipperkes were black, as well as some of its early gene lines, but breed selectively out of the lineage.
• Many barge Schipperkes wore a traditional brass collar, to protect themselves in fights with rats.
• Historical accounts suggest Schipperkes were also used as heating companions, carried in muffs or special pouches by wealthy women on cold Belgian winters
• The breed's impressive climbing skill—which persists to this day—was especially prized on barges, where they could maneuver tight quarters and scale upward-facing planes

These historical details tell us about the way the Schipperke interacted with the communities who created this fascinating breed. The Schipperke (pronounced "skip-er-kee") is an energetic little Belgian breed that has charmed dog lovers for hundreds of years with its foxlike face, alert expression, and nonstop go-go-go. This breed is often nicknamed the little black devil, owing partly to its mischievous disposition and partly to its all-black coat, and it has a history that goes back several centuries in time. This tiny tot has a brash personality for sure and was bred for particular purposes that made it unique in look and personality.

The Origins of the Schipperke: Unfolding the History

In this deep-dive guide, we will explore the Schipperke history in depth, from where the dog originated as a working dog, to where it gained popularity as a beloved companion, and provide insight into the culture behind the Schipperke history.

Conclusion

From Belgian Canals to Global Canine Recognition: The Amazing Story of the Schipperke A true workaholic at heart and the ultimate small dog, the Schipperke was bred as a utilitarian working dog but has never lost its same sense of charm and purpose that endeared it to generations of Belgian boatmen, shop-keepers, and families. The breed is a living embodiment of purposeful breeding — in which function genuinely dictated form.

One thing about Schipperke's history that is noteworthy is the fact that it has remained relevant during changing times. Schipperkes were well adapted for various manners of changes in society through the years, unlike some working breeds that faced potential obsolescence when their genetic purpose diminished. The breed's versatility reflects its natural attributes as well as the commitment of the fans who saw its potential beyond its original job description.

The legacy extends, at least 300 years of written history—and far longer when one considers its spitz-type ancestors that existed in prehistoric times—that today's Schipperke inherit. Contemporary custodians of these little black dogs are part of a continuing historical story, stewarding an imagined breed that connects us to the nautical history of Belgium, the development of human-dog collaborations and the stunning saga of a little but fierce dog that spread its charms long beyond its origins.

This brief historical narrative gives us a hint of how dog breeds do not remain frozen in time but are living embodiments of culture that develop in tandem with the development of human society. In preserving and appreciating the Schipperke, we honor not just a wonderful canine, but also the human societies that evolved this breed to fulfill human purpose and later offered it to the world. Little skipper may have departed out of canals and into the great beyond, but its adaptability, awareness, and savvy still pave through our currents of age.