Sea travelers don’t need to search further for the best sea trip companion. The Schipperke is the perfect mate because it is incredibly developed to have a low center of gravity, meaning it is not prone to sea sickness. On board, this dog is game about anything because it stays agile, brave and dependable.
This small breed of dog is originally from Belgium and came in to existence at about 16th century. This dog has a face like a fox and a body that is thickset, compact and lean. Schipperkes are found in black color only and other dogs found in different shades are considered as disqualifications.
Aside from this dark color, there are other remarkable physical features of the Schipperke, too. For instance, its coat is rather unique as it forms a ruff, cape and culottes for the dog. The ruff lusciously wraps around its neck down to its back which gives an impression of an elegant fur coat.
The ears are small, erect and pointed and the tail is docked. Some Schipperkes are born tail-less while some are born with varying lengths of tail. A few months after birth, the tails are docked but in the US and Canada, the tails are docked right after birth.
The Schipperke’s coat sheds moderately, has a soft and fluffy undercoat, and a course and longer overcoat. The overcoat must always be colored black while the undercoat may be slightly lighter. To keep this dog’s appearance in a tiptop condition, the coat must be brushed weekly.
Also called the “Tasmanian Black Devil” or the “little black devil”, the Schipperke is one headstrong, independent and hardheaded little creature. It is overflowing with energy, very inquisitive and when it is hit with boredom, it destroys things it finds interesting. Sometimes, when the master gives orders, it intentionally ignores or refuses the must to obey.
Supposedly, the word schipperke is an English term which means “little sailor”. Studies corrected, however, that the word is a term borrowed from the Dutch word “shapocke” or “scheperke” meaning “little shepherd”. As further evidence, the Schipperke holds a strong similarity to the Belgian Sheepdog also called the Groenendel.
The Schipperke was mistaken by the English as a barge dog since it had been used as onboard security, ratter and horse tower of the barges in the canal. In the US, this breed is fondly called as the Belgian Barge Dog or the Belgian Ship Dog. Also, this breed served as messenger dogs for the Belgian Resistance against Nazi occupation during WWII.