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SCHIPPERKE |
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These small watchdogs
from the Belgian province of Flanders have been known for many hundreds
of years. Although there are those today who say the Schip is a miniature
version of the black Belgian Sheepdog, it is more probable that he evolved
from northern spitz dogs of early Viking days. Since the shepherd dogs
trace their family tree to the same stock, one could still claim an ancient
relationship.
The Schipperke's
legend tells of a shoemaker who, in 1609, became irritated at the persistent
thieving of his neighbor's dog and, after finally catching him at it,
cut off his tail. The much improved appearance of the mutilated thief
supposedly was copied, starting the trend for docking. In those days,
the breed was still called spits or
spitske and was immensely popular among shoemakers and other tradesmen.
In the years before 1700, it was the custom of these craftspeople to parade
their little black, tailless dogs on alternate Sundays. The dogs wore
wide brass collars worked with intricate designs, perhaps done by a metal
worker. This may have led to the Sunday dog show custom! At any rate,
the Schipperke may be credited with the first specialty (one breed) show,
an exhibition put on for them in 1690 by the "Guild Workmen."
It was his
common presence on the canal boats of Flanders, however, that earned
the breed its modern name of Schipperke, Flemish for little boatman.
A barge owner named Reus-sens promoted the breed in the 19th century,
using the dogs as guards on his canal trips between Brussels and Antwerp.
The frugal Belgians liked this small guardian who alerted them to trouble,
yet ate little and occupied minimum space.
Queen Marie
Henriette, wife of Belgian King Leopold II, saw a victorious Schipperke
at a show in 1885 and acquired it, thus starting its rise to favor as
a fashionable pet.
The Schip
remains a welcome house dog today, with a sharp, perky personality
and kind nature. The breed displays tendencies of alarm dogs, however,
investigating every noise or movement. Setups have even been known
to hunt small game with their owners and to be good mousers. Their
intelligence and alert, athletic bearing make them potentially good
obedience workers.
While the
tail is usually entirely removed at birth, a Schipperke who has the
tail left intact has a beautiful plume that curves up over its back.
Proponents of the natural look feel the tail acts as a barometer of
the dog's mood. The breed is a perfect miniature Nordic dog, like
a small Buhund or Elkhound. With his standard's requirement for the
jabot, culottes, cape and ruff, he's a dandy in full dress on the
runway at the dog show. He requires only a minimum of care and generally
provides his family with many years of mutual affection.
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