Dog breed that originated in Flanders and was used as a guard on barges.
The schipperke ("little captain") is descended from the Leauvenaar, which also gave rise to the Belgian sheepdog . A short, thickset, tailless dog with a dense black coat and a foxlike head, it stands 12–13 in. (31–33 cm) and weighs up to 18 lbs (8 kg). It has a lively, inquisitive expression and is generally hardy and energetic, an able vermin hunter, and a good watchdog.