SCHIPPERKE

Schipperke. Belgian dog breed that originated in Flanders several centuries ago and was used for many years as a guard on barges. The schipperke (little captain) is descended from a black shepherd dog, the Leauvenaar, which also gave rise to the Belgian sheepdog. A short, thickset, tailless dog with a dense black coat and a foxlike head, the schipperke stands 12 to 13 inches (30.5 to 33 centimetres) and weighs up to 18 pounds (8 kilograms). It has a characteristic lively and inquisitive expression and is generally hardy and energetic, an able vermin hunter, and a good watchdog. See the Table of Selected Breeds of Non-Sporting Dogs for further information.