Schipperke History, learn about these spunky fellows throughout
history.
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History
Schipperke History: The Schipperke may fitly be described as the
Paul Pry of canine society. His insatiate inquisitiveness induces
him to poke his nose into everything; every strange object excites
his curiosity, and he will, if possible, look behind it; the slightest
noise arouses his attention, and he wants to investigate its cause.
There is no end to his liveliness, but he moves about with almost
catlike agility without upsetting any objects in a room, and when
he hops he has a curious way of catching up his hind legs. The Schipperke's
disposition is most affectionate, tinged with a good deal of jealousy,
and even when made one of the household he generally attaches himself
more particularly to one person, whom he "owns," and whose
protection he deems his special duty.
These qualities endear the Schipperke as a canine companion, with
a quaint and lovable character; and he is also a capital vermin
dog. When properly entered he cannot be surpassed as a "ratter."
More Schipperke History
Schipperkes have always been kept as watch-dogs on the Flemish
canal barges, and that, no doubt, is the origin of the name, which
is the Flemish for "Little Skipper," the syllable "ke"
forming the diminutive of "schipper."
The respectable antiquity of this dog is proved by the result of
the researches Mr. Van der Snickt and Mr. Van Buggenhoudt made in
the archives of Flemish towns, which contain records of the breed
going back in pure type over a hundred years.
The first in Schipperke History
The first Schipperke which appeared at a show in this country was
Mr. Berrie's Flo. This was, however, such a mediocre specimen that
it did not appeal to the taste of the English dog-loving public.
In 1888 Dr. Seelig brought over Skip, Drieske, and Mia. The first-named
was purchased by Mr. E. B. Joachim, and the two others by Mr. G.
R. Krehl. Later on Mr. Joachim became the owner of Mr. Green's Shtoots,
and bought Fritz of Spa in Belgium, and these dogs formed the nucleus
of the two kennels which laid the foundation of the breed in England.
It was probably the introduction of the Schipperke to England that
induced Belgian owners to pay greater attention to careful breeding,
and a club was started in 1888 in Brussels, whose members, after
"long and earnest consideration," settled a description
and standard of points for the breed.
Schipperke Club History
Not long afterwards the Schipperke Club (England) was inaugurated,
and drew up the following standard of points, which was adopted
in
December, 1890, and differed only very slightly from the one
acknowledged by the Belgian society and later by the St. Hubert
Schipperke Club.
Standards in Schipperke History
STANDARD OF POINTS OF THE SCHIPPERKE CLUB, ENGLAND:
HEAD--Foxy in type; skull should not be round, but broad,
and with little stop. The muzzle should be moderate in length, fine
but not weak, should be well filled out under the eyes.
NOSE--Black and small.
EYES--Dark brown, small, more oval than round, and not full;
bright,
and full of expression.
EARS--Shape: Of moderate length, not too
broad at the base, tapering to a point. Carriage: Stiffly erect,
and when in that position the inside edge to form as near as possible
a right angle with the skull and strong enough not to be bent
otherwise than lengthways.
TEETH--Strong and level.
NECK--Strong and full, rather short, set broad on the shoulders
and slightly arched.
SHOULDERS--Muscular and sloping.
CHEST--Broad and deep in brisket.
BACK--Short, straight, and strong.
LOINS--Powerful, well drawn up from the brisket.
FORE-LEGS--Perfectly straight, well under the body, with
bone in proportion to the body.
HIND-LEGS--Strong, muscular, hocks well let down.
FEET--Small, catlike, and standing well on the toes.
NAILS--Black.
HIND-QUARTERS--Fine compared to the fore-parts, muscular
and well-developed thighs, tailless, rump well rounded.
COAT--Black, abundant, dense, and harsh, smooth on the head,
ears and legs, lying close on the back and sides, but erect and
thick round the neck, forming a mane and frill, and well feathered
on back of thighs.
WEIGHT--About twelve pounds.
GENERAL APPEARANCE--A small cobby animal with sharp expression,
intensely lively, presenting the appearance of being always on the
alert. DISQUALIFYING POINTS--Drop, or semi-erect ears.
FAULTS--White hairs are objected to, but are not disqualifying.
We hope you've enjoyed this information on the development in Schipperke
History, below you'll find some useful links to learn more about
Dogs in history...
If you're interested in the history of dogs you may find these
pages useful as well:
Dogs in America, the history of how dogs came to be in North
America
Our complete listing of Dog Breed History, this page serves as
a table of contents with links to individual
Breed History.
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