Description of a Schipperke.

Schipperkes were first formed as a breed in the 1880s, their standard being written in 1889. Much of what is known of their origins and early history comes from Chasse et Pêche (French for \"Hunting and Fishing\") magazine, articles of which were translated into English and published by the English magazine The Stockkeeper.

The breed name of \"Schipperke,\" officially taken in 1888, is traditionally thought to mean \"little captain\". Beginning in the 1920s, however, it became popular in Belgium to believe that the name was actually a corruption of the Flemish word \"Shapocke\" or \"Scheperke\", meaning \"little shepherd\". It has been suggested that the idea of \"little captain\" was an invention of the English, who mistook the Schipperke for a Dutch barge dog.

Before the name \"Schipperke\" was officially taken, the breed was also known colloquially as \"Spitzke\". It is thought that the name change was to distinguish it from the German Spitz.

Correctly or not, Schipperkes are widely known as \"Belgian barge dogs.\" Some reports say they were found frequently as working dogs aboard barges in the canals of Belgium, with three jobs onboard: security (barking vigorously when anyone approached the barge), keeping the barges free of vermin, and nipping at the towing horses\' heels to get them moving to tow the barge. To this day, Schipperkes are known as excellent boat dogs and are often found cruising the world aboard sailing yachts and powerboats. They are not prone to seasickness.

\"Schipperke\" is actually Flemish for \"little captain\". The English term Skipper for Captain is derived from this Flemish word.