The Dutch Barge Dog, Schipperke

Sea travelers don’t need to search further for the best sea trip companion. The Schipperke is the perfect mate because it is incredibly developed to have a low center of gravity, meaning it is not prone to sea sickness. On board, this dog is game about anything because it stays agile, brave and dependable.

The Schipperke is a small breed of dog that originally appeared in Belgium during the early 16th century. This dog has a thickset and compact body and a fox-like face. The only acceptable color for this breed is black and that other shades lighter than it are considered disqualifications.

Aside from being fox-like and all black, there are also other unique features noticeable of a Schipperke. One of the most distinct features would probably be the coat that stands as a ruff, cape and culottes of the dog. The ruff is a remarkable adornment around a Schipperke’s neck as it wounds around, down to the expanse of its back.

The ears of the Schipperke are small, erect and pointed and its tail is remarkably docked. Most of Schipperkes, however, are either born without a tail or with a very short one. What breeders do is that months after their birth, the tails are docked or in case of Canada and US, the tails are docked right after birth.

This dog is a moderate shedder, has a luscious and fluffy undercoat, and a coarse and long topcoat. The topcoat is always black while the undercoat may be slightly lighter. Grooming this dog requires weekly brushing and regular trimming.

Also called the “Tasmanian Black Devil” or the “little black devil”, the Schipperke is one headstrong, independent and hardheaded little creature. It is overflowing with energy, very inquisitive and when it is hit with boredom, it destroys things it finds interesting. Sometimes, when the master gives orders, it intentionally ignores or refuses the must to obey.

Supposedly, the word schipperke is an English term which means “little sailor”. Studies corrected, however, that the word is a term borrowed from the Dutch word “shapocke” or “scheperke” meaning “little shepherd”. As further evidence, the Schipperke holds a strong similarity to the Belgian Sheepdog also called the Groenendel.

The Schipperke was mistaken by the English as a barge dog since it had been used as onboard security, ratter and horse tower of the barges in the canal. In the US, this breed is fondly called as the Belgian Barge Dog or the Belgian Ship Dog. Also, this breed served as messenger dogs for the Belgian Resistance against Nazi occupation during WWII.

Last 5 posts by Marlon Barkley

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