A Short History of the Schipperke
Schipperkes first appeared in print in the early 1880's, but the breed is much older than that. During this time period, a meeting was held at which everyone who knew anything about the breed could come and share their information. About 50 people attended, and shared their memories back into their childhood. It was at this meeting that they decided Schipperkes were to be black, and it was established that they were good ratters and guard dogs. Up to WWI, the name Schipperke was felt to mean "little boat dog" by the Belgian founders of the breed.
During WWI the breed nearly died out, and most of the original breeders had died before or during the war. Interest in the breed revived in part because some of the Belgian Shepherd breeders felt that the Schipperke looked like a perfect Groenendael (black Belgian Shepherd) in miniature. They felt the name Schipperke should really mean "little shepherd".
Whichever the case, this small breed of dog is intelligent, lively, independent, and very resourceful. They can be excellent ratters and faithful guard dogs, but they are also explorers and a fenced yard is highly recommended. Schipperkes have a distinct sense of humor, which contributes to the idea of them being a "little black devil".
In the 1920's there were a few Schipperkes in the United States, but a woman named Isobel Ormiston took an interest in the breed and began researching them. She eventually imported several Schipperkes, beginning with CH Flore de Veeweyde in 1924. She not only showed and bred Schipperkes under the name "Kelso", but she wrote many articles on the breed and helped found the Schipperke Club of America. Her efforts truly shaped the breed in this country.
During WWI the breed nearly died out, and most of the original breeders had died before or during the war. Interest in the breed revived in part because some of the Belgian Shepherd breeders felt that the Schipperke looked like a perfect Groenendael (black Belgian Shepherd) in miniature. They felt the name Schipperke should really mean "little shepherd".
Whichever the case, this small breed of dog is intelligent, lively, independent, and very resourceful. They can be excellent ratters and faithful guard dogs, but they are also explorers and a fenced yard is highly recommended. Schipperkes have a distinct sense of humor, which contributes to the idea of them being a "little black devil".
In the 1920's there were a few Schipperkes in the United States, but a woman named Isobel Ormiston took an interest in the breed and began researching them. She eventually imported several Schipperkes, beginning with CH Flore de Veeweyde in 1924. She not only showed and bred Schipperkes under the name "Kelso", but she wrote many articles on the breed and helped found the Schipperke Club of America. Her efforts truly shaped the breed in this country.
Last Updated 3/1/2016 BY DP