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Schipperke History
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A descendant of the Leauvenaar, a Belgian sheepdog, the Schipperke was bred during the 17th century as a watchdog and ratter on Belgian riverboats. Before officially taking the name of Schipperke in 1888, the breed was known casually as the Spitzke, and has also been called the “Belgian barge dog.” Schipperke is commonly translated as Flemish for “little captain” or “little boatman” although some suggest it is actually a corruption of the Flemish for “little shepherd.” Perhaps the first breed ever to have a specialty show, the Schipperke made its debut as a show dog in 1690.
The Schipperke came into its own during the 19th century. By that time it had unquestionably become the most popular house dog in Belgium and was considered the national dog; this status was elevated in 1885 when Queen Marie Henriette adopted a Schipperke of her own. The Queen’s fondness sent the breed’s popularity spiraling ever upward, and in 1888 the Schipperke was introduced to the United States. It officially entered the ranks of American Kennel Club recognized breeds in 1904. Since then, it has enjoyed a period of popularity that was stifled by World War I, only to be revived in 1929, thanks to the hard work of a few financiers.
