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 are small, erect and pointed and the tail is docked. Some Schipperkes are born tail-less while some are born with varying lengths of tail. A few months after birth, the tails are docked but in the US and Canada, 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.

The word schipperke was used by the English to mean “little sailor”. Recent studies showed, however, that this word was borrowed from the Dutch word “schapocke” or “scheperke” which means “little shepherd”. Moreover, the Belgian Sheepdog or the Groenendael holds a strict resemblance with the Schipperke.

The English regarded the Schipperke as a Dutch barge dog since it is often seen in barges in the canals usually patrolling, hunting vermin and towing horses. The US still calls this breed Belgian Barge Dog or the Belgian Ship Dog. During WWII, the Belgian Resistance used this breed as messengers against the Nazi and went undetected for years.

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