The controversy surrounding the history of schipperkes is buried in ancient war time Belgium and not much written documentation appears to have survived during the war years.
To understand the controversy please read the Belgian History pages. As early as 1882, a prominent schipperke breeder, Louis Vander Snickt wrote about the true meaning of the word, schipperke:
Also in 1882 (on 5 November), the first edition in a long series (until 1970) of the review "Chasse et Pêche " was published. Louis Van der Snickt (1837-1911) became its chief editor. He was the former manager of the zoological gardens of Ghent and Dusseldorf. He had ample experience in breeding and was an excellent observer. The articles he published and illustrated in "Chasse et Pêche" are very instructive and pleasant to read. Several volumes would not be enough wrote Louis Huyghebaert later, to enumerate the services rendered to breeding by this untiring and alert spirit.
If the literal translation of "schipper" is "boatman", the true meaning of the word "Schipperke" has a very different origin. The sheepdogs in the Flemish areas were called "Schapershonden ". According to the area, one pronounced it as "schaper, scheper or schieper ". This is still the case today. The final "ke " always indicates the diminutive. That is why today the "Schipperke " is rightly classified in the group of the sheepdogs.
As early as 1883, it is apparent that schipperkes were thought of as "working dogs" when the first classification for them at dog shows was "flemish terriers, schipperkes". Remember, in the early years, groups were not provided as they are today. There were 2 basic groups: sporting dogs and the rest were classified as utility dogs. By classifying the schip as a terrier is proof that the schipperke was considered a breed that had a useful purpose. Much early history talks about the schipperke being a great ratter, a hunting dog and a guard dog of the common people, and in all probability that included those inside and outside of the city, where he was used on the farms as an all around "working dog".
By the year 1690, the schipperke was already the favorite dog of the common people and cobblers of the St. Gery quarter of Brussels. (*Note: the boatmen are not mentioned at this time) On 4 March 1888 the Schipperke Club of Belgium was formed. It is the oldest breed club in Belgium and officially affiliated to the ‘Royal Cynological Union St-Hubert’ under number 1. (*Note: from the Belgian Schipperke Club website) It was during the formation of the schipperke club that breeders decided to change the name to "schipperke" (rather than spitzke). This was done to prevent confusion with the German Spitz, a breed that in appearance, was very similar to the schipperke. The name was given in honor of Mr. Reusens, who was a very influential breeder and often called the father of the schipperke due to his devotion to the breed. Mr. Reusens ran a freight boat line between Brussels and Antwerp, and in all actuality, he was probably the link to the schipperke being used on the canal boats.
In 1894 an unfortunate source of a world wide misunderstanding as to the nature of the breed occurred with the publication of Rawdon Lee's "Non Sporting Dogs". It contained a superb engraving from "Moore" of the Schipperke, and he gave a perfect translation of the Belgian standard. However he wrote that in Holland lots of "blond Schipperkes" were born and that the black ones with some white hairs were killed from the litters. He also stated that the Schipperke was used on canal boats and that his name came from the Dutch word Schipper which means a bargeman.
The error was that Rawdon Lee confused the "white Dutch keeshond" with the Belgian Schipperke, and this misinformation has continued to follow the breed throughout the English speaking portion of the world of dog fanciers! A sad statement as to the geographic as well as linguistic ignorance of the English speaking world.
By the late 18th-early 19th century, the schipperke as a canal dog begins to immerge, and he does indeed have a rich history from this point on as a dog frequently seen on the canal boats.
To understand the controversy please read the Belgian History pages. As early as 1882, a prominent schipperke breeder, Louis Vander Snickt wrote about the true meaning of the word, schipperke:
Also in 1882 (on 5 November), the first edition in a long series (until 1970) of the review "Chasse et Pêche " was published. Louis Van der Snickt (1837-1911) became its chief editor. He was the former manager of the zoological gardens of Ghent and Dusseldorf. He had ample experience in breeding and was an excellent observer. The articles he published and illustrated in "Chasse et Pêche" are very instructive and pleasant to read. Several volumes would not be enough wrote Louis Huyghebaert later, to enumerate the services rendered to breeding by this untiring and alert spirit.
If the literal translation of "schipper" is "boatman", the true meaning of the word "Schipperke" has a very different origin. The sheepdogs in the Flemish areas were called "Schapershonden ". According to the area, one pronounced it as "schaper, scheper or schieper ". This is still the case today. The final "ke " always indicates the diminutive. That is why today the "Schipperke " is rightly classified in the group of the sheepdogs.
As early as 1883, it is apparent that schipperkes were thought of as "working dogs" when the first classification for them at dog shows was "flemish terriers, schipperkes". Remember, in the early years, groups were not provided as they are today. There were 2 basic groups: sporting dogs and the rest were classified as utility dogs. By classifying the schip as a terrier is proof that the schipperke was considered a breed that had a useful purpose. Much early history talks about the schipperke being a great ratter, a hunting dog and a guard dog of the common people, and in all probability that included those inside and outside of the city, where he was used on the farms as an all around "working dog".
By the year 1690, the schipperke was already the favorite dog of the common people and cobblers of the St. Gery quarter of Brussels. (*Note: the boatmen are not mentioned at this time) On 4 March 1888 the Schipperke Club of Belgium was formed. It is the oldest breed club in Belgium and officially affiliated to the ‘Royal Cynological Union St-Hubert’ under number 1. (*Note: from the Belgian Schipperke Club website) It was during the formation of the schipperke club that breeders decided to change the name to "schipperke" (rather than spitzke). This was done to prevent confusion with the German Spitz, a breed that in appearance, was very similar to the schipperke. The name was given in honor of Mr. Reusens, who was a very influential breeder and often called the father of the schipperke due to his devotion to the breed. Mr. Reusens ran a freight boat line between Brussels and Antwerp, and in all actuality, he was probably the link to the schipperke being used on the canal boats.
In 1894 an unfortunate source of a world wide misunderstanding as to the nature of the breed occurred with the publication of Rawdon Lee's "Non Sporting Dogs". It contained a superb engraving from "Moore" of the Schipperke, and he gave a perfect translation of the Belgian standard. However he wrote that in Holland lots of "blond Schipperkes" were born and that the black ones with some white hairs were killed from the litters. He also stated that the Schipperke was used on canal boats and that his name came from the Dutch word Schipper which means a bargeman.
The error was that Rawdon Lee confused the "white Dutch keeshond" with the Belgian Schipperke, and this misinformation has continued to follow the breed throughout the English speaking portion of the world of dog fanciers! A sad statement as to the geographic as well as linguistic ignorance of the English speaking world.
By the late 18th-early 19th century, the schipperke as a canal dog begins to immerge, and he does indeed have a rich history from this point on as a dog frequently seen on the canal boats.
Indeed, the schipperke breed today loves water and are very much at home on boats and swimming pools.
Schipperke History - You be the Judge
HISTORY OF THE SCHIPPERKE
by Lee Weston The Schipperke's origin is attributed to the country of Belgium, where it's earliest history disappears into the fog of passing time. The most early of the ancient writings that concern the Schipperke is contained in the work of a 15th century monk by the name of Weneslas. This monk was referring to a small black dog that was common in the Flemish province of Belgium, by calling it a "little black devil". Certainly these were strong words describing such a little dog.
Schipperkes were owned by shopkeepers, tradesmen, farmers, hunters, and as family pets. These dogs were popular with people who lived in the country, as well as in the city. It was/is used as a companion dog, watch dog, an eradicator of vermin, a hunting dog(they are terrific trackers), and a herding dog (goats, sheep, and geese). Some members of this breed have retained the herding instinct, but not all. These dogs are the smallest of Belgian shepherd dogs.
The tradesmen's guilds of that time would hold special shows to demonstrate their elaborate and beautiful wares. The Schipperke can lay claim to the first specialty show for dogs, in that according to the St.Crispijn chronicles in 1609 the shoemakers would parade with their black, dock-tailed dogs in the big market of Brussels. The Brussel's Shoemaker's Guild would incorporate "beauty contests" for their dogs, or more specifically, the beautifully decorated copper collars that were made for their dogs. The collar with the most elaborate lock and decorative design would win first place. In fact some of these collars are still on display in a Brussel's museum today.
The British imported a very large number of Schipperkes, so many in fact, that a number of Belgian dog fanciers became concerned enough to establish in 1888, the Schipperkes Club. The first standards were established for the breed in the same year. In 1890, a British Schipperkes Club was founded, the members of which owned Schipperkes that were almost exclusively imported from Belgium.
An interesting turn of events then occurred. Despite the popularity of the Schips in Belgium and in England, the number of Schipperkes were diminishing at an alarming rate.
The first Schipperkes imported to the U.S. was in 1889. The Schipperke rage of England spread to North America, and many imports from both Britain and Belgium came to the U.S. In the 1920's Schipperkes were imported directly from Belgium and breeding of quality Schips was begun. In 1929, the Schipperke Club of America was founded and the Belgian standard was adopted by the club at that time. This standard was revised in 1935.
Until 1920, the British dog fanciers adhered to the same standard as the Belgians. It was after this that different colors besides black were allowed by the British (namely, brown, blond and cream).
The A.K.C. and the Schipperke Club of North America only allow jet black to be shown, and all other colors are disqualified.
In recent years, the issue of tail docking has been raised, and in many European countries both tail docking and ear cropping has been out lawed. Schipperkes are not born tail-less. In the past the puppies had their tails docked when just a day or so old. Many European breeders have stopped this practice, and the tail of a Schipperke is now a part of the standard. It is generally thought that since the Schipperke is a Belgian shepherd dog, he should follow the standard of the shepherds. So the Schipperke should possess a tail, and it must be low carried like the other Belgian shepherds.
by Lee Weston The Schipperke's origin is attributed to the country of Belgium, where it's earliest history disappears into the fog of passing time. The most early of the ancient writings that concern the Schipperke is contained in the work of a 15th century monk by the name of Weneslas. This monk was referring to a small black dog that was common in the Flemish province of Belgium, by calling it a "little black devil". Certainly these were strong words describing such a little dog.
Schipperkes were owned by shopkeepers, tradesmen, farmers, hunters, and as family pets. These dogs were popular with people who lived in the country, as well as in the city. It was/is used as a companion dog, watch dog, an eradicator of vermin, a hunting dog(they are terrific trackers), and a herding dog (goats, sheep, and geese). Some members of this breed have retained the herding instinct, but not all. These dogs are the smallest of Belgian shepherd dogs.
The tradesmen's guilds of that time would hold special shows to demonstrate their elaborate and beautiful wares. The Schipperke can lay claim to the first specialty show for dogs, in that according to the St.Crispijn chronicles in 1609 the shoemakers would parade with their black, dock-tailed dogs in the big market of Brussels. The Brussel's Shoemaker's Guild would incorporate "beauty contests" for their dogs, or more specifically, the beautifully decorated copper collars that were made for their dogs. The collar with the most elaborate lock and decorative design would win first place. In fact some of these collars are still on display in a Brussel's museum today.
The British imported a very large number of Schipperkes, so many in fact, that a number of Belgian dog fanciers became concerned enough to establish in 1888, the Schipperkes Club. The first standards were established for the breed in the same year. In 1890, a British Schipperkes Club was founded, the members of which owned Schipperkes that were almost exclusively imported from Belgium.
An interesting turn of events then occurred. Despite the popularity of the Schips in Belgium and in England, the number of Schipperkes were diminishing at an alarming rate.
The first Schipperkes imported to the U.S. was in 1889. The Schipperke rage of England spread to North America, and many imports from both Britain and Belgium came to the U.S. In the 1920's Schipperkes were imported directly from Belgium and breeding of quality Schips was begun. In 1929, the Schipperke Club of America was founded and the Belgian standard was adopted by the club at that time. This standard was revised in 1935.
Until 1920, the British dog fanciers adhered to the same standard as the Belgians. It was after this that different colors besides black were allowed by the British (namely, brown, blond and cream).
The A.K.C. and the Schipperke Club of North America only allow jet black to be shown, and all other colors are disqualified.
In recent years, the issue of tail docking has been raised, and in many European countries both tail docking and ear cropping has been out lawed. Schipperkes are not born tail-less. In the past the puppies had their tails docked when just a day or so old. Many European breeders have stopped this practice, and the tail of a Schipperke is now a part of the standard. It is generally thought that since the Schipperke is a Belgian shepherd dog, he should follow the standard of the shepherds. So the Schipperke should possess a tail, and it must be low carried like the other Belgian shepherds.