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Dog Articles
Past and Present: Schipperke
The
Schipperke got his name from being so frequently seen on the canal
barges of Belgium, where he makes a good ‘watch’ and keeps down the
rats. The word is pronounced ‘skip-perkee’ and is the Flemish for
‘little skipper’.
Doubtless
an offshoot of the ‘Wolfspitz’ of Central Europe, this Belgian pet
dog has attained a marked individuality, and really resembles no
other dog at all closely.
He is a
glossy, shining black all over, has a fox-like head, with rather
small but very bright and intelligent eyes, a small, sharp nose, and
erect, prick ears. The whole neck and breast are covered with an
erect frill of longer hair, as are the back margins of the thighs.
The shoulders and chest are deep and strong, and the well-tucked-up
little body is firm and springy. The legs are light, but strong, and
the feet small and dainty. The tail is a mere stump, or button,
more than an inch being a disqualification. They are said to be born
tailless, and probably some are. But it is easy to meet this
requirement, and it is certain that not any grow up with a tail,
however they started in.
The
‘little skipper’ finds his congenial home on the canal boats of
Belgium and Holland, but has discovered a satisfactory substitute in
the pampered homes of the rich in other countries. Like all Spitz
offshoots, he is bright, active, and affectionate, but just a little
snobbish, and apt to be very jealous of any other pets in his
household. He is a small dog, weighing about 12 pounds.
Source:
National Geographic 1919
Recommended Reading
Dog Training
Mastery - An Owners' Manual
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