Detailed informantion about the Schipperke

Coming originally from Flanders, the compact little Schipperke was used in Belgium and Holland to guard canal boats, the name translates to mean little captain. Belgium's Queen Maria Henrietta acquired a Schipperke at a show in Brussels in 1885, later helping to give the breed a fashionable career as a companion.
 
Weighing about 5.4-7.3 kg (12-16 lb), according to the British breed standard, the Schipperke is a small, cobby, active dog with a sharp, foxy expression. Under FC1 rules it is grouped in two sizes: 3—5 kg (6.5-11 lb) and 5-8 kg (11-17.5 lb). Height varies from about 22-33 cm (9-13 in).

Intensely lively and alert, this is an amenable breed, intelligent and faithful. The dense, harsh coat is smooth on the head but erect and thick around the neck, forming a mane and frill, while on the back of the thighs are culottes. The color is generally black, but other whole colors are allowed.