Schipperke.

Schipperke. Schipperke (Flemish, "little captain"), breed of small dog bred several centuries ago in the Flemish provinces of the Netherlands (now comprising Belgium) from a black sheep dog known as the Leauvenaar. The schipperke was known as the spits or spitske until 1888, when it was given its present name in honor of the proprietor of a Belgian canal boat line who was instrumental in promoting interest in the breed; he used the dogs as watchdogs on his boats. The dog was imported into the U.S. about the same time and since about 1929 has become fairly popular. It functions chiefly as a watchdog and pet; sometimes it is employed in hunting small game such as moles and rabbits. The schipperke weighs up to 8 kg (18 lb). It has a foxlike head; a small black nose, somewhat oval-shaped eyes, dark brown in color and unusually intelligent and alert in expression; triangular ears; a short, thick-set body; straight forelegs; and muscular hindquarters. The solid black coat is abundant and somewhat rough and forms a heavy ruff about the neck. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.