From the Stockkeeper magazine, published in England in the late 1880s – The Belgian Club have, after long and earnest
consideration, settled upon the standard of points of the breed they have undertaken to look after. Knowing that a great deal
of interest is taken in these charming little dogs in this country, where a good many fair specimens have been imported, we
publish a translation of the standard in extenso –
Here is the ORIGINAL STANDARD SET FOR THE BREED (as set in Belgium June 19, 1888 in Bruxelles):
General Character: This little dog, a faithful guard, whom we meet with so often on our canal boats, is distinquished by
a character denoting great intelligence. On account of his attachment, his vigilance, and obedience, his good temper with
children, his graceful and elegant gait and form, as well as his perfect cleanliness, he has become the favourite housedog.
He has a particular liking for horses. For this reason he was formerly the watchdog on the omnibus, coaches and carts. He
sits up proudly, attentive, and angry in the front and on the highest part of the vehicle. There he is at home and contented,
more so than in any other place. He is, besides, a real demon for rats, mice, etc, which he pursues with eagerness.
The HEAD approaches in type that of the fox, the skull is pretty wide and vaulted, diminishing before the eyes and fining
down towards the tip of the nose, which is small. The interior of the mouth (the roof) is black.
The EARS , about 2 ½ inches long (6 centimetres) are pricked and of triangular shape and carried straight forward.
The EYES are very lively and of a brownish colour. They are placed rather forward than sideward. When the dog is excited,
his eyes, although almond shaped, become more or less round.
The length of the body corresponds with his size (from 30 to 40 centimeters) 12 to 14 inches at the shoulder. The body
is well developed in front and diminishes towards the back. The minimun weight is 8 lb (4 kilos) and varies according to size.
This little animal stands well on his legs and has a bold and upright head. The back is straight and the body supple, and
the dog has no tail.
Certain isolated cases give rise to the belieft that the true bred Schipperke is born without tail, an anomaly which no
doubt is an hereditary transmission caused by the docking of that appendage.
The COAT is quite black and rather long than smooth well furnished, resisting to the touch and forming a frill round the
neck. It becomes shorter towards the back, leaving, however, longer hair on the hindquarters forming a little fringe (culotte).
The hair on the head, ears and forelegs is short,; that of the hind-legs is only short from the knee joints to the feet. The
length from the knee joints to the feet leaves his thighs pretty high, and generally very muscular.
The CHEST is pretty wide, and well furnished with coat. The forelegs are straight, the hocks are very little bent forward,
the feet are small, round, and the nails strong, and black.
The female is generally built on lighter and finer lines than the male.
Both the male and the female reach their full development only in the course of the second year.
At present a great number of very small dogs with smooth and shining coats are to be seen, which, on account of their coat,
are taken for strain of the Schipperke. These dogs of Belgian origin have been crossed with the English black-and-tan Toy
Terrier, and thus have been obtained very pretty, lively little fellows, which have more or less inherited the character of
the canal boat dog, and which, on account of their diminitive size, have been named "Spitz" and become fashionable favourite
ladies’ pet dogs.
