Weighing in at less than 20 lbs., the Schipperke is a formidable dog breed that showcases many different characteristics that make is difficult to define. Typically categorized by the American Kennel Club as a non-sporting dog breed, the dog is classified as a companion breed by the United Kennel Club. The Schipperke is a breed that finds itself being between such categories as the Terrier, Sheepdog and Spitz. The dog has a solid appearance, even temperament and strong constitution, winning the hearts of people for its ability to combine the best traits of each breed all into one dynamic package. Potential owners searching for a versatile dog breed with tenacity and personality will find exactly what they are seeking in this breed.

From the very beginning, the Schipperke's body shape, fur and curled tail have often led the dog to being mistaken for a tiny version of the Spitz breed. Unlike other dog breeds, the Schipperke has a stout body which kept them surefooted on barges and boats in motion, and the dog did not get seasick. At the same time the breed also exhibited talent for herding by nipping at the heels of horses. Much like a larger herding breed, that nip at hooves to keep from getting accidently kicked; the Schipperke could get even the biggest horses moving with relative ease. When the Schipperke was not riding a boat getting rid of vermin or nipping at the heels of horses, the dogs were used in a guard capacity. With a ferocious bark, the dogs were effective at protecting ship cargo from the hands of marauders in the night.

The Schipperke was a boat dog and most commonly known as the Barge Dog of Belgium, where all of its traits were of good use. The dog breed found its origins in the 16th century, when terriers were being used to keep vermin out of barns and off of boats. Small, quick and hearty, the terrier breed was unsurpassed as the dog of choice when it came time to chase down rats and mice. Some were even bred to chase offending vermin right down into their burrows. With terrier blood in its lineage, a Schipperke was very good at getting rid of the vermin that came along on massive barges. This quality ensured the boat or barge was kept free from being contaminated by vermin infestation.

The versatility of the Schipperke breed caught on and made the dog a popular choice for many different situations. Within its work setting, the dogs proved invaluable for herding, security and hunting small animals. Eventually the dogs small size made it a desirable companion as well. The dogs were so small they were able to accompany owners in the front seat for a carriage ride. When a breed standard for Schipperkes was proposed during the 1800's, there was a big debate as to which category the dog truly belonged too. Though the American Kennel Club eventually made a firm decision, those who own the breed agrees the dog is way too versatile to belong to one classification exclusively.