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.

Belgian Schipperke.

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 v.ell-tucked-up little body is firm and springy. The legs are licrht, but strong, and the feet small and dainty. The tail is a mere stump, or liut-ton, 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.