If you've found yourself here, you probably met me and my dogs while we were out on a walk and I gave you my business card. I likely told you the name of the breed and you promptly forgot it because it's weird. Don't worry, I'm here to tell you all about these little black devils.

The schipperke is an old world breed from Europe's Low Countries. They are said to hail from Belgium, but some say they originated in the Netherlands. Either way, this feisty little dog from the Middle Ages has a long history behind it. They were bred as a watchdog for the barges, a ratter, a companion and a cobbler's status symbol. There is plenty of lore surrounding them and lots more has been lost to the sands of time.

If you want to read up on them, Wikipedia has a good page as does the American Kennel Club. 

I can tell you what life with three of them is like.

• They are thieves. They like to steal socks, Kleenex, small stones, screws and of course food. Anything that can't be immediately consumed will be squirrelled away in some hidey-hole of their choosing. Usually, I find all their plunder under my bed or in one of their crates.
• They are loud. For such a small package, they pack a big bark. They will alert me to anything that is moving through their territory. Be it birds, children, dogs, deer, squirrels, or the Amazon delivery guy, I am going to know about it.
• They are very energetic. Yes, they do sleep through the night, but it takes a lot to tire out a schipperke. I joke they are like a miniature Malinois (another Belgian breed –  those Belgians sure do have a type when it comes to dogs). Schipperkes will drive you to tears if you don't give them a daily outing. I take mine for at least an hour walk and they run agility. Long hikes are no problem for them either; they can keep up with us for hours on the trail.
• They aren't that big, but they sure act it. I get asked a lot if mine are full grown. My first schipperke was the runt of the litter. She came to us at nine-weeks-old weighing just four pounds. She's filled out to a whopping almost 12 pounds as an adult. My other female is slightly larger and the male is a brute at almost 18 pounds. Pound per pound you get a lot of bang for your buck with a schipperke.
• They are cuddly. After they have expended some of their boundless energy, they will curl up on the couch with me. There is much grumbling as they find their spots, but once they are comfortable it really doesn't matter if you are or not. You are stuck unless you want to repeat the whole process.
• They are intelligent and independent, but also clingy. A contradiction is what they are. Schipperkes are clever, little problem solvers who need mental exercise as well as a good run to keep them happy and out of mischief. If the house is too quiet, you'd better go check out what they've done. They are very persistent in getting their way, so be careful you don't fall too deeply in love and bring one home without fully understanding you are inviting an imp into your life.
• They always have to know where you are. This doesn't work both ways; it's fine with them if you don't always know where they are.

So, now you can count yourself among the lucky few to have met and learned about the uncommon schipperke. It was our pleasure meeting you and we hope you'll remember us next time we cross paths.

~ Veronica and her dogs; Dutch, Vanta and Maëbe