The Schipperke's origin is attributed to the country of Belgium, where it's earliest history disappears into the fog of passing time. The most early of the ancient writings that concern the Schipperke is contained in the work of a 15th century monk by the name of Weneslas.  This monk was referring to a small black dog that was common in the Flemish province of Belgium, by calling it a "little black devil".  Certainly these were strong words describing such a little dog.
     Schipperkes were owned by shopkeepers, tradesmen, farmers, hunters, and as family pets. These dogs were popular with people who lived in the country, as well as in the city. It was/is used as a companion dog, watch dog, an eradicator of vermin, a hunting dog(they are terrific trackers), and a herding dog (goats, sheep, and geese).  Some members of this breed have retained the herding instinct, but not all.  These dogs are the smallest of Belgian shepherd dogs.
     The tradesmen's guilds of that time would hold special shows to demonstrate their elaborate and beautiful wares. The Schipperke can lay claim to the first specialty show for dogs, in that according to the St.Crispijn chronicles in 1609 the shoemakers would parade with their black, dock-tailed dogs in the big market of Brussels. The Brussel's Shoemaker's Guild would incorporate "beauty contests" for their dogs, or more specifically, the beautifully decorated copper collars that were made for their dogs. The collar with the most elaborate lock and decorative design would win first place. In fact some of these collars are still on display in a Brussel's museum today.
     The British imported a very large number of Schipperkes, so many in fact, that a number of Belgian dog fanciers became concerned enough to establish in 1888, the Schipperkes Club.  The first standards were established for the breed in the same year.  In 1890, a British Schipperkes Club was founded, the members of which owned Schipperkes that were almost exclusively imported from Belgium.
     An interesting turn of events then occurred.  Despite the popularity of the Schips in Belgium and in England, the number of Schipperkes were diminishing at an alarming rate.
          The first Schipperkes imported to the U.S. was in 1889. The Schipperke rage of England spread to North America, and many imports from both Britain and Belgium came to the U.S.  In the 1920's Schipperkes were imported directly from Belgium and breeding of quality Schips was begun.  In 1929, the Schipperke Club of America was founded and the Belgian standard was adopted by the club at that time.  This standard was revised in 1935.
      Until 1920, the British dog fanciers adhered to the same standard as the Belgians. It was after this that different colors besides black were allowed by the British (namely, brown, blond and cream).
     The A.K.C. and the Schipperke Club of North America only allow jet black to be shown, and all other colors are disqualified.
     In recent years, the issue of tail docking has been raised, and in many European countries both tail docking and ear cropping has been out lawed.  Schipperkes are not born tail-less.  In the past the puppies had their tails docked when just a day or so old. Many European breeders have stopped this practice, and the tail of a Schipperke is now a part of the standard. It is generally thought that since the Schipperke is a Belgian shepherd dog, he should follow the standard of the shepherds.  So the Schipperke should possess a tail, and it must be low carried like the other Belgian shepherds.

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