This Underrated Smaller Guard Dog Breed Could Become The 'Little Captain' Of Your Home

People welcome pets into their homes for various reasons: for companionship, to uplift their mood with their adorableness, to perform specific tasks, or to help protect them and their property. Of course, many seek a mix of these qualities in a dutiful pooch. Those looking for a well-rounded furry friend may find that one underrated dog breed — ranking 106 out of 200 for popularity with the American Kennel Club in 2024 — checks many boxes and has the potential to become the "little captain" of a home: the Schipperke.

Instantly recognizable for its dark coat and tailless appearance, the Schipperke has long been a beloved breed in Belgium, serving as a ratter, a guard dog, and a companion. Known for its alert and attentive nature, complemented by a deceptively large bark for its small stature (standing between 13 and 16 inches tall), the breed earned two nicknames during its time working on the docks: "little captain" and "little skipper," leading to the breed's name. The Schipperke is a breed that can wear these titles proudly when matched with a loving pet parent willing to give into their expressive personality.

The Schipperke, initially bred in Flanders, Belgium, traces its origins to the sheepdog known as the Leauvenaar, a large black dog breed that is now extinct. When the Leauvenaar fell out of favor, the Schipperke filled the needs of the lower class in Belgium, who were restricted from owning larger breeds. It is believed to have been kept as a farm dog before being discovered by barge captains in major cities like Antwerp and Brussels, who were looking for compact guard dogs for their ships. The attentive breed would act as an early warning of potential intruders or thieves.

The breed established itself as a dutiful night watchman for both ships and local businesses. The shoemakers of Brussels took a particular liking to the breed. Notably, in 1690, they began parading their pets and holding shows, adorning them with fashionable brass collars. The Schipperke would not make its way to the United States until 1888. It would become accepted by the American Kennel Club in 1904, and the Schipperke Club of America would be established in 1929, allowing the little captain to sail into the hearts of many homes across the U.S.

While small in stature, the Schipperke can be a protective dog breed that helps owners feel safe. The breed is known to be very perceptive of those around it, and it's often said to keep tabs on the members of the family. The Schipperke is also highly adaptive, allowing it to thrive in various environments with the proper care given to its high energy drive and mental needs.

Due to its high intelligence, the breed can be stubborn to train, but once that challenge is met, it can make very dutiful pets that put their smarts to work in jobs like house protectors. One Reddit user summarized their experience with the breed, writing, "They LOVE their family. Very loyal and protective. They love THEIR kids (kids in their family) but are wary of children they don't know." Meanwhile, another Reddit user highlighted how patience with their stubbornness paid off, stating, "Ours tested our sanity and patience several times when a young pup. But he's the most loyal awesome dog in the world now [that] he's older."

Schipperkes' high prey drive and history as protectors of ships have made them a relatively fearless breed. They have been known to challenge much larger threats and not shy away from danger to protect their families. As a breed, the Schipperke is the definition of a big dog in a little body. Combining this big persona with their loyalty and alertness, Schipperkes will often stand up for their families regardless of the size of the threat.

One owner highlighted the Schipperke's naturally protective nature on Reddit, stating, "If you, a human, or animal, tried to cause harm to his family, he would become 10-feet tall, little guy chased a bear off our porch, fought fisher cats trying for chickens, and when terrible neighbors caused trouble, he let them know he was a threat." In another thread, one user wrote, "They are brave almost to stupidity," after recalling a run-in with a coyote where their Schipperke chased it away.

Schipperkes are not the same size as other dogs known to be used as guard dogs, such as German Shepherds or Rottweilers. However, they have advantages over smaller breeds considered excellent watchdogs, such as Boston terriers or Pomeranians. The Schipperke's bark is loud and intrusive, and considered very impressive for its small frame when compared to some Boston terriers, which are very silent, and Pomeranians, which have a more high-pitched tone that gives their size away. This loud bark is perfect for scaring off unwanted intruders.

Another consideration that may favor the Schipperke over others is its general health and easy grooming. As a double-coat breed, the Schipperke only needs weekly brushing and a bath once a month. Moreover, unlike other breeds, it doesn't have specific eye or ear needs, which must be considered part of the grooming process. Schipperkes are considered a generally healthy breed with a lifespan between 12 and 16 years. If you're looking for longevity and a big bark, the "little captain" can be an ideal choice over others.

While the Schipperke can be the ideal house protector and adorable companion, its reputation as one of the most stubborn dogs means it benefits from a more experienced handler for training. A Schipperke's need for stimulation can also be challenging for those who are inactive or don't have the time to dedicate to mental and physical exercise; a bored dog can be destructive. Also, this breed's cautious nature around other animals and people can make it ill-fit for certain homes if it's not properly socialized.

With their tiny stature, those looking for a guard dog may want to consider a larger breed: The Schipperke is best suited as a protector for an active apartment or condo that restricts the size of dogs allowed. In the right home, a Schipperke can sail in, steal hearts, and act as an ideal protector. Indeed, finding a reputable Schipperke breeder and welcoming the 'little captain' into a family can be a deeply rewarding and exciting experience. One may just take command of your heart.