animal with sharp expression, intensely lively, presenting the
appearance of being always on the alert. DISQUALIFYING POINTS--Drop,
or semi-erect ears. FAULTS--White hairs are objected to, but are not
disqualifying.

* * * * *

The back of the Schipperke is described as straight, but it
should round off at the rump, which should be rotund and full,
guinea-pig-like. The continued straight line of a terrier's back
is not desirable, but it will frequently be found in specimens that
have been docked. The Belgian standard requires the legs to be "fine,"
and not have much bone. The bone of a terrier is only met with in
coarse Schipperkes. As to size, it need only be noted that the maximum
of the small size, viz., 12 lbs., is that generally preferred in
England, as well as in Belgium. Further, it is only necessary to
remark that the Schipperke is a dog of quality, of distinct
characteristics, cobby in appearance, not long in the back, nor high
on the leg; the muzzle must not be weak and thin, nor short and blunt;
and, finally, he is not a prick-eared, black wire-haired terrier.

The Schipperke's tail, or rather its absence, has been the cause of
much discussion, and at one time gave rise to considerable acrimonious
feeling amongst fanciers. On the introduction of this dog into Great
Britain it arrived from abroad with the reputation of being a tailless
breed, but whether Belgian owners accidentally conveyed that
impression or did it purposely to give the breed an additional
distinction is difficult to say. Anyhow the Schipperke is no more
"tailless" than the old English Sheepdog. That is to say a larger
number of individuals are born without any caudal appendage or only