Schipperke

                                                          Schipperke

AKA:NA
Origin:Belgium
Size:Small
Ease of training:Medium/High
Grooming:Low
Shedding:Medium/High
Exercise needed:Daily walks
Energy level:High
Protection:Effective watchdogs
Good with children:Yes, with gentle, older children and early socialization
Health clearances:OFA, CERF
Popularity:82/155

Schipperke Temperament

Loyal, alert, and affectionate, the Schipperke is a small dog with plenty of character and personality. High spirited, playful, and inquisitive, the Schipperke has bags of courage and seems to think that he is much bigger than he actually is. These dogs are best suited to those with some experience of dog ownership, as they can be mischievous, stubborn, and even manipulative - he requires an assertive and confident owner to provide firm, consistent, yet positive training. He is an intelligent dog and this makes him easy to train. The Schipperke is an alert creature and will bark to raise the alarm, making him an effective watchdog. He is intelligent and quick to learn, but his independent streak and willful nature can make training something of a challenge for the more inexperienced. Nevertheless, these dogs are devoted and love to be around people, making them entertaining and loving family pets.

Housebreaking the Schipperke can be difficult in some cases, and some owners may find themselves facing a challenge when it comes to grooming and handling these dogs - again, effective and consistent handling and training is important. The Schipperke is a born climber and digger, and therefore needs proper supervision and a safe, secure place to play and exercise when not on a leash. With gentle, older children the Schipperke should get on well, but he is very way around strangers. Early socialization is recommended in order to promote a more stable and sociable attitude. He tends to get along well with household pets such as cats and dogs, but may give chase to strange animals. He should also not be trusted around smaller creatures that run, or with caged creatures. Although the Schipperke can be a handful, with the right owner and leadership he can make a great pet and companion.

Schipperke Appearance

The Schipperke is a small, sturdily built dog, who looks every bit as mischievous as he is. He has a dense coat with a harsh texture, and the hair on his neck and shoulders is slightly longer giving the appearance of a ruff. He has erect, small ears, that add to his alert expression. The coloring of the Schipperke is solid black. These dogs are around 12-18 pounds in weight, and the height of the Schipperke is around 10-12 inches for females and around 11-13 inches for males.

Schipperke Grooming

For those with little time for grooming the Schipperke is a good choice, as the grooming requirements for this breed are low. You should brush his coat once a week to keep it in good condition, although this will need to be increased during periods of heavy shedding. The Schipperke is a medium shedder, and sheds more heavily on a seasonal basis, so he is not ideal for those with allergies.

Schipperke Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Schipperke is around 13-15 years, and there are a number of health problems to look out for with these dogs. This includes thyroid problems, Legg-Perthes, cataracts, epilepsy, PRA, and entropion. The parents of the Schipperke puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.

Schipperke History

The Schipperke originates from Belgium and was bred to hunt rats and vermin as well as to act as a guard dog on canal boats in parts of Belgium. Some were also used to herd sheep. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1904.