Schipperke Information & Pictures

Schipperke
Schipperke Dog Info Sheet:
Trainability: Medium
Watchdog: Very High
Shedding: Up to several times a year
Grooming: Medium
Exercise Requirements: Medium
Good with Children: Yes
Activity Level: Medium/High
AKC Popularity: 82nd of 155

Schipperke Temperament

Spirited, confident, loyal, and protective, the Schipperke is a dog that makes a wonderful family pet, getting along very well with children and offering love and devotion to his owners and family.

This breed is defensive and alert, and may be way with strangers. This is a very smart and curious breed, and can be wilful and mischievous at times. However, he will get on well with pet cats and with most other dogs too. This is a very intelligent and eager dog, but can be a little noisy. They can be difficult to housebreak but training should otherwise prove okay.

Schipperke Physical features

The tail-less Schipperke has a thick set body and is sturdy and handsome, with a distinctive ruff framing his neck. This dog has a double coat, which is thick and of medium length. The colouring of the Schipperke is black, but some may also come in tan and fawn (although these colours are not accepted by the AKC). The short, compact body slopes from the withers, and the head is shaped similarly to a fox with a long muzzle. Dark brown, oval eyes give the Schipperke an inquisitive and alert look, and the head is topped with small, triangular ears that stand erect. The height of the Schipperke is 10-13 inches, and the weight 12-18 pounds.

Is he right for you?

The Schipperke makes a great family pet, and is ideal for those with children, cats, and other pets, including other dogs. This is a fairly active and energetic dog, and likes to be part of the family, so you must have the time and dedication to commit to this dog. You will far well with a Schipperke if you live in an apartment, but you should make sure that there is a safe area where he can enjoy exercise.

Schipperke Health Problems

There are a number of health problems associated with this breed, and one of these is a new disease known as MPS 111B. Eye and hip problems can also affect the Schipperke, as can diabetes and thyroid problems.

Schipperke Grooming requirements

The coat of the Schipperke needs to be brushed regularly with a firm bristle brush, and this will help to keep it in good condition. Dry shampooing can be carried out as and when necessary, but this is a clean breed and excessive grooming is not required.

Schipperke History

Bred in Flanders, the Schipperke is said to have originated from sheep herding dogs, but as a smaller version, eventually becoming a totally different breed. The breed became popular as guard dogs for Belgian canal barges, and were effective rat hunters. In the late 1800s the breed became popular in Belgium as pets, and soon started being exported to other countries.

Popularity

The Schipperke ranks 82nd on the AKC popularity list for 2006, which is a slight drop from its 2005 position of 80th.

Dog group

The Schipperke comes under the AKC Non-sporting Group.