Schipperke

Schipperke Facts

Schipperke Information

Schipperke Description:

Schipperke Care & Grooming:

Schipperke Health Problems:

Group:	Non-sporting
Size:	Small
Life Span:	14-15 years
Height:	Male: 11-13 inches
	Female: 10-12 inches
Weight:	Male: 14-18 lbs
	Female: 12-16 lbs

Coat :	Outercoat is straight, dense & little harsh. Undercoat is soft & dense
Gait :	Smooth and graceful
Color(s) :	Black
Living Area :	Any
Hair Length:	Medium
Exercise Need :	Daily long walk
Recognized By :	(CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (FCI) Fï¿½dï¿½ration Cynologique Internationale (AKC) American Kennel Club (UKC) United Kennel Club (KCGB) Kennel Club of Great Britain (CKC) Canadian Kennel Club (ANKC) Australian National Kennel Council (NKC) National Kennel Club (NZKC) New Zealand Kennel Club (APRI) America Pet Registry, Inc. (ACR) American Canine Registry (DRA) Dog Registry of America
Date of Origin :	Ancient
Place of Origin :	Belgium
Todays Use :	Companion Dog
Originally Used :	Boat Dog, Vermin Hunter
Other Name :	Little Captain

The origin of the Schipperke lies in Flanders, Belgium. The breed has its ancestry in the black sheepdog, from which it descended and then was crossbred with various different breed to reduce its size. This breed derives its name from the Flemish word "Schip" which means boat. It was primarily used for guarding boats, herding livestock and hunting small animals. In fact, the popularity of this breed as a boat dog remains till this day. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1904.

The Schipperke is a small sized dog with a slightly thick frame and a squarish appearance. It has proportionate, fox like head; oval shaped eyes which are small in size; high-set, erect ears which are triangular in shape and small in size; a small, black nose; a well defined muzzle which slightly tapers towards the end; taut lips with teeth which meet in scissors bite or level bite. This is a tailless breed. However, if born with a tail, it is docked so as to make it appear tailless. It has a double coat with a straight, dense and slightly harsh outer coat which is medium in length and stands off from the body, and a soft and dense undercoat. The color of the coat is always black.

The Schipperke is an energetic, mischievous breed. It is excellent with kids and does well with other dogs as well as pets. Socializing at an early age is important to bring out the best behavior. It can be reserved with strangers which makes this fearless breed, an excellent watchdog. It is very loyal to its master and will do anything to do the job it has been assigned. However, it can be a little difficult to train. Patience is required when training this breed. This dog adapts well to indoors as well as outdoors so is well suited to an apartment life.

The Schipperke is a seasonal shedder. Its dense and rough coat is easy to maintain. Brushing the coat 2-3 times in a week with a firm bristle brush is sufficient to keep its coat healthy. This breed can Blow its coat 2-3 times in a year, bitches blow more frequently than the dogs. During Blow suddenly it loses almost all the undercoat and it takes 2-3 months to grow the hair again. During blowing time it should be given hot bath to remove the loose hairs so that it will not spread all over the house. Its ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid any infection.

This is an active breed which requires lot of daily exercise. Daily long walks should be supplemented with jogging or running in an open but fenced area to keep the dog healthy both physically and mentally. Lack of exercise may create behavioral problem in the dog and can also make it overweight. It tends to gain weight quickly so should not be overfed.

Grooming:

Shedding:

Energy Level:

Protection:

Watch Dog:

The Schipperke is prone to some health issues like Sanfilippo syndrome, Cataract, PRA, Epilepsy, hip Dysplasia etc.

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