Description

The Schipperke is a small, thickset, tail-less dog with a thick double coat and a ruff around his neck. In color the Schipperke is solid black, which is the only color accepted by the AKC, however, the breed also comes in a handsome range of tans and fawns which are acceptable abroad. The body is short and compact and should look square when viewed from the side. When viewed in silhouette, the topline appears to slope gently down from the withers. The chest should be wide and should reach to the elbows. The head is shaped like a fox's - a wedge with a pointed muzzle. It has a wide, slightly rounded forehead. The small oval eyes are dark brown with a mischievous, questioning and alert expression. The small, erect ears are triangular in shape. If born with a tail, the tail is docked. The nose is always black. The teeth should meet in a scissors or level bite. Dewclaws should be removed from the front legs and must be removed from the hind legs if you wish to show the dog. The only acceptable color according to the Belgian standard is totally black.

Origin

The Schipperke was bred in Flanders by a canal boat captain named Renssens. Thought to be descended from the same sheep-herding stock as the black Belgian Sheepdog, the Schipperke was bred smaller and smaller and eventually became a different breed entirely. It became a favorite choice to guard canal barges in Belgium. In Flemish Schipperke means "Little Skipper", or "Little Captain". This being so, because the dogs were the "ratters", a very important function on a canal barge, and also usually the captain's dog. Hence, the name of the little skipper. The breed became very popular in Belgian households by the late was exported throughout the world. Today he serves primarily as a companion dog. The Schipperke do very well on boats and people often get this breed to come along with them on boating and fishing trips. It makes a great guard dog when the boat anchors for the night, alerting of anything out of the ordinary and the dog thoroughly enjoys its trip.

Temperament

The Schipperke are quick, energetic little dogs. This is a big dog in a little dog's body. Hot-tempered, high-spirited, self-confident and protective. They are wary of strangers and may seem somewhat aloof, but are actually very devoted and loyal, especially with children. It really bonds to its master. Determined and alert, the Schipperke will defend its territory, whether it is an apartment or a piece of land, against both two-legged and four-legged intruders. If someone new visits, they will adopt a watchful position. Pet cats will be happily accepted and they are usually good with other dogs. They are very smart, curious and mischievous. Can be willful, but is usually easy to train as it is intelligent and eager to learn. The Schipperke likes to howl and bark. These dogs do exceptionally well on boats. Among the Schipperke's best qualities are the ability to defend its home against intruders - backing down from nobody, and of being an excellent friend to children. Some can be difficult to housebreak.

Height

Height: 10-13 inches (21-33cm.)

Weight

Weight: 12-18 pounds (5.5-8 kg.)

Known Health Problems

Hypothyroid, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and hip sockets which tend to slip. Legg Calves Perthes, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cataracts, and a newly discovered disease called MPS 111B. There is a genetic test available for the MPS 111B through the Univ. of Pennsylvania. Be careful not to overfeed this breed.

Conditions for Living

The Schipperke are good dogs for apartment life. They are very active indoors. These dogs are incredibly quick and it is a good idea to have a fenced yard.

Exercise Requirments

Schipperkes are an active and tireless breed. To be happy and mentally also enjoy play and getting a chance to run. This breed is very active indoors and will get a lot of its exercise running around your house. It will greatly enjoy running free off its lead in a safely fenced in yard or a park.

Life Expectancy

About 15 or more years.

Grooming

The Schipperke is very clean and pretty much takes care of its own grooming, but to keep the medium-length double coat in top condition, comb and brush regularly with a firm bristle brush. Dry shampoo when necessary. They shed very little until the coat "blows" which can be as often as 3 times a year on bitches. Less so on males and spayed bitches, especially as they age. This coat change is a sudden drop of ALL undercoat within about a 10 day period. One owner states "I've pulled out up to two shopping bags full of soft down hair out of one 12 pound Schip! I find it easier and quicker to give them a hot bath then force air the coat two or three times during this week (always outside!) to get rid of all the loose, itchy hair before the dog leaves it all over the house. A groomer could do this for the person without a force dryer. They are literally naked and butt ugly for about 2-3 months, depending on the time of year and how much time they spend outside, for the hair to come back to a new lustrous coat."

Group

Northern, AKC Non-Sporting