small Breed Dogs
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Schipperke
Average Weight:  11-18 (4.98  - 8.16 kg)
Average Height: 11-13  inches (27.94- 33.02- cm)
Pronounced:   SKIH-puhr-kee
Group:  Non-Sporting
Life Span: 14 Years
Average Litter: 5
Origin: Belgium

Description

The Schipperke is a small, thick set , cobby little dog with a fox like face.  This small breed gives the appearance of being in the Spitz group (with the American Eskimo dog and the Pomeranian) but is not related to them at all.

Square in profile, he has a slightly arched neck with, in balance with the rest of the dog, gives the correct silhouette, appearing to slope from the shoulder to croup.  The chest is broad and the hindquarters appear slightly lighter than the forequarters. 

The most controversial and sometimes puzzling element to the general public is the tail of this dog. Seemingly having no tail and dubbed "the tailless dog" many wonder if the dog is born this way.  While centuries of docking the tail have led to some Schipperke puppies being born without a tail, or a very small one, it is very rare.  In the United States,  a Schipperke puppy has their tail is removed between 1-3 weeks old.

Many countries have banned docking and therefore those Schipperke dogs will have full tails as shown in the picture to the right.

The coat on this small breed dog is made up of several lengths, growing naturally.  On the face, ears, front forelegs and hocks it is short.  On the boy it is medium.  On the ruff, cape, jabot  (the hair that hangs betweeen the front legs) and culottes (the fur on the thighs) it is long.

Color Information

While the AKC lists: Black, apricot, tan, blue, chocolate, cream, fawn, gray, red and white for Schipperke colors, breeders strive to produce only solid black puppies. 

Personality

 This is a very curious dog, most seem to be interested in everything around them.  This small dog makes an excellent watchdog and is faithful and loving.  With strangers, a Schipperke dog may be shy or standoffish and is always ready to protect his family (despite his size).  Generally, this breed is confident and independent. 

Schipperke dogs are typically very good with children. They are notorious for wanting to go out exploring on their own, therefore if let outside a safe, enclosed area is a must.

These dogs can grow up to be quite the barkers, if training is not given at a young age to keep the vocals at bay.

Origin & History

This small dog breed descended from a black sheepdog known as the Leauvenaar.  This dog weighed approximately 40 pounds (18.14 kg) and used to follow wagons along the old highways of Belgium.  My the middle 1800's, some of these dogs were still herding sheep in the area of Louvain and it is from that dog that both the Belgian Sheepdog and the Schipperke developed.

A specialty club was formed in 1888, until which time this dog was known as "Spitz" or Spitzke" (Even though this breed is not part of the Spitz group). 

Health

This is generally a healthy dog breed, however some possible concerns may include:
  • Legg-Calve Perthes disease - A condition in which the hip joint is malformed
  • Thyroid issues
      Exercise

      This energetic dog seems to never get tired.  Apart from daily walks on a leash, this dog loves to run around in a yard, park or field. 

      Grooming
        The fur is meant to grow as it does naturally, therefore trimming is rarely done except to tidy up the whiskers and any extra fur that grows between the pads of the paws.  A good brushing should be given 1-3 times per week. While a monthly bath will keep the coat in good shape,  a good time to give a bath is when the coat is "blowing".  This is roughly a 10 day period when the dogs loses all of the undercoat during a rather intense shedding.  This happens approximately 2 times per year.

        Care & Training

        Being very independent and wanting to explore the world without limits, an owner must be firm in all areas of training: Obedience, housebreaking and behavior.        Owners - Click Here for More Detailed Information


                                                               
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