Schipperke
Description
The Schipperke was
originally bred in Flanders and was thought to be descended from the
same sheep-herding stock as the black Belgian Shepherd. Eventually
because this dog (in Flemish Schipperke means "Little Skipper", or
"Little Captain") was bred smaller and smaller until it became a
different breed entirely. Becoming the favorite choice to guard canal
barges in Belgium and because they made excellent "ratters", they were
usually the captain's dog. Thus the name of the little skipper. Becoming
very popular in Belgian households by the late 1800's, it was exported
throughout the world by 1880. Nowadays they are primarily companion dogs
or taken on boats for fishing trips where they even make great guard
dogs when the boat anchors for the night.
Temperament
They really bond
to their master and these quick, energetic little dogs are like a big
dog in a little dog's body. Being hot-tempered, high-spirited,
self-confident and protective, they tend to be quite wary of strangers
if someone new visits and may appear somewhat aloof, but are actually
very devoted and loyal, especially with children. Even though they are
very smart, curious and mischievous they will readily accept pet cats
and other dogs. They can be willful at times and like to howl and bark
but they are trainable and eager to learn.
Appearance
Height: 33cm
(13")
Weight:
5-7.5kg (12-16lb)
The Schipperke has
a short, compact body and is tail-less. It has a thick double coat and a
ruff around his neck and in color they are a solid black however. The
breed also comes in a range of tans and fawns. Their small oval eyes are
dark brown with a mischievous, questioning and alert expression and its
small, erect ears are triangular in shape.
Grooming
The Schipperke
sheds very little coat and is a very clean little dog that pretty much
takes care of its own grooming. All that is required to keep the
medium-length double coat in top condition is to comb and brush it
regularly with a firm bristle brush. You can also dry shampoo when
necessary. When their coat "blows" which can be as often as 3 times a
year the coat change will be a sudden drop of their entire undercoat
within about a 10 day period. These dogs are literally naked for about
2-3 months, depending on the time of year.
Life Expectancy
17 Years
Health Concerns
Apart from being
very careful not to overfeed this breed, the most common inherited
health problems are hypothyroid, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and hip sockets
which tend to slip.
Suitability
Making good
watchdogs, which are a great size for indoor life, most of them make an
adaptable house dog suited to families with children or older people.
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