The dogs belonging to this breed have a fox like appearance and are believed to have first originated in the 16th Century. Schipperkes are cute little dogs which are a perfect blend of loyalty, mischief and fun.
Physical Traits
Area of Origin: Belgium
Used for: Family pet, companion, watchdog, vermin hunter
Average Life Span: 13-15 years
Color: Black and blonde
Coat: Double coat, smoother under coat and a longer and rough outer coat
Average Height: 12.3-13.2 inches
Average Weight: 6-19 pounds
Group: Non-sporting
History and Domestication
Schipperke as a breed got recognition during the 1800’s and various countries gave different titles to this little dog. The English- speaking countries called it the little boatman and in Brussels, they were known as the little shepherd. This breed is a descendent of the Black Sheepdog. Since with time, the Schipperke were bred to be successively smaller in size, they emerged as a separate breed altogether. These were initially bred by canal boat keepers and were trained to be ratters for the ship. By the 1800’s, the Schipperkes became a hit among the households as pets. This breed mainly gained this popularity after it appeared in a dog show in the year 1800.
Standard Physical Characteristics
These dogs are small and have a fox like appearance with a body profile which can be described as square. Their muzzle is somewhat shorter than their skull. They have a small black nose and their teeth have a level bite. Their eyes are small and oval in shape and the triangular ears are set high. The chest of a Schipperke would be wide and reach the elbows. It may be possible that they are born without a tail but if they have a tail, it would be a docked one and hence not clearly visible. They have a double coat which is shorter near the face and ears as well as forelegs. They usually come with a thick and shiny black coat and sometimes can be found in shades of blonde.
Care, Grooming and Health
A Schipperke is a low maintenance dog, capable of taking care of itself. But their double coat would be in a much better condition if it is combed regularly with a brush having firm bristles. They do not shed excessively but the coat may blow twice or thrice in a year. During this time, there will be a sudden drop in the volume of hair in their undercoat, making them almost hairless for a few months.
This breed is healthy and easy to take care of but it’s good to be aware of the various health conditions they may be prone to. These dogs can be sensitive to Epilepsy, Mucopolysaccharidosis and Patellar Luxation.
Living Conditions
Schipperkes can live in any environment as far as they are not made to feel alienated and get to go for regular walks every day.
Temperament
Schipperkes are agile and abundantly energetic dogs that are always alert. They are known for their loyalty and devotion towards their master. They are good to children and their perky nature goes well with their small body size. They are as mischievous as they are smart and live high on curiosity. By nature, they do not trust strangers and therefore make up good watchdogs. They are ready to learn at all times and this makes it easier to train them. It is important to train it to control its barking from a small age because they may be prone to thinking of themselves as bigger than they actually are, which can make them act as pack leader, even to humans.
