Schipperke -- Choosing The Breed Of Dog That's Right For You

Getting a dog can change your life. If you get a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

Do I have time to give a dog the attention it requires?
Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?
Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?
Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?
Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?


If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed -- a Schipperke. Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle.

History/Background: The Schipperke originated in the Flemish provinces of Belgium. It was not derived from the Spitz or Pomeranian but, rather, bred down from the Leauvenaar, a 40-pound black Belgian sheepdog that was commonly used to tend flocks in neighboring Louvain and follow the wagons along the old highways in the provinces of Belgium. It was bred down smaller and smaller to be a miniature watchdog. This breed was also used for herding livestock, hunting game or guarding its domain and also used as a "ratter" on canal barges and was usually the captain's dog. It does very well on boats and is not prone to seasickness. It makes a great guard dog.

It was known as a Spits dog or Spitske until the name "Schipperke" became official in 1888, which is Flemish for "little captain" or "little skipper," also said to mean "little shepherd." This breed was popular with workmen along the canals but also with shoemakers and other workmen. It is said that a shoemaker cut off the tail of his neighbor's dog because he was tired of its repeated thieving. As this improved the appearance of the dog, it is said that this is the reason why all Schipperkes' tails are cut off at a young age. (Contrary to popular belief, they are not always born without a tail.) The Schipperke was first imported in America in 1888.

Physical Characteristics: The Schipperke is a small dog with a square profile. It is 10-13 inches high at the shoulder and weighs 12-18 pounds. Its face is fox-like in appearance and has a mischievous, questioning and alert expression. It has small oval eyes that are dark brown. Its triangular-shaped ears are small and erect, and its nose is black. Its body structure and solid black color resemble a little bear. It is strong and solidly built, with a thick double coat and ruff around the neck. It is sometimes born tailless but, if born with a tail, the tail is docked.

Personality/Temperament: This breed of dog is very tolerant of children and other animals. It is curious and interested in everything around it. It is an excellent and faithful little watchdog, ready to protect its family and property if necessary and backs down from nobody. It can be reserved with strangers if not socialized well. This breed is confident, independent and mischievous. It is quick, energetic, high spirited, alert and agile, with a high prey drive, chasing anything that moves. It is very devoted and loyal, especially with children, and bonds to its master. It is very intelligent, eager to learn and easy to train, although can be difficult to housebreak. The Schipperke does exceptionally well on boats. It can develop behavior problems such as guarding, obsessive barking, separation anxiety, growling, snapping and even biting if not given proper pack leadership. It likes to howl and can be destructive if bored or left alone too much.

Possible Health Conditions: The Schipperke is relatively hardy but can have the following health conditions: Legg-Perthes syndrome, problems with the eyes such as entropion, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), distichiasis (an eyelash that arises from an abnormal spot on the eyelid of a dog) and cataracts, as well as hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and a newly discovered genetic mutation called MPS 111B. Life expectancy is about 15 years or more.

Exercise/Grooming: This breed is active and tireless and needs a daily long walk or jog. Its is fairly active indoors but does best if allowed to roam free in a fenced-in yard, although may try to escape. Grooming is fairly easy and requires a good brushing once a week with a firm bristle brush. It will "blow" its coat several times a year, losing the undercoat, which can last several days or weeks and can take 2-3 months go grow back, making it a moderate shedder. The toenails should be clipped. The teeth should be watched for decay. It can be dry shampooed when necessary.

Living Conditions: The Schipperke is a good dog for apartment life. It is very active indoors but does best with a fenced-in yard.

Summary: A Schipperke is an unusual-looking, relatively hardy little dog that makes an extremely keen watchdog and requires minimal grooming but is a moderate shedder with an extremely high activity level and needs strong pack leadership. So, now that you've learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains -- Is a Schipperke the right breed for you?

By: Anita Funkhouser

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Anita Funkhouser is the owner of www.gogreendogbeds.com, offering high-quality, eco-friendly dog beds, toys and sweaters made from recycled materials, and pickofthelitterblog.wordpress.com/, a blog about various breeds of dogs. This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact.