Schipperke

The Schipperke is a delightful breed that originated in Belgium, where its job was to guard canal barges when they had been tied up for the night. The name Schipperke is, in fact, Flemish for 'little captain.

Apart from being an excellent guard dog, the Schipperke is a most affectionate animal, and it is particularly good with children. It is also hardy and long-lived. However. it needs individual attention and likes to be treated as a member of the family; it also takes a while to accept strangers.

Origin and history

The Schipperke originated in Belgium but is often thought to be a Dutch dog, probably because Belgium and the Netherlands have been one country in the past. The breed is well over 100-years-old; some claim it to be nearer 200-years-old, but there are no records to support this theory.

How the breed evolved is subject to conjecture. Some classify it as a I I member of the Spitz family, others I as the result of a terrier/Pomeranian I cross. However, it seems likely that the Schipperke and the Groenendael have a common ancestor, the Schipperke closely resembling a smaller example of that other fine Belgian breed

The Schipperke became a fashionable pet in 1885 when I I Queen Mane Henriette, wife of I Leopold II, acquired a Schipperke at a show in Brussels. Three years later the breed made its way to the United States, and not long after that it was being shown in miscellaneous classes there, but the first American breed club was not formed until 1929.

Schipperke Puppies

Good points

• Affectionate
• Excellent guard
• Good with children
• Handy size
• Hardy

Take heed

• Needs affection and individual attention

Size

The weight should be about 12-161b (5.4-7.3kg).

Exercise

A Schipperke can walk up to 6 miles (10km) or more without any sign of fatigue; but it can manage with a great deal less exerecise if its II owner lives in a town.

Schipperke Information

General appearance
A small, cabby animal with a sharp expression and intensely lively, presenting the appearance of being always on the alert.

Colour
Should be black, but other whole colours are permissible.

Head and skull
Head foxy in type, skull not round but fairly broad, flat and with little stop. The muzzle should be moderate in length, fine but not weak, and well filled out under the eyes. Nose black and small.

Hindquarters
Fine compared to the foreparts; muscular and well­developed thighs; tail-less rump, well rounded. Legs strong and muscular. hocks well let down.

Feet
Should be small, cat-like and standing well on the toes.

Schipperke Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

The Schipperke has a dense hard coat that needs very little regular grooming.

Feeding

Feeding is no problem: a Schipperke will eat anything that is offered to it, and one good meal a day, perhaps with biscuit at night, will suffice. Recommended for its size would be 6-130z (170-369g) of II a branded, meaty product with biscuit added In equal part by volume, or 3/4-1V2 cupfuls of a dry, complete food, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to V2 cup of hot or cord water.

Resources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Home || Small Dogs || Medium Dogs || Large Dogs || Care

© 2004 www.Dogs-Care.Com. All Rights Reserved.