The Schipperke is an agile, lively watchdog and hunter of rodents and other vermin. In appearance he is a smallish, thickset, cobby, black, tailess dog, with a face resembling a fox. The dog is square in profile - as long as it is tall - and possesses a distinctive coat, which includes a stand-out ruff, cape and culottes. All of these give this dog a distinguishing silhouette, appearing to slope from withers to it's rear. Males demonstrate a masculine appearance minus any coarseness. Bitches are decidedly feminine without being over refined.
Temperament
A Schipperke is an all-around, general purpose dog: it has a history of strong herding, hunting, and guarding performance. They are fearless, somewhat reserved in the presence strangers, independent, smart and they can exhibit willfulness. They are a pretty high-energy dog with an insatiable curiosity about everything which requires a good deal of attention and stimulation.
Schipperkes, like many small breeds, seem oblivious to the fact that they are small dogs and respond as if they are much larger than they actually are. They are often quoted as being a "100-pound dog in a 10-pound body." They also have been affectionately referred to as "little nurse" and can be a quiet bedside companion to a sick family member.
If socialized as a young dog, it also is very friendly to others. Another nickname for them is Townhouse German Shepherd. According to S. Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs," the Schipperke is a "good working dog", rated in the top 15 of breeds. They are able to understand new commands in 5-15 repetitions, and respond to commands the first time 85% of the time. They love to please their owner and are good for obedience and agility training.
The Schipperke is also been referred to as the "little black devil," often because they can be stubborn, mischievous, and headstrong. Because they are naturally curious and high-energy dogs, when Schipperkes are bored, they often damage property and wreak havoc. Schipperkes are very smart, and sometimes debate listening to owners and doing whatever benefits them the most. This requires a stubborn and patient owner to housebreak.
The more attention you give them, they more rewarding they are. They will behave wonderfully when quality time is spent with them.
The Schipperke also loves car rides, air conditioning, and children. They hate closed doors and fast-waving hands, however.
History and Origins
The Schipperke is not derived from the Spitz or Pomeranian but is really a diminutive of the black sheepdog commonly called the Leauvenaar, which used to follow the wagons along the old highways in the provinces of Belgium. In the mid-19th century some of these 40-pound sheepdogs were still herding sheep in the neighborhood of Louvain, and from these both the Schipperke and the Groenendael have descended. The Schipperke was bred down to become that "excellent and faithful" little watchdog that we know.
In 1690, a show for Schipperkes of the Guild workmen was held in the Grand Palace of Brussels. The breed was called Spits or Spitske then; the name Schipperke was given it only after the forming of the specialty club in 1888. The name is Flemish for "little captain". Though called a canal boat dog, the Schipperke was as popular with shoemakers and other workmen as it was on the canals. The legend of the Schipperke relates that the custom of cutting the tails arose in 1609. It tells the story of a shoemaker who, angered by the repeated thieving of his neighbor's dog, cut off its tail-thereby showing the improved appearance soon copied by others and continued to this day. There is no evidence that the breed was ever born tailless; in fact, it seems that more dogs are born without tails now than earlier in their history.
The first dog in America was imported in 1888. A specialty club was founded here about 1905, but died out during World War I. There was little interest until, after several years of effort by a few fanciers, the present Schipperke Club of America was founded in 1929.
Size & Weight
Male: 11 - 13 in. (27.9 - 33 cm).
Female: 10 -12 in. (25.4 - 30.5 cm).
Weight: 12 - 16 lb. (5.5 - 7.3 kg).
Life Expectancy: 13 - 15 years.
Grooming Requirements
The Schipperke does not need expensive or excessive grooming. This breed is a moderate shedder, however. A brush that can reach the undercoat is the best. Regular weekly brushing is usually enough to keep the coat in good condition. There is no need for cutting or trimming and the mane fluffs up naturally
Exercise Needs
Health Issues
The Schipperke as a breed is susceptible to a number of conditions including hypothyroidism, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, legg calves perthes, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and a newly discovered disease called MPS 111B which can be tested for.
Trivia
It is often said that Schipperkes lived up to their name in World War II . The Belgian Resistance used the dogs to run messages between various resistance hideouts and cells, and the Nazis never caught on.
