Schipperke: Personality, Exercise, Grooming

Group: AKC Non-Sporting; KCGB Utility

AKC Ranking: 82

About Schipperke

Origin and History of the Breed The Schipperke was bred in Flanders by a canal boat captain named Renssens. Thought to be descended from the same sheep-herding stock as the black Belgian Sheepdog, the Schipperke was bred smaller and smaller to became a different breed entirely. It became a favorite choice to guard canal barges in Belgium. The dogs were the "ratters", a very important function on a canal barge, and also usually the captain's dog –thus, the “Little Skipper” or “Little Captain” which is what ‘schipperke’ means.

Today the Schipperke is primarily a companion dog. The Schipperke does very well on boats, so people often get this breed to go with them on boating and fishing trips. The dog thoroughly enjoys his trip. When the boat anchors for the night, the dog alerts his people of anything out of the ordinary.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The small, tail-less Schipperke has a compact, blocky body covered with a very thick double coat which sports a heavy ruff around the neck. Only black is accepted in the United States and Belgium, but other colors are accepted elsewhere. The Schipperke’s face is wedge-shaped with a pointed nose like a fox. His small, oval eyes are dark with a mischievous expression. He appears to have a basically even slope from the top of his head to his rump.

Coat Color

Only black is accepted in the US and Belgium. Tans and fawns are accepted elsewhere.

Coat Type

The Schipperke’s coat is abundant, dense and harsh. His head, ears and legs are smooth. The coat is short and lies close on back and side. Then it stands out, erect and thick around the neck, forming a heavy mane and frill. It is longer on the back of the thighs, forming what is called culottes.

They shed their coat 3-4 times a year and are totally naked for several weeks.

Height: 10 – 13 inches

Weight: 12 – 18 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

Determined and alert, the Schipperke will defend its territory, whether it is an apartment or a piece of land, against both two-legged and four-legged intruders. If someone new visits, they will adopt a watchful position. Pet cats will be happily accepted and Schipperkes are usually good with other dogs. They are very smart, curious and mischievous. The Schipperke can be willful; however, he is usually easy to train as he is intelligent and eager to learn.

The Schipperke is a quick, energetic little dog. He is hot-tempered, high-spirited, self-confident and protective. His wariness of strangers may seem somewhat aloof, but he is actually very devoted and loyal, especially with children. He bonds very closely to his master.

The Schipperke likes to howl and bark. These dogs do exceptionally well on boats. The Schipperke will defend its home against intruders - backing down from nobody. He is an excellent friend to children. Some can be difficult to housebreak.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

If temperatures are not too extreme, he can stay outdoors most of the time. However, he needs a place to get away from the elements like a dog house. His preference is to stay in the house.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

He is an excellent friend to children. They are fairly good family dogs.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

This is a very quick and energetic dog. They are very active indoors and outdoors. They particularly enjoy running free in a safely fenced area or going on a run or jog.
The Schipperke can easily live in an apartment as long as he gets exercise through play and gets to go on a couple of nice, long walks a day.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

Schipperkes remain quite active throughout their lives. Always make sure they are in a very securely fenced area before letting them off lead as they are very fast.

Grooming

The double coat needs to be brushed at least weekly. Three to four times a year, the Schipperke will shed pretty much its entire coat so needs lots of extra brushing at those times. The entire coat is shed and the dog is basically naked for several weeks.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

Schipperkes are prone to hypothyroid, epilepsy, hip dysplasia and hip sockets which tend to slip. Legg Calves Perthes, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cataracts, and a newly discovered disease called MPS 111B are also prevalent. There is a genetic test available for the MPS 111B through the Univ. of Pennsylvania.

Be careful not to overfeed this breed.

Life Span: 15 or more years

National Breed Clubs

British – Schipperke Club – www.schipperkeclub.co.uk
US – Schipperke Club of America, Inc. – www.schipperkeclub-usa.org

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, SCiPS, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link:  www.schipperkeclub-usa.org/RegionalRescueContacts.pdf