Schipperke Dogs
The Schipperke is a small, thickset, tail-less dog with a thick double coat and a ruff around his neck. In color the Schipperke is solid black, which is the only color accepted by the AKC.The body is short and compact and should look square when viewed from the side. When viewed in silhouette, the topline appears to slope gently down from the withers. The chest should be wide and should reach to the elbows. The head is shaped like a fox's - a wedge with a pointed muzzle. The small oval eyes are dark brown with a mischievous, questioning and alert expression.The Schipperke are quick, energetic little dogs. This is a big dog in a little dog's body. Hot-tempered, high-spirited, self-confident and protective. They are wary of strangers and may seem somewhat aloof, but are actually very devoted and loyal, especially with children. It really bonds to its master. 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. Pet cats will be happily accepted and they are usually good with other dogs.They are very smart, curious and mischievous. These dogs do exceptionally well on boats. Among the Schipperke's best qualities are the ability to defend its home against intruders - backing down from nobody, and of being an excellent friend to children.
Schipperke Color
Schipperke's come in a variety of colors now. However, I want to let you know that the STANDARD is BLACK. Any other color is registerable by the American Kennel Club (AKC), only because a different color does not mean that it is not a Schipperke. Though, colored Schip's are not allowed to Show, and are not supposed to be bred to each other, and the owner can not be a member of any Schipperke Club. A colored Schip is an off colored gene - sort of like a cropout in a quarterhorse. When you breed two quarterhorses and end up with a spotted colt, it is a cropout, but is not registerable with AQHA, instead registerable with APHA if the markings are correct.
Height: 9-13 inches, Weight: 7-18 pounds (3-8 kg.) Health Problems - A very hardy and healthy breed. They are not prone to any serious health problems. Be careful not to overfeed them.
Living Conditions - The Schipperke are good dogs for apartment life. They are very active indoors. These dogs are incredibly quick and it is a good idea to have a fenced yard.
Exercise - Schipperkes are an active and tireless breed. To be happy, it needs to be able to play and run a great deal.
Life Expectancy - About 15 or more years.
Origin
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 and eventually became a different breed entirely. It became a favorite choice to guard canal barges in Belgium. In Flemish Schipperke means "little shepherd." The Schipperke was also used as a ratter. The breed became very popular in Belgian households by the late 1800's. It first appeared at a dog show in 1880. From that point on it was exported throughout the world. Today he serves primarily as a companion dog.
Courtesy of http://www.schipperke-dogs.com/ |
Wonderful hunting breed. An elegant, substantial and symmetrical gun dog suggesting the ideal blend of strength, stamina, grace, and style. Flat-coated with feathering of good length. Gaiting freely and smoothly with long forward reach, strong rear drive and firm topline. Males decidedly masculine without coarseness. Females decidedly feminine without over-refinement. Overall appearance, balance, gait, and purpose to be given more emphasis than any component part.
Size and proportion - in harmony with body. Long and lean with a well defined stop.
Coat - Flat without curl or wooliness. Feathering on ears, chest, abdomen, underside of thighs, back of all legs and on the tail of good length but not so excessive as to hide true lines and movementor to affect the dog's appearance or function as a sporting dog.
Markings and Color - Base color is white. they come white with black ticking or tan ticking. Varying from ticked to solid patches.
Height: 24 - 25 inches,Weight: varies with age
Movement and Carriage - An effortless graceful movement demonstrating endurance while covering ground efficiently. Long forward reach and strong rear drive with a lively tail and a proud head carriage. Head may be carried slightly lower when moving to allow for greater reach of forelegs.
Temperament - Gentle, affectionate, friendly, loyal companion.
Photo and text Courtesy of AKC.org |
