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A Schipperke (pronounced skipper-key) is a small Belgian breed of dog that originated in the early 16th century. They are small in size, but big in character. There has been a long debate over whether this type of dog is a terrier, spitz or miniature sheepdog.
Appearance: Schipperkes are most commonly all black,
which is the only accepted color for show dogs in the United
States and members of the Fédération Cynologique
Internationale. However, other colors are accepted in some
countries.
They have small and pointed ears that sit atop the head.
Schipperkes are also double coated with a soft, fluffy
undercoat that is covered by a harsher-feeling outer coat. One
of the breed characteristics is a long ruff that surrounds the
neck and then trails down towards the rear of the dog. They
usually do not weigh more than 18 lbs and their tails are
often docked shortly after birth.
History: Schipperkes were first formed as a breed in
the 1880s, their standard being written in 1889. Much of what
is known of their origins and early history comes from Chasse
et Peche (French for "Hunting and Fishing")
magazine, articles of which were translated into English and
published by the English magazine The Stockkeeper.
The breed name of "Schipperke," officially taken
in 1888, is traditionally thought to mean "little
captain". Beginning in the 1920s, however, it became
popular in Belgium to believe that the name was actually a
corruption of the Flemish word "Shapocke" or
"Scheperke", meaning "little shepherd". It
has been suggested that the idea of "little captain"
was an invention of the English, who mistook the Schipperke
for a Dutch barge dog.
Before the name "Schipperke" was officially
taken, the breed was also known colloquially as
"Spitzke". It is thought that the name change was to
distinguish it from the German Spitz.
Temperament: A Schipperke is an all-around dog: it
has strong herding, hunting, and watching instincts. They are
fearless and independent, smart and willful. They are a
high-energy dog with an intense curiosity about everything and
therefore require a great deal of attention and stimulation.
Consistent, positive training is a must or life can become a
contest of wills.
Schipperkes, like many small breeds, seem not to realize
that they are small dogs and behave as if they are much larger
than they actually are. They also often act as though they are
high in authority in whatever society they live. They also
have the nickname little nurse and can be quiet bedside
companions to a sick family member. It also is very friendly
to others and does not trigger allergies.
Health: The Schipperke has no particular health
problems, and individuals often reach the old age of 17 or 18
years. Nonetheless, inactivity, lack of exercise and
over-feeding are very harmful, and can lead to joint and
skeleton problems and heart, lung or digestive conditions.
The one minor caveat to the Schipperke's good health is MPS
IIIB, a genetic mutation that occurs in at most 15% of the
total breed population. The University of Pennsylvania School
of Veterinary Medicine has developed a test for the disease
and began accepting samples in April 2003.
Grooming: The Schipperke does not need expensive or
excessive grooming, however it should be known that this breed
is a shedder. Regular weekly brushing is usually enough to
keep the black coat in good condition. There is no need for
cutting or trimming and the mane fluffs up naturally.
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