Schipperke

Schipperke
Size: Small
Other Names: Spitzke (until 1888), Spits (until 1888), Spitske (until 1888)
Country of Origin: Belgium
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Non-Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Non-Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Companion Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Non-Sporting
The Kennel Club (KC): Utility
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Utility
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Non-Sporting
The Schipperke is a small, square, tailless-looking Belgian barge dog with a dense black double coat, a ruff and culottes, and small erect triangular ears.  The outline is fox-like rather than toy-like.
Height:
10–13 inches
Weight:
10–16 pounds
Color(s):
Black
Coat:
Abundant double coat, shorter on the face, longer on the ruff and hindquarters
Description:
The Schipperke is a small watchdog and ratter from the canal barges of Flanders.  The name is often explained as little captain or little shepherd.  The AKC places it in the Non-Sporting Group; the UKC classes it as a Companion Dog.
Temperament:
Schipperkes are typically busy, curious, and vocal.  They notice everything and will comment on it.  They need more activity than a quiet lap-dog life.
Training:
They learn quickly and will take advantage of soft rules.  Keep sessions short and give the dog a job.
Care & Grooming:
Brush weekly, more often when the undercoat blows.  The coat is not a high-maintenance clip.
Shedding:
Seasonal and moderate to heavy.
Health:
Schipperkes may develop Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and a hereditary MPS IIIB storage disease in some lines.  Ask breeders about testing.
Lifespan:
13–15 years
Litter Size:
3–5 puppies

Crosses that include the Schipperke

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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