Breed Name
Quick Facts
Description
Height
Weight
Lifespan
Ideal Owners
Overview
Background
Breed Personality, Characteristics, and Temperment
Compatibility With Other Pets
Care Requirements
Conclusion
Schipperke
Schipperkes can live up to 14 years of age.
The Schipperke is also known as the "Belgian Barge Dog", "Little Captain" and "Little Black Devil". Originating in Belgium, Schipperkes were first noted in the writings of the monk Wenceslas in the 15th Century. In the 1800s Belgian gentlemen would craft special brass collars for their Schipperkes and proudly walk their dogs through town. Schipperkes also served as watchdogs and ratters on barges, keeping an eye on the cargo and befriending the horses that towed the barge.
A Schipperke should be active, intensely lively and alert, and its temperament should be amenable, intelligent and faithful. Schipperkes are strongly loyal to their family and friendly to children, but are distrustful of strangers.
Schipperkes can co-exist with other small dogs, cats and good-natured large dogs. Training from an early age may be required to achieve this. Some larger dogs have been known to harm Schipperkes, so an assessment of the nature of the large dog is required.In the absence of people, Schipperkes enjoy the company of other Schipperkes. Pet rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice should be well fenced so that Schipperkes cannot reach them.
All dogs need food at least daily, fresh water at all times, shelter, veterinary care, training and lots of love. Schipperkes are low-maintenance dogs. They don't require bathing, but may be brushed or combed occasionally. The coat is fairly short. It drops once a year (twice for intact females). Nails need regular clipping. Some Schipperkes have skin allergies due to creepers such as Wandering Jew and Ivy, fleas, red meat or preservatives.
Please take note:
The Schipperke is a watchdog and will raise the alarm when the doorbell rings.
If you want to know more about the Schipperke, you can contact one of the groups listed below:
Disclaimer
We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care
and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise
suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them.
We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a
substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.
