Is the Schipperke Right For You?
- 1The Schipperke dog breed is fun and enthusiastic.
- 2They do well in apartments or large backyards.
- 3Since the Schipperke is a natural watchdog they can be prone to barking and need to be trained otherwise.
HISTORY
Translating to "Little Skipper," the Schipperke was originally bred in Belgium to assist on barges, helping to rid them of vermin while asea. Also used for herding, hunting, and guarding, this little dog quickly became a very popular house dog in Belgium in the early 19th century. They were recognized by the AKC in 1904.
Quick Facts
Size
Toy/Small
Lifespan
About 15 years
Hair Length
Medium
Male Height
11-13 inches high at the withers
Male Weight
12-18 lbs
Female Height
10-12 inches high at the withers
Female Weight
12-18 lbs
Litter Size
2-3 puppies
Personality
The Schipperke is a very intelligent, lively, self-assured breed. They grow a very strong bond with their pet parent and are very devoted to their family. They are great with kids, and are easy to train, aside from sometimes being tough to housebreak. Despite their size, these tiny dogs make great guard dogs, being exceptionally brave and never backing down. They should be socialized well to prevent them from becoming shy around strangers. They also require a well defined leader in order to keep from thinking they are in charge. .
Color
Schipperkes can be black, brown, cream, white, and gray.
Health Concerns
Schipperkes are likely to live for 16-18 years. These dogs have a higher risk of:
- dysplasia
- Legg Calves Perthes
- progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
- hypothyroidism
- epilepsy
- cataracts
- obesity
Appearance
The Schipperke is a tiny, tailless dog, with a thick, double coat. For their size, these dogs are wide and squarely built. They look slightly like a fox, with a rounded head and a medium length muzzle. They are not always born without a tail, and generally have them docked when they are. Their fur is long on their body, but shorter on their face, ears, and forelegs.