Schipperke Dog

Schipperke

Schipperke Characteristics: The loyal and energetic Schipperke is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1904). The Schipperke, is characterized by its small but imposing appearance with a large, muscular neck, wedge-shaped head and mischievous, alert expression. Other characteristics include small, dark brown, almond-shaped  eyes; small, erect triangular-shaped ears; a thick, tapering tail and a firm, strong gait. The temperament of the Schipperke can be described as Curious, Agile, Faithful.

The coat type of the Schipperke is described as straight, harsh coat in assorted colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Schipperke demonstrated the desired traits of a Ratter and Watch Dog and is known by its nick name the "Little Captain". The origin of the Schipperke dog breed was in Belgium where it was developed in the early 1700's.

Fast Facts about the Schipperke: The following facts provide fast information about the Schipperke breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1904) *** Nick name: "Little Captain" *** Origin: Belgium *** Male Height: 10 - 13 inches (21 - 33 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 12 - 18 pounds (5.5 - 8 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: straight, harsh coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 3-7 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy *** Lifespan: 13-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Schipperke Breed Group and Dog Type - Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1904): The Schipperke is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1904).

Other names for the Schipperke: The Schipperke is known by the nickname of the "Little Captain". Other names for this breed of dog include the Belgian Barge Dog, Spitzke, Spitske  and Little Captain

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Schipperke" derives from the Flemish word "schipper" meaning skipper or captain in relation to the dog's use as a watchdog on a boat or barge.

Schipperke History and Origin: The country of origin of the Schipperke breed was in Belgium during the early 1700's. The Schipperke dog was initially used on barges and boats where its main duties was to guard the boat and hunt rats. There was an old superstition in Belgium that dogs brought good luck, especially on boats. The ancestors of the Schipperke were the ancient Spitz type dogs and the Schipperke kept the distinctive features of the spitz-type dogs including its wolf-like appearance, pointed muzzle and ears, a thick, dense coat with a high carried tail that curled up and over the back of the dog.

The Flemish breeders cross bred the spitz type dogs with a  black sheepdog called a Leauvenaar (Leauven is the capital of Flemish Brabant) and the Schipperke breed was also as watch dogs on farms and also on produce-bearing carts. The Schipperke was bred down in size from the Leauvenaar and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904.

Schipperke Modern History: The modern history of the Schipperke moved on and the breed is now used as a family pet and companion.

Schipperke Height: The Schipperke breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 10 - 13 inches (21 - 33 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less.

Schipperke Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 12 - 18 pounds (5.5 - 8 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male.

Schipperke Coat Type: The coat type is described as straight, harsh coat.

Schipperke Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Blue, Cream, Apricot, Chocolate and Black & Tan. N.B. The word 'Blue' is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color.

Schipperke Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Schipperke are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Schipperke is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears.

Schipperke Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 3-7 puppies. Schipperke puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Schipperke puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

Schipperke Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Loyal , Curious, Agile, Faithful and Energetic.

Schipperke Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is low. The Schipperke requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes to one hour every day. This small dog has a firm, strong gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace.

Schipperke Diet: A fully grown Schipperke should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Schipperke Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Schipperke breed include Hip Dysplasia, Epilepsy. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Schipperke dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Schipperke Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Schipperke breed is 13-15 years.

Schipperke Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Schipperke breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Schipperke names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Maxim *** Loic *** Axel *** Quentin *** Karim *** Luca *** Marco *** Tanguy *** Renaud *** Boris *** Tristan.

Schipperke Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Schipperke names are Clara *** Lisa *** Mathilde *** Lucie *** Elisa *** Lara *** Charline *** Leila *** Kim *** Nina *** Skye.

Fast Facts about the Schipperke: The following facts provide fast information about the Schipperke breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1904) *** Size: Small *** Country of Origin: Belgium *** History / Date: early 1700's *** Male Schipperke Height: 10 - 13 inches (21 - 33 cm) *** Male Schipperke Weight: 12 - 18 pounds (5.5 - 8 kg) *** Coat Type: straight, harsh coat *** Litter Size: 3-7 puppies *** Schipperke Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Schipperke Lifespan: 13-15 years ***

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