Schipperke

USD $600-$1000 Price Avg.

Companion Dogs

Group

Purebred

Breed Type

Small

Size

13-15 years

Lifespan

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Breed Information

Appearance & Maintenance

Breed Characteristics

Good & Friendly with

Health Elements

Food & Costing

Reproducibility

Description

The Schipperke is a small, black-furred dog that originated in Belgium. It is a member of the Spitz family and has been around since the 16th century. The Schipperke is an intelligent, loyal, and active breed that makes an excellent companion for families.

Appearance: The Schipperke has a thick double coat with a soft undercoat and coarse outer coat. Its fur can range from black to dark brown or even grayish-black in color. It has erect ears, almond-shaped eyes, and a fox-like face with a pointed muzzle. Its tail is usually docked short or left natural and carried high over its back.

Lifespan, Size, Weight & Colors: The average lifespan of the Schipperke is 12 to 15 years. They typically weigh between 10 to 16 pounds (4 to 7 kg) and stand between 9 to 11 inches (23 to 28 cm) tall at the shoulder. They come in various colors including black, brown, grayish-black or even white with tan markings on their face and legs.

Personality: The Schipperke is an alert and active breed that loves being around people but can also be independent at times. They are very intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners but can also be stubborn if not trained properly from an early age. They are loyal companions who will protect their family from any perceived danger but they do not bark excessively like some other breeds do so they make great watchdogs as well as companions for families with children or other pets in the home.

Friendliness: The Schipperke is generally friendly towards other dogs as well as cats if raised together from puppyhood but may be wary of strangers until they get used to them over time. They are also good with children when socialized properly from an early age but should always be supervised when playing due to their small size which could make them vulnerable if handled too roughly by young kids who don’t know any better yet!

Temperament: The Schipperke has a lively temperament which makes them great playmates for both adults and children alike! They love being active outdoors whether it’s going on walks or playing fetch in the park – just make sure you keep them on leash at all times since they have strong hunting instincts which could lead them astray if given too much freedom off leash!

Health: Generally speaking, the Schipperke is considered quite healthy overall although there are some health issues associated with this breed such as hip dysplasia, eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma, epilepsy seizures etc., so it’s important that you take your pup for regular checkups at your vet’s office just in case something does arise down the line!

Adaptability Level & Benefits of Owning A Schipperke Dog: This breed adapts well both indoors and outdoors depending on its owner's lifestyle – however it does need plenty of exercise every day so it’s important that you provide your pup with plenty of opportunities for physical activity such as long walks/runs/jogs etc., otherwise it may become bored easily leading to destructive behavior inside your home! As far as benefits go – owning one of these pups means having a loyal companion who will always be there for you no matter what life throws your way – plus they make great watchdogs due to their alert nature so you can rest assured knowing your home will always be safe when you have one around!

History

The Schipperke is a small, black Belgian dog breed with a long history. The breed is believed to have originated in the 15th century, and was originally known as the "little black captain's dog" or the "le petit chien du Capitaine." The Schipperke was used as a ratting and hunting dog on ships, and was also popular among Belgian peasants as a watchdog. The breed nearly became extinct in the 19th century, but was saved by a few dedicated breeders. Today, the Schipperke is recognized as a distinct breed by most major kennel clubs.

The Schipperke's ancestors are thought to include the Leauvenaar, a small black Belgian dog that was popular in the 15th century. The Leauvenaar was used as a ratting and hunting dog on ships, and was also popular among Belgian peasants as a watchdog. The Schipperke is named after its place of origin: the city of Schipbeek (now spelled "Schipperke"), Belgium. The breed was first mentioned in print in 1690, and gained popularity in Belgium during the 18th century.

The Schipperke nearly became extinct in the 19th century due to cross-breeding with other small breeds such as the Pomeranian and Italian Greyhound. In 1885, there were only three registered Schipperkes in Belgium. However, the breed was saved by two dedicated fanciers: Jules Marechal and Edmond de Hoeck. Marechal began breeding Schipperkes in 1889, and de Hoeck founded the first Schipperke club in 1895. Thanks to their efforts, the breed slowly began to recover.

Today, the Schipperke is recognized as a distinct breed by most major kennel clubs including the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), and Kennel Club of Great Britain (KCGB). The AKC first recognized the Schipperke in 1888 under its original name of "le petit chien du Capitaine." In 1901, the name was changed to "Schipperke" after its place of origin:Schipbeek, Belgium.