Schipperke Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group

The Schipperke dog is a foxlike small dog, with a thick black coat and no tail. Originally from France, it was used to hunt vermin. Today it is a great breed for competing in agility field trials.

History

The Schipperke came from the Flemish districts of Belgium and France, bred smaller in dimensions then the black sheepdog named the Leauvenaar. This dog functioned as a friend of trades people and a rater and watchdog at the river boats that is they were given the name "Schipperke" considering that Flemish term "schip" implies ship. Another popular nickname of the Schipperke is "Little Captain."

Physical Features

The Schipperke is an active, hunter of vermin and agile watchdog. In features he's a black, cobby, small, thick, tailless dog, having a fox-like face. This breedís profile is square and has a unique black coat, with a culottes, stand-out cape and ruff.

The recommended height at the maximum point on the withers varies from eleven-thirteen inches for males and ten-twelve inches for bitches.

The coat is ample, straight and a bit rough to touch. The gentler undercoat is short and thick on the body and it is very thick throughout the neck, creating the ruff be noticeable. Smooth coats, body coats over 3 inches long or very short rough coats are both wrong. The external coat should be black.

Any color apart from black is a disqualification. However, the undercoat could be a bit lighter. Throughout the shedding phase, the coat might undertake a transitory reddish toss, which would be to penalize as far as that it detracts on the entire black looks of the dog.

Personality

The Schipperke dog is inquisitive, enthusiastic about everything around him, and is a wonderful and loyal small watchdog. He's reserved with unknown people and prepared to guard his family and premises if needed. He demonstrates an optimistic and independent character, highlighting the breed's original function as hunter of vermin and a watchdog.

Common Health Problems

Schipperkes are usually called a healthy, hearty breed. However, like several breed they certainly have health problems that we have to consider. Most of the health problems of concern to respectable breeders are cancer, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and MPS-IIIB.

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