Schipperke Dog Breed Information:
Curious and clever, the Schipperke dog breed is often nicknamed LBD, for little black devil. They’re fearless and devoted, always on guard to protect their family from harm.
Schipperke Dog Group: Companion Dogs.
Schipperke Height: 10 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder.
Schipperke Weight: 11 to 18 pounds.
Schipperke Life Span: 13 to 15 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
The Schipperke is so independent-minded he's not recommended for first-time dog owners. Schipperkes have a high energy level and will demand at least a half hour of activity every day, and preferably more. Training can be challenging if it is not done with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, all aided by a good sense of humor. Schipperkes can be noisy and they will bark for entertainment and as an alert.
Schipperke History:
The Schipperke is an old breed that was developed in Belgium. He has often been erroneously called a "Dutch Dog," but the breed is not associated with Holland in any way. The Schipperke is believed to be descended from a black sheepdog called a Leauvenaar, the same breed credited with being the foundation dog for the Groenendael (the Belgian Sheepdog). While the Groenendael was developed to be a herding breed, the Schipperke was developed to be a small watchdog.
Schipperke Size:
Male Schipperkes are 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 15 to 18 pounds; females are 10 to 12 inches and weigh 11 to 15 pounds.
Schipperke Personality:
The Schipperke is the proverbial "big dog in a little dog's body." He's active, confident, and curious. A closed door is simply a challenge to be overcome. Schipperkes are selective in offering their friendship, generally limiting it to family members, with whom they create strong bonds.
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Schipperke Health:
Schipperkes are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be subject to certain health conditions. Not all Schipperkes will get any or all of these diseases:
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.
Autoimmune Thyroiditis.
Epilepsy.
Patellar Luxation.
Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB.
Schipperke Care:
The Schipperke is an easy to care for and adaptable breed who should live indoors with his family. Schipperkes need at least half an hour of exercise daily, and more is better. Count on two daily walks to keep your Schipperke's desire for action satisfied. Begin training when your Schipperke is young, and continue to reinforce lessons throughout his life.
Schipperke Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 1 1/8 to 1 7/8 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Schipperke Coat Color And Grooming:
At times it seems as if a mad fashion designer created the Schipperke. He has a distinctive coat with a unique silhouette, giving the appearance of a slope that runs from the shoulders to the croup (the end of the back). The Schipperke is a clean dog with little odor. Bathe only as needed, usually after he's rolled in something stinky. Other grooming needs include dental hygiene and nail care. Trim his nails once or twice a month, as needed.
Schipperke with Children And Other Pets:
Sturdy and energetic, Schipperkes can be loyal and affectionate companions to children. They generally get along well with children of all ages, playing gently and kindly with younger ones. The Schipperke generally does very well with cats who share his home. This acceptance is stronger if the Schipperke has been raised with cats. He can also get along with other dogs if he's raised with them.