There is no doubt that the Schipperke dog is one unique and beautiful breed that should never be neglected or underrated. This is a certainly special dog that can easily become your most beloved partner if you are well aware of its needs and its requirements. The history of the Schipperke is quite peculiar, beginning as a programmed process which sought to develop a smaller version of the traditional Belgian Sheepdog. As a result of that, the Schipperke was born in the region of Flanders and it was immediately considered a fantastic specimen for specific tasks and activities. This breed became really popular near the end of the nineteenth century in Europe. It still remains as a somewhat rare dog breed in America but it counts with the proper recognition of all the most important associations.
The best of the Schipperke is that it is a dog that combines strenght and endless energy with an emotional and affective temperament towards its masters. This dog is always alert and ready to enjoy outdoor spaces. It displays a playful and energetic mood as well as deep loyalty and love. This makes it great for families with children since they are also protective and caring dogs. They can become nice watchdogs although their size is not perfect for such task! The Schipperke gets along well with other animals but their unstoppable energy may sometimes clash with other pets like cats and rabbits. They are also quite intelligent dogs and easy to train but maintaining a strong leadership with them is of extreme importance even when they seem to understand you perfectly well.
The Schipperke is a small to medium sized dog that usually features measurements such as 10 to 13 inches of height and 12 to 18 pounds of weight. Its body is square shaped and its clearly larger than taller. The legs are strong and short while the head is triangular and its face is quite expressive. The eyes are almond shaped and dark with a funny look while the nose is always black and the muzzle is really strong. The ears are V shaped and always carried erected. The neck and the chest are wide and strong. As for the coat, it is abundant and dense which was originally meant to protect the dog from cold weathers. It is always solid black and any white markings are seen as disqualifications.
Due to irresponsible breedings that took place over time, this dog is sometimes quite prone to hip dysplasia, epilepsy and other minor conditions that should still be treated. This dog is great for apartment life but you must be aware of its energetic level and provide it with all the necessary exercise. Apart from becoming nervous and destructive if not properly exercised, the Schipperke can easily become overweight. They feature a life expectancy of around 15 years or more. Finally, also take into account that its coat should be groomed once in a while in order to avoid serious skin or hair conditions.
