Origin: Belgium
Origin of Name: A Schipperke is a small breed of dog that originated in Belgium.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
|
The late medieval Belgium was the birthplace of Schipperke (called "Sheep-er-ker", though many American owners call it "Skip-er-key"). The breed earned its fame as a shipboard eliminator on canals crossing low countries. The Belgian dockyard's small black avenger was also a fearless watchdog at barges and city shops. It was one of the sailors and shopkeepers from Brussels and Antwerp that these fast, agile dogs earned the nickname "Skipperke," Flemish, for "little captain".
Shipperke's coats require only weekly brushing, although they undergo shedding season once or twice a year. During these periods, brushing more often will help keep the amount of hair loss under control. Like all breeds, nails should be cut regularly, as extremely long nails can cause trouble to the dog.
Due to their monitoring tendencies, shippercases can turn into barkers if not taught otherwise. Equally happy in an apartment or a house with a large yard, they should be kept on a leash and taken to obedience classes when not in a fenced area. Due to their innate desire to go for exploration, ships need to be trained to arrive as soon as possible. They have an independent nature and training them can be a challenge. With consistent and patient bosses, they can learn almost anything and excel in sports such as obedience and agility. Some also do quite well in animal husbandry.
Shippercases are very active, energetic and busy little dogs. A fast daily walk or a cuddle in a fenced yard will provide the necessary exercise. They like to play and explore, and they thrive in homes that have the time and patience to train them properly and appreciate their playful personality. Ships can also skip steam racing around the house or apartment.
Shipperke should be fed a high quality dog food suitable for the dog's age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level. Know which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Contact your vet or dog breeder if you have any questions or concerns about your dog's weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should always be available.
Shippercases are generally healthy dogs, and reputable breeders check their breeding stock for health concerns such as luxating patellas (slipping knees), leg-calves-Parthes disease (hip problems), eye problems and Thyroid problems. Breeders may also test for MPS IIIB, a newly recognized and fatal disease that usually appears as balance problems at 2–4 years of age, and by identifying carriers and breeding them appropriately Avoid causing diseases. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help ensure that the dog has a long, healthy life.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: