Learn More About Schipperke

Summary

The Schipperke is a small but strong and robust breed of dog. They are known for their distinctive black fur, pointed ears, and bushy, backwards-swept tail that is often carried over their back. The Schipperke's body is compact but well proportioned, with a proud and confident expression. They are members of FCI Group 1: Herding and Cattle Dogs, although today they are mostly kept as companion dogs. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in Schipperkes as they were traditionally kept as working dogs and these characteristics are still present in the breed today.

Character

Despite their small size, the Schipperke is a highly energetic and alert dog with a strong personality. They are very people-oriented and build a strong bond with their family. Their original role as guard dogs is still visible in their behavior today: they are very attentive and will often react by barking to unusual noises or movements. This makes them excellent guard dogs, although of course they do not pose a physical threat due to their size. Schipperkes are also known for being very playful and active. They enjoy physical activities and games and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Despite their energy, they can also easily learn to stay alone as long as they get enough mental and physical stimulation. In terms of hunting and prey catching behavior, Schipperkes tend to have a fairly strong prey drive. This is likely a holdover from their past as ship guards, where they were often used to catch rats and other pests. Therefore, it is important to ensure that they are kept in a safe environment and that they are kept on a leash when walking to prevent them from chasing after small animals. When it comes to their independence, Schipperkes are known to be quite stubborn. They have a strong will of their own and can be a little stubborn at times. However, this does not mean that they are not capable of learning or trainable, but rather that they require a patient and consistent hand in training. They respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy completing tasks and challenges.

What to Expect

Schipperkens were often kept as guard dogs in the past and are therefore very fond of barking. They are very intelligent and therefore a challenge to raise. Although they can function well in families, it should be kept in mind that this breed has a tendency to behave unfriendly towards strangers and dogs.

Care

Although they are small, Schipperkes are energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They are therefore suitable for both city life and country life as long as their needs are met. They get along well with children but can sometimes be a bit territorial, so early socialization is important. Although they can tolerate other pets if properly socialized, their high prey-hunting tendencies can be a problem, especially with smaller pets such as cats.

Training & Education

Schipperkes are intelligent, independent dogs that are well suited to various types of training, including obedience training, agility, and even dog sports. They have a natural tendency to guard and can therefore also be trained to be good guard dogs. Because of their active and energetic temperament, it is important that they are exercised both physically and mentally to prevent them from becoming bored and potentially developing destructive behavior. It is also important to note that Schipperkes can sometimes be challenging to raise due to their independence and strong will. They respond best to consistent but loving parenting with lots of positive reinforcement. It may be necessary to specifically train frustration tolerance and impulse control to ensure harmonious coexistence. A Schipperke that is well socialized and properly trained can be a wonderful family dog ​​and a loyal companion.

Nutrition & Grooming

Schipperkes are small dogs with a good appetite. It is important to monitor their diet and ensure they do not become overweight as this can lead to health problems. A balanced diet with high-quality dog ​​food tailored to their size, age and activity level is ideal. In terms of care, Schipperkes are relatively easy to care for. They have a dense, short coat with an undercoat that requires minimal grooming. A weekly brushing is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and clean. However, during the shedding phases in spring and autumn, they may shed more and therefore need to be brushed frequently. The climate in Germany is generally suitable for Schipperkes. Their thick undercoat offers them protection from colder temperatures, while their short fur doesn't weigh them down too much in the warmer months.