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| Breed: Schipperke |
| Also Called: NULL |
| Height: The Schipperke is about 10-13 inches tall. |
| Weight: The Schipperke weighs between 12-16 lbs. |
| Colors: The Schipperke can be black. When they shed their coat can take on a slightly reddish cast. |
| General Appearance: The Schipperke is an agile, active watchdog and hunter of vermin. He is a small, thickset, tailless dog, with a fox-like face. The dog is square in profile and possesses a distinctive coat, which includes a stand-out ruff, cape and culottes. All of these create a unique silhouette, appearing to slope from shoulders to croup. Males are decidedly masculine without coarseness. Bitches are decidedly feminine without over refinement. |
| Temperment: The Schipperke is very curious. He is reserved with strangers and ready to protect his family and property if necessary. He is an ideal watchdog and companion. They are known to be called ""the best house dog"" and love children. Independent and confident. |
| Care: The Schipperke needs minimal grooming. Just brush regularly with a firm bristle brush. |
| Health Concerns: NULL |
| Training: The Schipperke needs training from an early age. He is very stubborn and does not like to come when called. |
| Activity: The Schipperke needs a daily walk as his exercise routine. |
| Life Span: The Schipperke lives an average life of 16-18 years. |
| Litter Size: The Schipperke has an average litter of 3-7 puppies. |
| Country of Origin: The Schipperke originated in Belgium. |
| Brief History: A Belgian barge fleet operator named Reussens is considered to be the father of the breed in recognition of his efforts in getting the breed registered in Belgium. The Schipperke is thought to be about 200 years old where they may have come from the Belgian Sheepdog. Coming from the Flemish provinces of Belgium they were used to to herd sheep. The breed name is said to be derived from the Flemish word for ""boat,"" which is ""schip."" Schipperke means ""little boatman."" |
| Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, KC (GB), UKC |