Schipperke

Infobox Dogbreed
akcgroup = Non-sporting
akcstd = http://www.akc.org/breeds/schipperke/index.cfm
altname = Spitzke (until 1888)
Spits(until 1888)
Spitske(until 1888)
ankcgroup = Group 7 (Non-sporting)
ankcstd = http://www.ankc.aust.com/schipper.html
ckcgroup = Group 6 (Non-sporting)
ckcstd = http://www.ckc.ca/en/Default.aspx?tabid=99&BreedCode=SHP
country = Belgium
fcigroup = 1
fcinum = 083
fcisection = 1
fcistd = http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:8N_5vpWJcQUJ:www.fci.be/uploaded_files/083GB2003_en.doc+site:www.fci.be+%2283+/++05.+05.+2003++%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

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image_caption = Schipperke
kcukgroup = Utility
kcukstd = http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/171
name = Schipperke
nzkcgroup = Non-sporting
nzkcstd = http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br784.html
ukcgroup = Companion Breeds
ukcstd = http://mail.ukcdogs.com/UKCweb.nsf/80de88211ee3f2dc8525703f004ccb1e/ad73f2c7e2d1e1c1852570440051f794?OpenDocument A Schipperke (the Americanized pronunciation is "skipper-kee") is a small Belgian breed of dog that originated in the early 16th century. There has been a long informal debate over whether this type of dog is a spitz or miniature sheepdog.

Description

Appearance

Schipperkes are most commonly solid black, which is the only accepted color for conformation showing in the United States and members of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. However, other colors such as brown, cream, white, and gray are accepted in some countries. Their small, pointed ears are erect atop the head. Schipperkes are either single or double coated with a soft, fluffy undercoat that is covered by a harsher-feeling outer coat. One of the breed characteristics is a long ruff that surrounds the neck and then trails down towards the rear of the dog.

Dogs of this breed usually weigh between 3 and 9 kg (7 to 20 lb). The Schipperke dogs are born with tails. In Canada and the United States, they are usually docked immediately after birth. In other countries that have bans on docking, the Schipperkes display their natural tails which curve over the back of the dog in a spitz-like fashion as well as down in a sabre fashion such as the german shepherd.

Temperament

A Schipperke is an all-around dog: it has strong herding, hunting, and guarding instincts. They are fearless and independent, smart and willful. They are a high-energy dog with an intense curiosity about everything and therefore require a great deal of attention and stimulation. Schipperkes, like many small breeds, seem not to realize that they are small dogs and behave as if they are much larger than they actually are. They are often quoted as being a "90-pound dog in a 9-pound body." They also have the nickname little nurse and can be a quiet bedside companion to a sick family member. If socialized as a young dog, it also is very friendly to others. Another nickname for them is Townhouse German Shepherd. According to S. Coren, author of "The Intelligence of Dogs," the Schipperke is a "good working dog", rated in the top 15 of breeds. They are able to understand new commands in 5-15 repetitions, and respond to commands the first time 85% of the time. [ [http://petrix.com/dogint/11-26.html INTELLIGENCE OF DOGS - The ranking by breed: 11 - 26 ] ] They love to please their owner and are good for obedience and agility training.

The Schipperke is also known as the "little black devil," often because they can be stubborn, mischievous, and headstrong. Because they are naturally curious and high-energy dogs, when Schipperkes are bored, they often damage property and wreak havoc. Schipperkes are very smart, and sometimes debate listening to owners and doing whatever benefits them the most. This requires a stubborn and patient owner to housebreak.

The Schipperke also loves car rides, air conditioning, and children. They hate closed doors and fast-waving hands, however.

Health

The Schipperke has no particular health problems, and individuals often reach the old age of 17 or 18 years. Nonetheless, inactivity, lack of exercise and over-feeding are very harmful, and can lead to joint and skeletal problems and heart, lung or digestive conditions.

The one minor caveat to the Schipperke's good health is MPS IIIB, a genetic mutation that occurs in at most 15% of the total breed population. The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has developed a test for the disease and began accepting samples in April 2003. Their website at http://w3.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers/penngen/faq/mps3b.html has more specifics. If you seek to acquire a Schipperke be sure to ask the breeder if they have tested for the condition. A large effort is underway by many responsible breeders to eliminate this fatal and debilitating disease from the population

Grooming

The Schipperke does not need expensive or excessive grooming. This breed is a moderate shedder, however. A brush that can reach the undercoat is the best. Regular weekly brushing is usually enough to keep the coat in good condition. There is no need for cutting or trimming and the mane fluffs up naturally.

Schipperkes can "blow" their coats up to several times a year, and usually bitches more frequently than males. When this happens, they lose their undercoat. Owners typically find warm baths helpful during this time to remove the undercoat, rather than getting fur all over the home. Blowing their undercoat can last several days or weeks, and can take up to 2-3 months for schipperkes to grow back.

History

Schipperkes were first formed as a breed in the 1880s, their standard being written in 1889. Much of what is known of their origins and early history comes from "Chasse et Pêche" (French for "Hunting and Fishing") magazine, articles of which were translated into English and published by the English magazine "The Stockkeeper".

The breed name of "Schipperke," officially taken in 1888, is traditionally thought to mean "little captain". Beginning in the 1920s, however, it became popular in Belgium to believe that the name was actually a corruption of the Dutch word "Shapocke" or "Scheperke", meaning "little shepherd". It has been suggested that the idea of "little captain" was an invention of the English, who mistook the Schipperke for a Dutch barge dog.

Before the name "Schipperke" was officially taken, the breed was also known colloquially as "Spitzke". It is thought that the name change was to distinguish it from the German Spitz.

Correctly or not, Schipperkes are widely known in the U.S.A. as "Belgian barge dogs." Some reports say they were found frequently as working dogs aboard barges in the canals of Belgium, with three jobs onboard: security (barking vigorously when anyone approached the barge), keeping the barges free of vermin, and nipping at the towing horses' heels to get them moving to tow the barge. To this day, Schipperkes are known as excellent boat dogs and are often found cruising the world aboard sailing yachts and powerboats. They are not prone to seasickness.

It is often said that Schipperkes lived up to their name in World War Two. The Belgian Resistance used the dogs to run messages between various resistance hideouts and cells, and the Nazis never caught on.

External links

*Breed clubs
** [http://www.schipperke.be/welcome.htm Schipperke Club of Belgium]
** [http://www.schipperkeclub.co.uk/ The Schipperke Club]
*Information
** [http://www.dogpage.us/dog-breeds/Schipperkes.php Indepth Schipperke Dog Breed Information and Photos]
** [http://www.schipperke.dk Information about the Schipperke]
** [http://helbender.ca General care and information about the Schipperke]
** [http://www.rhone.ch/bbv/Schipperke.htm Le site Web du Schipperke]

Notes