Are you looking for a smart, curious and mischievous dog for companionship? Schipperke dogs are faithful companions but they are feisty and can be quite a bundle of energy. Another name for this type of dog is “Little Black Devil Dog.”
The Schipperke is the descendant of the black Belgian Sheepdog; although he is smaller, he is also a companion dog. Little Skipper is another name for the Belgian Schipperke, and since these dogs do very well on boats and originally helped boat captains on canal barges. The Schipperke also does well on fishing boats and will alert people if he hears anything at night when the boat is in port.
A Schipperke's face is wedge-shaped and he has a fox-like pointy nose, with small oval dark eyes. The Schipperke does not have a tail and its coat is short, black and very thick. He has a smooth head, smooth ears, and smooth legs. The height of this breed is between 10-13 inches and the normal weight should be 12-18 pounds.
Many Schipperke dogs are black in color, although in Australia you can find golden-hued Schipperkes. These dogs live up to 18 years and are quite healthy dogs with few diseases, although a newly discovered disease called MPS111B has recently been discovered. It is possible to get genetic testing for your pet to screen for this disease.
Schipperke dogs are small and can live in apartments, although they do need to get out often. You must offer ample time for your pet to run and get the exercise he needs. These hearty dogs can endure cold weather and like to go home to their favorite human, so if you travel often without your dogs this may not be the breed for you.
These high-energy, self-confident, hot-tempered dogs like to run. They don't often cuddle and, despite their small size, they are not lap dogs. They like to defend their territory and are wary of strangers. They shed their coat 3-4 times a year; unlike other breeds, which shed in cycles, Schipperkes shed all at once and are completely naked for several days after shedding their fur.
Families with children should not get a Schipperke; these dogs are very territorial and may nip at a child who strays into 'their area'. They also like to bark and howl a lot, and the constant training needed to teach them when to be quiet can be quite stressful for families with small children. The Schipperke can, however, be around pet cats and other dogs if he is raised with them.
If you are in the market to purchase a Schipperke, you should first speak to other Schipperke dog owners and breeders before you decide. Because of the difficulties inherent in owning purebred dogs, purebreds do often end up in shelters and rescue clubs so it may be an option for you to visit a shelter or rescue to choose your new Schipperke; just make sure you get an adult, housebroken dog unless you have adequate time to properly train him.
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